RE: "Knockoff" or HPI
If you get any of the knock-off's over the Savage you'll end up regretting it. In six months you'll either be turned off of rc all togeather or have went and bought a Savage.
I've seen the same situation too many time to believe you will be any different.
But if you want to believe the inflated sales hype, go for it. There will still be people here to tell you how to fix that oriental junk - that is if you can find parts to fix what will break.