When i got back into RC (after 15 Years), I was thinking the same, just something to muck around with, so bought a pretty basic RTR. Now that I'm back into it, the bug has well and truely bit, and am looking at the highest quality upgrades I can get, to achieve a well balanced, great handling race vehicle, that being said, I would go the Hyper ST, because IMO it is a better credentialled racer, that you can still have some fun with your mates initially, and if you decide to go further with it, i.e. start club racing, you've got a pretty good machine to begin with. My only concern with the Hyper is the 3 needle carb on the engine, maybe a little harder to get a good tune at first, but hey, there's plenty of experience on RCU, and they'll all give you a hand when you ask. Good Luck with your choice.