I would say, look at the quality of materials used. Losi's, kyosho's, mugen's, all those high end brands are raced by pro's for a reason. Hpi caters more to the average hobbiest where the others look to stay in compitetion levels. Not to say the hellfire is not competitive, maybe just not to the pro standards. I have a mugen mbx5t and it is worlds away difference from my revo. I don't mean performance because they are two different trucks but parts durability and reliability is bar none. That's my opinion anyway.