I have been scouring the internet for a few weeks now in order to try and determine the best sub-$200 R/C tank and have fortunately come across this site - a veritable minefield of useful information and opinion. Trusting you all to enable me to make a more informed decision, I would like to give you my specification for my first purchase of a R/C tank so that you may best advise me on which machine to purchase. I am not new to R/C vehicles as I used to race HPI road cars but the off-road and firing capabilities of R/C tanks promise much more enjoyment than on-road racing.

• £100 ($200) is the absolute top price I am able to pay. Ideally, I'm looking at spending about £50-£70.
• I would like a respectable firing mechanism capable of shooting powerfully at a good distance - not only BB pellets but 6mm paintball pellets as well (http://www.airsoftnewmexico.com/modu...aq.php?faqid=6)
• The tank must have decent, if not extraordinary, off-road capabilities and capable of running in long grass and over sand
• Realistic graphics/design are not essential as this will primarily be a 'toy' and not a serious replica (I'll use my race car as the serious machine)
• Smoke and sound are not essential, smoke would be preferable

So far, I am attracted to the Heng Long Panzer III (available on eBay for £80 inc. shipping). Ideally, I'd be looking at a 1/16 model but if the 1/24 models were sold to me on the basis of being better built, faster and having more powerful guns, I would not hesitate in opting for one.

All in all, I'm hoping the educated minds on this forum may be able to advise me as to the best machine to get for the money.

Many thanks,

Astraeus