oooshutdown...

Since you are new I'd stick with what you can get at the LHS. since I live in the chicago suburbs I can tell you that you can't go wrong with the savage or t-maxx.. every LHS in the chi town area has parts for those usually in stock. on which is better? again personal preference. go to the LHS and look at them in person to decide. I can tell you now that a 2.5 maxx is faster out of the box than a savage but the savage has more overall potential due to its made to handle a .21. a Savage with a good engine, clutch, HD bones, and 16t clutchbell is very fast and reliable. to go .21 on a t-maxx will cost big $$$. I know because I've had a maxx for years and now its a heavily modded .21 powered beast. again like was said its all personal preference.

After you make a decision and buy a new RC or even if you want to see what we have in action a few local chicago guys on the traxxas forum and I have been planing on forming a kind of bash club. you would be more than welcome to join us. check this forum for more info

Good luck with the purchase.
John