I just bought the xl-5 bandit last month and I'm kicking myself for not waiting. You get so much more for the extra money that its not even funny. I think that the VXL system pricing might be coming down to in response in Castles new Sidewinder system. The VXL system right now sells for 180 bucks and for an extra 60 you get the rustler too with the steel tranny and all the other goodies.