NONE of these toys are MADE in America.
Some are designed in America, but they are made overseas.
The Losi stuff may be assembled in the States, as well as a few others, but make no mistake, they are manufactured overseas.
As far as what to get?
I also have the Jammin X1 and I am currently waiting on the BCE PJX chassis for it.(waiting for 1 month and counting)
I have been looking at ALL the other stuff out there and they ALL catch my eye.
It all boils down to personal preference. You may like the design/features on this one and not on that one.
Most ANY of them can win on raceday in the right hands. The one BIG thing I see so many people forget about when looking for/buying race vehicles, is that you HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE. Get lots of practice, get to know your vehicle.
I fell into this same trap that you're in. I've dropped MUCHO $$$ on the current CRT and fixin to drop about $4-500 more.
The 8ight-T's do well at my local track, just as well as ALL the other truggies on the track. We have guys/gals running 8T's, Kyo STRR's, XT8's, MBX5T's, X1's, etc, etc.....
Don't fall victim to the perception that there is one brand that will out handle/out perform ALL the rest. There is no such thing.
When I got my CRT, I couldn't drive for crap (still can't...lol), but the owner of the track was making almost record laps with my truggy.
It's 95% driver, 5% truck/car in this deal.
And believe me, I know what you mean about liking the 'bling' factor. I have $2K tied up in a RC8 and can barely drive it, but it looks GOOD.
By all means, if you got the bux, then buy all of them. I just hate to see someone searching for the 'magic' truggy/buggy to cure their lack of driving ability.
BTDT.
Hope that helps some.
Scott