I'm a traxxas fan, but I never call them something they're not. The rustler/stampede/bandit is in no way a racer in stock form, and even when they have a jangified chassis, the spindle conversion, and all the bells and whistles for racing, you'd be better off with a T4, saving a junkload of money. They handle really poorly when stock.
The vxl is not a good racing system, either, because it cogs like crazy.
But, when we talk basher, traxxas is number one. These vehicles are tough, extremely durable.
Your choice. Just remember, racers tend to be less durable, bashers tend to handle poorly. Best of both worlds is an e-firestorm from hpi, but that's a whole new chapter
Btw, normal six cells will get you around 30 on a pede and 35 on a rusty. Stock gearing. If you use matched packs, they act like nice seven cell packs. I can squeeze 37 out of my stampede with a matched pack/vxl/tall gearing. Radared by my neighborhood cop
