I have no experiance with the Slayer itself but have had a Revo and thats basically what it is just smaller scale.I'm sure it handles well and goes pretty good with the 3.3 but haven't tried one myself.Since your new to nitro run it a tad rich on your main neddle,the 3.3 is notorious for broken con rods if ran to lean so just run a tad rich.Since your new also run a good quality fuel like Trinity,Byrons,Odonell something besides Traxxas top fuel 20%.As for other trucks to compare it to there really is none.I agree with Matt and his choices but will add a few.For a mt you can't really beat a Savage for bashing,I have one and it's great tough as nails.I bought my son a cen genessis for christmas but no little about the truck.It looks like a animal but we shall see how good it is.There are alot of ST's outthere but only 3 are worth getting IMO.Firestorm is a great basher and motor is very user friendly with decient power,average electronics but built with great plastics.Hpi's plastic rivals that of RPM's very good quality.The xxx-nt and rc10 gt2 are both great trucks as well both are tough,good parts support and race very well.The xxx-nt has the best electronics and the Mach motor is very user friendly aswell.All three of these are solid trucks that won't disapoint like some others will.

No need to be scared of nitro,it's easy and you will love it just take your time and be patient.Welcome to Nitro.