Please do yourself a favor go look at the Losi Monster truck, Im not sure if they call it a LST XL or what. You get about the highest quality electronics you could possibally buy from the aftermarket. Its a 2.4 gigahertz radio that eliminates the worry of other channels people are running on, It moniters engine temp from the radio to the truck, rpm, amount of voltage left in reciever pack. It has a 454 big block its 1/8, has a 2spd handles great, upgraded clutch. The only thing you might change out in the future is a better motor. The stocker is very good, but there are better.

The thing about the big mgt is you would have to buy that higher quality radio, I can't speak to its handling characteristics, but i would imagine it is pretty good.

I own a savage, a LST from losi, a MGT, which I have never run yet, and a Traxxas revo. Truly the best handling is the LST, with the Revo coming closer, but it is more track oriented. The Savage is what it is a monster truck,and it handles like a monster truck but it is still a good vehicle. The associated I need to get it out and run it.

Truggies are absolute terrors on the track, bashing or pavement, they are insanely strong, and you really beat them hard.

Buggies are great for racing but to low to the ground for bashing, deep grass will really slow them down.

Losi, Associated, Hpi, or traxxas are all very good brands, with Losi and Associated having more of a race heritage. Don't get me wrong Hpi makes a great vehicle, they were my first, and hooked me on the hobby.

If you want to go on the extreme end of kits for truggies, Losi, AE, Mugen, xray Odonell.

Other things to think about: If you go nitro a rechargable glow igniter, spare glow plugs, if it has electric or roto start, a 9 volt pack for it plus a charger. Fuel bottle, mild blue thread lock.

The electric brushless monsters are super fast, but admission is high close to 600. ea: bl revo, or savage flux. Special charger for lipos, plus the cost of lipos which i understand can be very high. (help on this would be appreciated). You got so many choices beside the above its crazy. I also own 299.00 tower terror, its crazy fun to run, its wheely happy, super quick, just a blast to beat. The best handling? no, the fastest? no. But fun wise its just great. Like I said i own all the major monsters to.

Good luck on your ventures