Hobao make the hyper 8, OFNA just distribute it in the states. Hong Nor are a completely different manufacturer but are also distributed in the states by OFNA (They make the jammin). Hope that makes sense.
Xray have the best quality, closely foolowed by mugen (but its a more dated design) all the rest are equal in quality IMO. I'm sure someone will debate that but thats about the size of it.
They are all quality though and there isn't THAT much in it.

OK recent results...........THE WORLDS. BIGGEST RACE OF THE YEAR.

i would have to say the losi 8ight.It has gotten nothing but A+ ratings in everything,And is the car i will be racing at revelation raceway

thanks johnny. my local shops have most parts for mugen, losi and xray, pricewise i think ill go with the losi, it was 949 australian, down to 849, and the xray is 1017 but probably worth it, anyway, i cant go wrong with either of those so the lowest price one will win so i can invest in better fuel and if need be, parts wen i break it :O

the 8ight would probably be the best handling buggy you would want