When we talk about trucks, the very first thing that comes to our minds would probably be their speed. So the first question, which of them is faster?

E-Firestorm Flux is a completely ready-to-run RC car. It is HPI's first 1/10th scale stadium truck that ever equipped with a brushless motor. HPI also featured this model with a 2.4GHz radio system and all waterproof electronics. Let's go back to the brushless system for a bit. This famous system includes a Flux Vektor 4800Kv brushless motor, which is controlled by Flux Vapor waterproof ESC. And it is this combo that is capable of handling a 3S Li-Po battery which speeds up the car. How quick on earth this model can be? Well, it has a top speed of over 80 km/h which is about 50 mph with right wheels. What about Rustler VXL?

For Rustler VXL, what we have to mention is that this model combines Velineon extreme brushless horsepower. This brushless power system made the Rustler VXL to a new limit immediately with speed potential that reached beyond 70mph. When it first came out, Traxxas used to describe this car model as the "wicked fast".

Isn't the answer so obvious by now? No, not really. It also depends on which types of drivers you are. One of the absolute advantages E-Firestorm Flux has is that it's a 100% percent RTR truck. You don't need to upgrade a thing after you bought it. Just take it out of the box and it's fully prepared and ready to give you at least 50 mph speed. On the other hand, if you are good at adjusting and upgrading cars, Rustler VXL may benefit you more. With the Rustler VXL, your battery selection determines your speed and skill level. The Velineon we just mentioned accepts the widest range of battery types, which, of course includes a 3S Lipo. With the right battery and high level driving skills, your car will become a thing that nothing else can even come close.

Other than the speed, when to start upgrading your car is another big issue.

One reason why a lot of people love their E-Firestorm Flux is that this car was toughly built. For a long time, maybe till now, tough is the word that best describes the E-Firestorm Flux. All the parts are well-designed and precisely made for off-road racing. It's not only a car that can run; it's also a car for you to bash, for real. Take transmission as an example, E-Firestorm Flux's transmission is super tough and it's the key part to durability for any 2WD stadium truck. E-Firestorm Flux uses all metal gears, which can easily handle the power of hot electronic motors. Every little part about the transmission is protected by an adjustable dual-pad slipper clutch mated to durable 48 pitch gears. Tough does not only appear on transmission. You can also feel its toughness through its dog bones, axles...basically everything related to power. The shock absorbers are professionally assembled and filled with real silicone shock oil for consistent shock action no matter how weird or bad the conditions are at the track. You don't need to retune the suspensions right away and the shock caps don't need to be replaced by aluminum ones. Not only parts like suspensions, its plastic parts are also pretty strong. All the plastic parts made for this car were moulded from tough nylon for impact absorbtion and strength. In short, if you are not going to do things that are really inhumane to your E-Firestorm Flux, then you don't even need to consider about upgrading it. One more little thing, in case you have not noticed. The shock towers of E-Firestorm Flux have multiple mounting positions, while the Rustler VXL only has one. E-Firestorm Flux will, for sure, satisfy all you basic demands for a RC stadium truck.

What about our 70 mph Rustler VXL? I know that its amazing speed has blown away many people's mind. After all, a RC car isn't all about speed. If you had paid attention to its Velineon system, then you'd probably notice that, Traxxas really wants to make this car model an easy-handling one. Traxxas tried their best to make sure this car will fit drivers of any age or experience, which, I have to say, is not that easy at all. Same as HPI, Rustler VXL also uses watertight, sealed electronics so you can drive it through water, mud, snow or any other wet-running conditions that wouldn't have been possible before. But to achieve a speed of 70 mph, you may need to use Traxxas' Anaconda 2.8'' tires or something even better. Please kindly note that these tires are sold separately, which means if you buy the Rustler and want it to performance at 70 mph right away, then you may need to upgrade it at the same time. You will still need to do a few things before you can transform your Rustler VXL into an ultimate street machine. For example, for paved surfaces, you will need sticky, high-traction tires are made for aggressive handling, providing the incredible grip and long-wearing performance that you need.

Okay, now I'm at the upgrading stage. Please tell me, is it going to be a hard thing for me to find what I need for my car? Both aftermarket parts and upgrades that it might need.

For Rustler VXL, since it came out on the market earlier and it's been out there for a long time, finding aftermarket parts or upgrades is an easy thing to do. You can find it on any big RC websites, such as Asiatees (Yes, I'm very serious about this =]). While for E-Firestorm Flux, it looks like not many people are talking about this model's aftermarket parts and upgrades. Does it mean that it's going to be a problem for me if I buy this one? Don't worry. There is an extra bonus if you buy this car. When this car was being designed, HPI decided that they will make part of this car compatible and similar with their other car models. How HPI would possibly release a car without making parts for it? Another quick question, are you also interested in Blitz? No problem, now you can directly convert your E-Firestorm Flux into a Blitz. Most of the parts that work for the Blitz will also fit E-Firestorm Flux.

Isn't the converting pretty common for RC cars? You can go ahead and ask a Bandit owner (no offense). For cars that had been heavily modified or tuned, converting it into another one will be a difficult thing to do.

People say don't judge a book by its cover. When it comes to RC cars, I can only say that looks does matter.

The E-Firestorm Flux features a fantastic Orange/Silver design pre-painted on the body. The DSX-2 body comes completely trimmed, decaled and mounted for the ultimate in ease. The intricate paint designs feature an action sports inspired layout for concours quality appearance. Let alone you can always customize your truck with any of the clear or pre-painted polycarbonate body shells from the huge assortment of HPI bodies and other manufacturers as well! Feel having a problem with the look? Pick up a clear body and a few cans of polycarbonate paint. Other than the body, to set off the new paint schemes, the E-Firestorm Flux is topped off with a set of chrome Split 5 wheels.

The Rustler VXL looks more steady (please don't hit me because I wanted to say fat). Personally, it looks more arrogant instead of athletic. If it's a person, Rustler must be a boxer. E-Firestorm Flux looks more like a gymnast. And please don't ignore the difference in weight. A heavy car will directly affect your battery and makes the car more difficult for you to handle.

The last but not the lease thing, is the price. E-Firestorm Flux costs less than the Rustler VXL.

A brand new E-Firestorm Flux RTR will cost you only less than $300 USD. For a Traxxas Rustler VXL, you need at least around $340 USD. That's not a big difference, but think about the upgrades and you may start to realize getting an E-Firestorm Flux RTR is such a great deal.

Let's be fair for the cars. Both of them are great cars. E-Firestorm Flux is pretty durable, easy to handle, has better look, tough built and it's cheaper! Rustler VXL is an epic model with amazing speed and steady feeling. As a newbie, I will vote for E-Firestorm Flux because I'm just a newbie and I need a better handling car. And as for you, my friends, people say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Pick the one you like and I'm sure you have your reasons.=]

P.s, if you are looking for parts & upgrades for E-Firestorm Flux, please click --> here; if you need those for Rustler VXL, please click --> here.