I have run the TRF101 and the VBC lightningF. They are pretty similar. The VBC comes with the 2.5mm chassis like you talked about which is nice when you want a little more grip. If it were me I would go with the VBC LightningF because you are getting a car with the same potential but paying a lot less. Product support on the VBC is much better here. Which is why I am switching from the TRF to the VBC.