I am looking at getting a new e revo. I am unsure as to whether I should get the brushed or brushless version. The brushless is fast but I don't want to destroy my driveshafts right away and I am just going to be running it in my backyard and dirt. Not really worried about speed runs as much as I just want to take it off jumps and stuff. Should I get the brushed or brushless version? Of course I know I can always upgrade it later on. Another question is what is a good alternative to the mamba monster system that I could use?

Well in my opinion the brushed is a waste of $$ u can always just turn down the esc on the brushless, via the esc, or radio, so it will have the same low power as brushed, but the efficiency of brushless, and then when u get the crave to go faster(wich most certainly will happen quite fast) u can turn back up the power to the level u require and as far as a replacement for the mm I dont think u should, that is a very good combo as long as its maintained well

What if I get the brushed version first then upgrade?

It'll cost you more in the long run - get the brushless at the start.

The brushed version of the E Revo has nylon trans gears, where the bl version has steel. Not sure, but on many of the brushed version of traxxas', the axle carriers have bushings instead of bearings, like the bl version do. Bl difs will be different as well. Just really depends on what you're long term plan is. If you can pick up a brushed version for the right price, then I would say go for it. If you decide to go bl in the future, it doesn't have to be a MM.

Lipos then brushless for sure. If ni cads , then save up for Brushless and lipos . Its that good

So would I be fine getting the brushed version right now since money is tight and then upgrade it later on to brushless? I can also put lipo batteries in the brushed speed controller. I also heard the mamba monsteris not water proof which makes it hard to truly go anywhere with it.

What about something other than a revo? I don't wanna be that guy that turns you away, but you could be just as happy with other vehicles that are more durable. I'm thinking of a used 1/8 e buggy or truggy conversion.

But if revo is your thing, then brushless from the start. You will end up replacing a lot on the car before you can upgrade to brushless if you start brushed. As for waterproof, with me at least it quickly got to be too much work to clean up and recoil bearings and plastic after every run just to drive though puddles. Look at a used brushless e revo if new is too much though.

Traxxas is crap. traxxas with brushed is crappier.
The e revo isnt high quality. the plastics and design are not so good.
But if you really want the e revo then get the BL. it can always be turned down.

There's a guy with a Savage flux bl on here, for a really reasonable price. I think $350, that's way cheap for a full size flux. I looked long and hard at it lol. That's the other platform I might look at personally.

But to start with a brushed Revo is fine too. Then slowly upgrade as money or parts breakage allows. That's what I have done with my E Maxx. One step at a time.

Brushed requires more maintenance. You might burn up a motor if you don't clean it. Most brushless motors will not let the dirt in so easily unless they have vented endbells. My son and I cooked our Stampede motors in just a couple of days. We went brushless and never looked back. LiPo is also the way to go.

Go get a used quality truggy, better then a new bl erevo

If money is tight u will nit be happy because if u go brushed then it's gonna be spend spend on new motors and so forth!!