Again apples to oranges - GT12 as we run the class in Florda is NOT hard on tires! As for Lipo's blowing up I've had 3 (one complete car gone (1 cell) - Charger went crazy. the second was a Drone 6 cell in a lipo sack and third in a lipo sack in discharge mode (1 cell and I charger). Now I have to lipo safe. As for motor I'm one of the ten that tested brushless motors for Novak. The first motors 14.5 and 12.5. Suggested 13.5 for stock replacement . Nowadays a 13.5 is way faster than the old 27t brushed motors. Still have plenty of brushed and springs! There is no more cutting comms and replacing brushed and springs. Lipos are still better.- running hot laps was not the thing to do. Nowadays you can with no ill effects. Radios - no more radio hits or waiting to get the frequency clip to get to run. Yes things have changed - mostly for the better. Cheaters - they will always be there regardless !
You guys should go to your local hobbyshop and see the RTR monster trucks fly out the doors for the bashers and they are not cheap. A new truck just came out for 895.00 and they are taking deposits??? You still need a charger and batterys (2- 3 cells). . I've watched this for the last 2-3 years at the hobbyshop. People are lazy as when the break they have no clue how to fix them and bring them back for the repairs. at least we know have to fix our stuff. Oh Well that's my 2 cents for know. .