I would advise against the slash myself. yes they have great parts support and you will need it, but for the money you are getting less than say an sc10 or blitz. If you go to the associated site you can even pic up full warrantied SC10 rtr that are refurbed for less than 190 and that gives room for a couple batteries. On the track The other brands outside of traxxas have done thier work in setup and handling. Yes in the past the slash was the most winning truck but that is because it was the only or majority of the trucks on the track. That has now started to change and unless traxxas steps up to the plate and refines the slash you will see less and less racers on the podiums holding slashes. Parts support is good for AE and HPI products. Traxxas should be applauded for starting this craze but they have done little to improve thier trucks which is normal for them.

Slash seems to be a goto for the new guys which is fine but if you want to skip the nube buy, then look at other rides as they will grow with you. the slash is a dead end ride that you will outgrow.

Just my 2 cents

Matt