I bought a Sand Viper about 6 months ago to get back into the hobby having had Tamiyas back in the 80's. Would recommend it as a first build even without prior experience. Good clear instructions, ball raced, metal drive shafts and oils shocks, about as good as you can get for the money. People did recommend a few hop ups but I think all i've done so far is the uprated pinion. Runs fast enough for what I want it for, I love it.