Spares are not expensive...tyres maybe... my choice sticking with Ansmann is in part due to the fact I have several hundred pounds worth of metric tools..and AE so far are all Imperial.
I've driven my X-Pro with B4's, Xrays and a Losi XXX...it compared very well
The B4 has a good rep and several years of development behind it. The X-Pro is developed using the B4 as it's Inspiration and I think with the right driver/customer support will also gain an equally good rep within the hobbie if given a chance. Just look at what Rob is doing for TeamQ in the states and woOdy is doing here they are really promoting the competitive side of these cars at a national level...not just club.
However track side spares is not something to turn your noise up at. That's why I now have 2 of almost all the major spares for all my Ansmann cars and my Ansmann club cars.
People love to own and drive the 'best' or what is perceived to be the 'best' I'm sure within the next few months we'll see lots of people buy the new Tamiya 4x4 chassis that Lee Martin is winning everything with....just look at the sales of the Schuy Cougar cos it's won tons of stuff recently. I'm temped with the Cougar mind you hehe.
I'm still going to get the X4-Pro...I'm still going to continue to improve my X-Pro, and I'm quite confident once production starts to catch up with demand and the new hop-up's are available I'll start beating B4's on a regular basis and that will make me smile...
And I wont have to by a new set of tools
J