The ARE-2's are a decent club car...if the club are not running Xray's or Mi1's etc
Basically the car design is about 3-4 years old. It does still have some good support and spares are pretty easy to get.
Servicing is not the best as the spur gear is hard to get to and the steering system needs a complete strip down to get to the servo saver. It does not have a slipper either...
However all that being said it is a very tough car and stable. It handles very well and even out of the box is quite nippy.
It has hardened steel diff's which means you can upgrade the electronics with less worry.
If you have some funds you could possibly get custom Carbon parts made which would make it quite competitive.
I love Ansmann's and I'm looking forward to finally racing the X4 next year... but I've recently been running the new HPI owned Maverick cars and must say they are very very good.
The New Maverick TC Evo is equivalent to the ARE-2 but with some recent upgrades. Both are about the same price, however the Maverick TC Evo is now a 2.4g system.
Either car can race at club level with some work. The ARE-2 is a proven car and as I've said is hard as nails and has plenty spare support.
I love both my ARE-2 and my TC Evo...both are fun with a 15t motor in
K