Getting started Durga / Dark Impact

[Griddon]

Hello All.

I've recently left the UK to work in Melbourne Australia. Got a fair bit of time on my hands compared with my old life and was looking to restart R/C after a 14 year absence. (I have fond memories of racing my FWD Tamiya Mondeo around Congleton's makeshift indoor track.)

I think I've decided on a buggy as my genre of choice on the basis that with the correct setup, i could use it on any surface. I'll mostly be ripping around on local parking lots and occasionally on the beach or wasteland scrub. Doubt i'll be racing.

I find most enjoyment with the whole 'tweak and assess'. I'm and engineer and being able to make quick adjustments to the car and then run it to perfect atributes such as straight line speed, cornering or jump performance is what holds my interest really. Call me a nerd for that.

I've read with interest the reviews of the Durga and the Keen Hawk on this site amongst others. Over here, the price is $329 and $229 respectively, the later being a special offer Dark Impact.

So, first question. Is the Durga worth a $100 premium over the Dark Impact? I'm somewhat concerned that according to the review, i'd need to do something with the shocks pronto on the Dark Impact. (Both come with an ESC right?)

My second, and final question is; To give me a decent range of tunability and fun factor, what radio gear / battery / charger options would suit a beginner. I realise that battery and charger choice are crucial, but at the same time I don't want to spend muchos spondulas if there is a risk I might not find the same enjoyment as I once did. (Equally painful is when you buy something to almost immediately replace it with 'better' gear)

Your advice is much appreciated.