I have had the Rusyler 2.5. Very fast truck,easy to maintain, and has some hop-ups out there. The Jato for the extra $$$ is worth it IMO. I never had one, but Traxxas makes a quality product, and the Jato would be considered the next "generation" of the Rustler. That thing is faster yet,and if just for the backyard,it better be a big one,because you will eat up space quick with it.