After starting RCP Crawlers with Brian and Noel around 9 years ago, I am just getting back into the hobby. I purchased 103 acres of land in Colorado and am currently building a new home on the property. The land includes a mile long stream, 4 water falls, two copper mines and rocks/mountains as far as you can see. Looking to possibly set up some future RC crawling events, once I get settled in. Fun times ahead.
So what did I miss? Noticed that most of the popular vendors are still around. Amazed how far RC crawling has come since that first meeting with the guys to start up the company RCP Crawlers.
Welcome back, John! Nice place you have there. If we ever move to Colorado Springs I'll be sure to look you up!
To answer your question, there are lots of 1/10 crawler options out there ATM with more arriving seemingly each month: Hobao DC-1 whenever they're released, Redcat Everest 10 and Gen7, Vaterra Ascender, 3Racing Ex Real, MST CMX and CFX (both on the small side), Carisma SCA-1E, Axial Scx10 ii, HPI Venture, Traxxas TRX-4, HG P402, Cross RC Demon SG4C, Gmade, and Rc4wd's TF2, Gelande, and the new Terrain.
Choosing the right one depends on your priorities really: your local club's class (1.9, 2.2, C1, C2, C3) popularity if you plan on competing, parts availability (local and online, in-country and out), scale-ness, design, durability, performance, looks, etc.
Our family has an Axial Ax10 mutt, Scx10 OG Honcho, and Scx10 ii Cherokee; aftermarket support is amazing! The Ascender seems very capable and has created quite following here on RCC. Personally, I like the scale interior options that a forward-mounted motor provides, so the Ex Real and smaller CFX appeal to me. Here's some more info on scale crawling classes (0,1,2,3):
http://sorrca.com/rules.php and if you want to find some Colorado crawling events, check Facebook or here:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/colorado