i use a LRP super reverse digital esc. and i have had no probs at all. it came with MY rtr b4rs. think they retail in shops at around 74.99, but im sure there cheaper elsewhere (ebay
) i use a venom racing 3600 stick pack, and that is also pretty great, nice punch on acceleration. (off this topic, why should you only use one battery twice per meeting???) but yeah, as a beginner myself i have been using a reedy 17t and it is a nice nippy motor for a beginner, but once you see other cars whizzing down the track it does seem a little slower. but thats only on the straights. otherwise it can keep up with many higher class motors on the bends and out of them.
hope i helped.