what sort of level racer are ya?? experienced and can set a car up etc?? or numpty that runs box setup everywhere.
Personally id say pro kit every time with decent engine and starterbox and decent servos especially if you have your own radio.
IMO the top kits at the minute for ease of use, quality, parts support and speed round the track are:
JQ Products THE car
Durango DNX408
Agama A8 evo
Losi 8ight 2.0 EU
Mugen MBX6
Just to give you an idea of what I run and the level of kit to be competitive (pity my thumbs arent!! LOL)
I run a JQ products THE car
http://jq-products.com/the-vehicles
OS .21vzb V-spec engine
http://www.osengines.com/engines/osmg2068.html
Spektrum servos
http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/D...odID=SPMSS8000
LRP Lipo RX pack(no regulator)
http://www.lrp.cc/en/products/vtec-b...y-74v/details/
Fastrax tuned pipe
http://www.cmldistribution.co.uk/cml...tId=0000005914
Starter box and glow stick are what ever you want really same with tyres some like proline, some like aka/schumacher/jc racing/j concepts etc etc
My kit isnt all top notch but more middle of the road yet reliable, as to finish first, first you gotta finish! Dont just buy the latest and greatest, get tried and tested and reliable! you wont regret that one bit!