Redcat Racing RTR
 

Thinking about trying a Lightning TC, base kit comes with a 2.4 radio for $120. I would think the radio itself would be worth it over my old AM futaba. Any pros cons experiences?

This one?
http://www.redcatracing.com/Lightning-EPX-PRO
Looks fine for bashing.
You could probably race VTA or even USGT with it if you changed the motor.

was thinking the next level down actually and using the difference to get a nicer brushless system for it

It's not a great choice. There are lots of little things that are a pain; the first would be that it takes special gears (metric pitch), and it's a chore adapting to 48 or 64 pitch.

good to know, I had a tamiya kit with those and agree it sucked

This one guy on here got a red cat spent allot on it an had nothing but issuies with it could not bind it ,an then could not get warranty work done they denied him when he did get a hold of them.