The SCT-pro is a good ESC, very similar to the SC8 just runs sensored motors. I had the SC8/SC401 combo and running a Flysky radio, and it worked good for me as a newby. Then I changed to a Airtronics MX-3X and it was more responsive. Have now gone to the SCT-pro and SC411 with the Airtronics, and now it's race ready.
If you are just starting out racing and unsure if you want to spend the money upfront on sensored stuff, the unsensored will be just fine.
I think the best change I made was from the Flysky to the Airtronics, that seemed to make a big difference in feel with both smooth accel. and steering