Thanks for the replies on the batts. Going to be gambling a little on my esc too and trying an mmpro. I plan to use an hv servo and pull 7.4v direct from one batt instead on buying the external bec. The included bec has high failure rate. Hopefully this will get me through for a bit until I can upgrade.

As for the pinions, what brands work? Or pitch I guess. Could really use some advice on this, thanks