I'm guessing your new to rc's or at least nitro? You will almost never get a recommendation for off brands, they are usually inferior in quality and parts are not found as easy as the main stream brands.
The most important thing is to find out what brands are supported in your local area, this will make things a lot easier! I never recommend what I consider to be an off brand like Redcat, BUT if thats the only brand that is supported in your area it might not be a bad idea. IMO it's more important to have help if it's available rather than to have the best rc, nitro rc's are not friendly to someone learning on their own...I know this from experience!
My thoughts on buying rc's
Online is cheaper if you know what you're doing, and what you need. For someone new, online shopping usually cost more as you will end up at a hobby shop looking for help are buying a lot of parts when you're not 100% sure what your rc needs to run properly. A lot of newcomers throw money at problems when it usually takes a little know how to get things fixed. Hobby shops tend to be expensive when you bring them an rc that was bought on line.
Buying from a good hobby shop almost guarantees you will at least see your rc run properly for a little while...Do yourself a favor and let them break it in for you. Once you see and hear what a properly tuned engine runs like it will make it easier for you to try and replicate it.
If you don't have a hobby shop or any help in your local area buy the best equipment you can afford, take your time and have a lot of patience.
For someone with experience...you know what your getting if you buy cheap so no big deal. I play with cheap brands once in a while. I know what to expect and I know how to fix the problems that come with them. Most importantly, having problems with my cheap rc won't discourage me which is why newbies should never start with junk.
