I think 10th scale is more common, more parts out there, more people have them....I could be wrong though.
If you want a backyard basher, it's tough to beat the traxxas slash rtr stuff. If you plan on taking them to indoor races probably ought to look at associated or losi. I got a couple older losi xxx-scts, they have been good trucks.
Someone with a wealth of knowledge is joe bornhorst, he's a pro, probably driven it all. I'm not sure if he gets on here much anymore. His brother jake does once in a blue moon. I know you can catch him on fb.