RE: fail-safe
A fail safe is important. You should also get a throttle return spring. A new radio is not a bad idea but not an immediate need. The failsafe and throttle return spring are must haves. A run away buggy can do some major damage to someone. A failsafe is around $20., and a throttle return spring is around $2. The return spring is good incase you lose power to the receiver and or failsafe.