TRF201 is good, but I believe it is over $2k. (just car)
Most people prefer B4.1 over TRF201 since B4.1 is cheaper and it is a world champion car.
If you are a first timer, you may consider a 4WD since it is easier to drive than a 2WD.
For beach and parks, I think Traxxas is a good choice as gimsink c-hing suggests.
I used to run my buggy without a bumper. I crashed a lot and broke a lot of front arms/knuckles/pivot block. Then someone told me to use a big bumper. I still crashed a lot but the car kept getting up for more. I think it's ok to run the small kit one if you are good, otherwise, I will keep my protection and let the manufacturer marketing team keep their small one.