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Instructions
Identify whether the motor you use in your vehicle is either brushed or brushless. The easiest way to distinguish the difference is by the number of wires leading from the motor can. If your motor is brushed, it will have only two wires; however, if it is brushless, then it will have three wires.
Determine the peak current that your motor will require at full throttle. This figure is printed on the motor can, or on the packaging that it came in. Find the figure that lists a number followed by the letter "A." This defines the peak amperage required by the electrical device. Choose an ESC that greatly exceeds this number to prevent damage. For example, if you have a motor rated at 12A, it's safer to get an ESC rated at 25A, rather than one rated at 13A.
Determine the voltage limit of your battery, since ESCs are designed to handle specific voltages. Find a model intended for the battery voltage you use. They are generally organized in three categories: low voltage (less than 13v); medium voltage (below 25v); and high voltage (above 25v). Consider purchasing a separate battery pack for your servo and receiver, if your battery exceeds 13v, since the BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) has to step down the voltage to 5v in order to power the servo and receiver using the primary battery pack.
Put a price tag on the features you require, since not all ESCs are the same. Decide if you want to reverse, and how programmable you want your electronics system to be. Some high-end models enable the user to connect the ESC to the computer for exceptionally technical adjustments, while others are completely functional directly out of the box.