Sean B. performed a large amount of thrust tests with 5 different motors and 5 different ESCs 

Tested Motors:
VOLO 2208-2001kv
Cobra 2208-2000kv
KDE 2306-2050kv
Tiger Motor 2206-2000kv
Cobra 2204-1960kv

Tested ESCs:
KISS 30A
RotorGeeks 30A
KISS 18A
RotorGeeks 20A
LittleBee 20A


Motors come in various shapes and sizes.
Typically, there are three "groups" of numbers you need to pay attention to.

Example: 2204 2300kv

"22" refers to width.
"04" refers to height
"2300kv" refers to speed (times per volt and you get rpm)

Typically, mini quad motors (in terms of sizes) are from 1804 through to 2212 (the most common sizes are 1806, 2204, 2206, 2208).
The kv vary, but "generally" good numbers to aim for are between 2000kv-2500kv.

A good thing to look for is a bit of information called a "thrust test" (search the motor size and then thrust test on google).
Attached is a quick google for "2204 thrust test".

This will let you know which props work with the motor, and which size ESC to go for.

In the example, if you go for a 5030 prop, you will be fine with a 12 amp ESC.

If you go for a 6045 prop, you will need a 20 amp ESC.
Here is a comprehensive test guide.

REsults and process are documented here:
http://imgur.com/a/VjIZe

That's interesting. I didn't realize different esc's can affect the thrust. I also don't understand how the rotorgeeks 20a esc can hand 29 amps without blowing? Is there a certain threshold it can handle?

Yea it is very interesting! Some ESCs are able to generate more thrust from a motor by pulling more current.
the RG ESC is probably under rated haha not sure just kidding.

That's great info for people looking to run any of those motors.

Quote:I also don't understand how the rotorgeeks 20a esc can hand 29 amps without blowing? Is there a certain threshold it can handle?

I believe that the manufacturers rating on the ESC is for "continuous" current and they often advertise a "burstable" current rating for max current short "bursts" of up to 10 seconds.

Comparisons between the different manufacturers seems to average out to 50% above the advertised rating, hence the RG ESC ability to handle the extra grunt.

From what I've been reading, the biggest factor to keep in mind with the ESC is heat. If you run them hard, you need to keep them cool.