ESC question

[Matk Moore]

I am a total newby!
I am considering building a Quad.
A friend (who does not believe in reading instructions)is building a quad from instruction he has.
Instructions include 980KV motors and 20A ESCs
In doing much research I see there are many "A" different amperage ESCs i.e. 20A, 30A etc.
Is a 20A the best suited for a 450mm quad using 980KV motors?
Will they generate as much or less heat than say a 30A ESC?
Starting from scratch which would be best?
In researching other components I find 980KV, 1100KV etc.
I do not plan on "RACING" rather something to occupy my time as I am retired.
Money is an object as I am on a fixed income.
I seek information on best prices on the components I will need and based on prior experience with Ebay and sellers in Asia and LOONNNNNG wait for shipping to arrive, I find I can buy the same parts slightly more expensive from "NORTH AMERICA" suppliers with "FREE SHIPPING" through Ebay.
My local Hobby Shops are averaging 38% to 60% more for the same products. I have spoken to several and find they are all younger and somewhat assholes when dealing with a Senior like myself.
Any input with regards to my questions would be much appreciated.
I will eagerly await the wise counsel of experienced people on this board.
At this time this is the only RC Quad board I am seeking input from.
Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[ringolong]

The escs need to be able to handle the max amp draw of the motors. Check the amp draw for the motors with the prop size, and cell count of the battery that you are thinking of going with.

https://www.ecalc.ch/xcoptercalc.php is a good site for comparing setups.

 

[Jackson]

Is a 20A the best suited for a 450mm quad using 980KV motors?

Find some actual motors and look for their recommendations.

Here's Some SunnySkys.

Look at the props, then look at the amp draw at 11.1V (a 3S LiPo.) Also then compare the thrust.

FWIW with the 1047 props, figure about ~3200 grams of thrust for a quad. Divide that by 2.5 = 1280 gr. So if the total weight of quad is <1300 grams it will fly quite nicely. And in this example 20 AMP ESCs are fine.