RC_Bob,
I'm not aware of any ESC that's designed to work with only one specific 'controler'/radio system. They are generally a 'one size fit's all' sort of thingy. The 'controler'/radio system is selected by the number of control channels required by the boat, and maybe having a few 'extra' ones in case you decide to add something later that requires one. The 'other' factor is how much the radio system costs, not to mention favorite brands etc.
The general trend now is toward the newer 2.4 Ghz systems, sort of. Mainly because they offer features that the 'older' systems don't (and they're 'new'). That does NOT mean that the 'older' radios are obsolete, or junk! The biggest 'draw' of the newer radio systems, for me, is that I don't have to worry about someone else being on the same radio channel as I am, and having to change crystals/channels. The 'extra' channels are a nice option too. After that, my 'old' AM radio system does the same thing as the new one does, at half the price. (Being cheap ain't easy - LOL.) The only advice as to which radio system I would offer is to stick with a name brand. Just makes things easier to find/fix/add to/whatever. ... unless I'm selling a radio, and then that one is always the 'best' ... sort of.
- 'Doc