High kv low gearing VS Low kv high gearing

[BrianG]

I agree. The torque thing is 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. High kv (lower torque) but geared low (high ratio) is roughly equivalent torque-wise to low kv (higher torque) with taller gearing (low ratio). So, really the only thing to look at IMO is ESC smoothness. They seem to start off better when gearing is such that there is less mph/rpm, which means lower gearing.

So, I tend to shoot for a higher overall rpm and gear down. Hasn't failed me yet and all my setups run cool as a result.