OK, here's where I show my complete ignorance of this stuff. I have read that the Castle Creations Phoenix ICE2 HV60 is a replacement for the old Phoenix 60 ESC. What's the difference? I've read the specs, but I don't really understand the difference.

OK, I'm ready to be educated and informed.

no BEC ?

Dean is correct, these types of ESCs are intended for very large scale R/C plane where they have several batteries tied in series.  The reason they don't have a BEC is because for safety they put the receiver and servos on a separate battery, with a battery backup system on the primary battery, at least that was how I did it back in the day.  I really can't see any application for these ESCs in control line. 
Andy

There is a whole new series coming to replace the Phoenixes.
Dean P.

Just remember the basics Randy:  Electronic components are made of smoke which can, through various expensive processes, be made into solid matter.  This smoke is packed inside of little plastic packages, which are then soldered to a board.

If you let the smoke out, things don't work any more.

What else do you need to know?

Just remember the basics Randy:  Electronic components are made of smoke which can, through various expensive processes, be made into solid matter.  This smoke is packed inside of little plastic packages, which are then soldered to a board.

If you let the smoke out, things don't work any more.

What else do you need to know?

He probably wants to know how to keep that expensive smoke catpured inside the plastic thingies,, duh!!