Backfire releases Ranger X2

On 9th August 2019, Backfire releases Ranger X2, a new iteration of their successful all-terrain lineup – Ranger X1. At this point in time, X2 is already available in stock and early buyers has begun to receive their X2.

The new Ranger X2 has a higher price tag at $1199, a $200 price bump from the Ranger X1 which is still available for $999. It looks like the increase in price is very justified as the new Ranger X2 came with a number of improvements. Just look at Daniel Kwan’s introduction of the Ranger X2, he would know, the man travels across the silk road on the Ranger X1!

A short introduction to the Backfire Ranger series

For those who aren’t in the loop, Backfire Rangers is an affordable priced all-terrain electric skateboard. While a 4 digit price isn’t exactly affordable in the strictest sense, this is almost the minimum entry price for an AT board with good performance.

Ranger X1 garnered a lot of praises and for all intent and purposes, it was the best off-road electric skateboard at its price segment. Backfire obviously learned a lot from user feedbacks and not resting on their laurels, the new Ranger X2 is set to smoothen out some of the rough edges of the X1.

Improvement list:

  • Shaved 8.8lbs(4kg) off! Wow, what kind of sorcery is this!
  • Change of battery from 10S4P to 12S3P.
  • New Hobbywing ESC
  • Turbo mode is now available in Ranger X2.
  • Leaner yet stronger motor 900W -> 1200W
  • Wheels are 0.78in (2cm) thicker!

Bigger Battery with 12s configuration

The premium line up of Backfire (G3 Plus and Ranger X2) will go with 12s configuration. For Ranger X2, Backfire actually went with a smaller pack of Sanyo NCR18650GA battery in 12s3p configuration. (454WH). The idea is that a higher voltage will increase the efficiency and hence provide the same range while reducing the weight of the pack. However, I will repeat myself here: not many production boards had gone with the 12s setting as higher voltage might cause a higher components failure rate (if those component are not up to par), and it remains to see if the new Backfires can handle this configuration.

New 12S Hobbywing ESC

The new 12S Hobbywing ESC is 2 iterations ahead of the original ESC on Ranger X1 and should provide a significant improvement over the last-gen. Expect both acceleration and braking to be stronger while being just as smooth. The new ESC also means Ranger X2 will be getting the Turbo mode, a 30-second increase of power that comes with a 30-second cooldown. I ain’t a big fan of the Turbo mode when it debuted on Backfire G2T (due to the sudden jolt when it transition into cooldown) but who knows, it might have been improved on this new iteration?

Stronger yet leaner Hub Motor

Ranger X1 (left) vs X2(right)

Hub motor and airless wheel usually don’t make the smoothest off-road ride as Rigid hub + Tires without air cushion = the board will bob and bounce with every bump in the road. Ranger X1 still performs fairly well off the road, but X2 improves on that by using smaller yet stronger hub motors, which saw the increases of power from 900W to 1200W per motor. More importantly, smaller hubs mean room for thicker rubber, 0.78in (2cm) thicker in fact. This is going to significantly improve the smoothness of rides and allows the wheels to grip to the floor better.

Hub VS Belt has always been the argument, more so in the AT realm. Belts have the torque that Hub simply couldn’t match; while Hubs have better protection against the elements. Backfire took advantage of this property and the Ranger’s motors have always been fully water-resistant and dustproof.

And the deck is now a little bit more flexible.

Same shape, same design, but more flexible.

What stayed the same?

Well, the double kingpin truck that was proven to be very good stayed the same.

Final Word:

We thought the Ranger X1 was the best affordable AT, and Ranger X2 is obviously gonna be a pricier but better version of it. However, unlike a year ago, Ranger is no longer the only player in the thousand dollars AT market with the likes of Ownboard Carbon AT, Radley Carbon AT and Miles Rampage crashing the party. What’s more, with a heftier price tag ($1199) Ranger X2 no longer has the price advantage, especially when you consider Meepo City Rider, a semi-AT is priced only at $719.

With that said, seeing how good the Ranger X1 is, Ranger X2 will likely rise to the top as the best AT option amongst its peers.

Ranger X2 is now available in stock and will only take 7-15 business day to arrive at different countries.

Interested in a Backfire? Click our affiliate discount link here and use ESKATEHQ during check out to receive $10 off.

Verreal releases Verreal RS

On 21st August 2019, Verreal releases a new line of electric skateboard, Verreal RS.

With a preorder price starting on $749 (and a regular price of $800+), Verreal RS does not try to hide where they get its design inspiration from – the Evolve Bamboo series. Looks like every brand came to the idea that they should do an Evolve clone with the recent availability of double kingpin trucks on the electric skateboard market.

Taking a few pages from Evolve

I always like the riding experience of Verreal boards and thought their ‘looks’ or the lack there-of was what holding them back. This time around, by following the template of Evolve Bamboo, Verreal RS sure has gotten the looks right.

To truly match up to Evolve, Verreal is also looking to develop off-road tires for RS. And for that, they emphasized that all their DKP trucks will come from a new mold, leaving no doubt that they are going to be strong for AT uses.

  • Double kingpin for maneuverability,
  • future AT conversion kit,
  • drop-through deck

Better than Evolve?

There are a few things that I really like about Verreal RS:

  • Verreal RS uses 10s4p cells and you can get Samsung 30Q battery for $799 (preorder price).
    • Wheres the earlier version of Evolve Bamboo GT is using prismatic packs that are notorious for the sag, and the newer GTR is using Samsung 35E which on paper aren’t as good as 30Q.
  • Verreal RS uses Hobbywing ESC, which is perfectly smooth, albeit some may think that the brakes could be stronger.
  • It uses big 6368 motors (Dual 6368 Belt Motor 1500 Watt*2 170KV)

It is not without concerns, though.

However, there are a few things that I have doubts on:

  • The enclosure is a full-length aluminum enclosure, this is going to make the deck stiff with zero flex. And nothing pass-on vibrations as bad as metals.
    • Verreal justifies this by saying stiffer deck helps with stability in top speed, but why the emphasis on stability when you already went for DKP? Might as well as maximize on the riding fun by allowing the deck to flex.
  • I wonder if this set up translates well to All Terrain uses.
    • 20R battery pack gives you 88A continuous discharge and 30Q 60A continuous if the settings aren’t right, there might be a noticeable voltage sag here.
I’m expecting this enclosure to have zero gives.

TL;DR

Verreal RS looks to be the board to get for those who like the idea of an Evolve Bamboo but doesn’t like the idea of shelling out almost $2,000 for it.
However, only a test ride can tell if the deck is not too stiff to enjoy.

Stay tuned for our future review!

It is now available for pre-order with a pre-order price of $749 ($100 off). Verreal RS is set to ship on 20th September.
Use our affiliate discount link here and use ESKATEHQ during check out to receive $99 off.

Please be aware that pre-orders in the Eskate world are more often than not ends in delay. Shit happens, even for an established brand like Verreal.

Only pre-order a product if you can afford the wait.

Backfire releases Backfire G3 Plus

Update: We’ve reviewed the G3 Plus, read our Full Review of Backfire G3 Plus here!

On 16th August 2019, Backfire releases a new line of electric skateboard, Backfire G3 Plus.

Priced at $999, Backfire G3 Plus ventures into the premium segment, a move that not many Chinese brands had attempted. From the teaser video and the details announced, G3 Plus actually wears that price tag well.

Just a quick glance at it and I think we will all agree that G3 Plus is a gorgeous looking board. The familiar black and gold color scheme, the new red plates and the build-in LED ambient light all comes together to give a really stylish look.

New Carbon Fiber Deck

Backfire G3 Plus move away from the maple galaxy deck that we were familiar with to a longer 39 inch(99cm) carbon fiber deck that promises lots of flex. This is also perhaps where the weight reduction came from, despite using in a bigger battery pack as compare to the G2T, Backfire G3 Plus is actually a little bit lighter at 16lb (7.3kg).

Bigger Battery with 12s configuration

Backfire G3 Plus is going with a very large pack of Samsung 21700 40T battery in 12s2p configuration. (346WH). From my experience with Meepo’s ER battery, Samsung 40T is pretty great, and this big pack on the G3 Plus promises good thing. However, not much production board had gone with the 12s setting as higher voltage might cause a higher components failure rate (if those component are not up to par), and it remains to see if a new Hobbywing ESC can handle this configuration.

New 12S Hobbywing ESC

The previous version of Hobbywing ESC could not handle 12S, and hence G3 Plus will debut with a new version of Hobbywing ESC that can do 12s.

On one hand, higher voltage is more efficient; on the other hand, as just mentioned: weak components(if there is any) + higher voltage = high failure rate. I don’t know any production board has done 12S and I am interested to see if Backfire G3 Plus is going to wear this configuration well.

Unfortunately, we will be seeing the return of the Turbo mode. For those who don’t know, G2T has a turbo mode that allows a temporary increase in power and top speed. It lasted for 30second and has a 30-second cooldown. As I said in our Backfire G2T review, I wasn’t a fan of the Turbo mode due to the inevitable jolt when the effect wears off – and my opinion hasn’t changed since then. I hope turbo mode will be implemented better on the G3 Plus, no big deal though, can always just don’t use it.

Stronger Hub Motor

I don’t know how much impact the upgrade from G2T’s 2X 350W hubs to G3 Plus’s 2 x 600W is going to have in term of riding experience, but bigger is better right? The wheels size option is now 85mm & 96mm as opposed to 83mm and 96mm. I expect lots of people switching the front wheels to Caguama now that it is 85mm by default, not that the 2mm different have stopped anyone anyways.

The back truck is now also Caliber II

Instead of just having a front Caliber II truck, Backfire G3 Plus brought Caliber II trucks to the back truck too.

Further, Faster, Lighter.

  • Range = 20-25miles (32-40km)
  • Top speed= 28.5mph (46kmh)
  • Weight = 16lb (7.3kg)

TL;DR

Backfire G3 Plus promises:
1) A lot of range without a lot of weight.
2) A lot of power without compromising the smoothness.
3) A refined look and an even more refined riding experience.

We are going to review it, and I would like to find out if:
1) Is this Carbon Fiber deck any fun to ride?
2) Is this 12S Hobbywing ESC going to hold up?
3) Is there an improvement in the Turbo mode?

Stay tuned!

It is now available for pre-order with a pre-order price of $899 ($100 off).
Click our affiliate discount link here and use ESKATEHQ during check out to receive $10 off.

Please be aware that pre-orders in the Eskate world are more often than not ends in delay. Shit happens, even for a seasoned brand like Backfire.

Only pre-order a product if you can afford the wait.

Meepo NLS Pro Review – Goodbye Hobbywing.

Following the recent announcement on NLS Pro switching over to LingYi ESC, I figured that an updated review of the board would probably be helpful.
(Just to clarify things up, I did my NLS Pro review by upgrading the internal of NLS to NLS Pro, so I didn’t have the new shock-absorbing griptapes.)

Introduction to NLS Pro

As many already know, NLS Pro is the upgraded version of the original NLS which was priced at $599. It is a hundred bucks more expensive than the now-discontinued NLS, but it has a few important upgrades. The new NLS Pro has a much bigger battery and a new ESC. That means higher speed and smoother control.

It also gets a few upgrades on the parts among which includes upgrading the bushings used to macaroon bushing, change and rechange of ESC and use of a shock-absorbing layer of griptape which would help to make the ride even more comfortable. (I don’t have it)

So it’s ESC was changed twice

The first change to Hobbywing ESC was a celebrated move, but the recent announcement of yet another ESC change to the new iteration of LingYi ESC is a move that I took with mixed feelings. In my V3 review, I mentioned that LingYi ESC of the V3 came very close to Hobbywing ESC in terms of smoothness and was superior in braking, however, that 5% difference in smoothness does translate to an absolute refined experience vs a smooth ride with some grain to it. 

While the brake is indeed improved with the switch to Ling Yi ESC, the complaint on Hobbywing’s ‘weak’ brakes is one that I heard from friends who tried mine NLS Pro but a view I do not share. After trying countless Hobbywing boards from the 1st gen Hobbywing in the likes of Wowgo 2s, Ownboard W1s, and coming to the 2nd gen AKA Turbo generation Hobbywing like the Backfire G2T, Wowgo 3 and NLS Pro; Hobbywing ESC on NLS Pro is amongst the strongest with no sacrifice on smoothness. 

Although I see why those who are accustomed to strong brakes may find the brake on this Hobbywing ESC weak, I see that as nitpicking and am pretty sure most wouldn’t mind. But what to do, what’s done’s done.


It is important to point out that braking strength in LingYi ESC is adjustable. 1st brake mode offers the same tame brakes of the Hobbywing ESC.
2nd brake mode and above are smooth but significantly stronger. I personally would not go to mode 3 or 4 as I find them excessively strong for safe use.

Another interesting talking point after the change to LingYi ESC is that the 4th acceleration mode (AKA Pro mode) gives a more thrilling and punchy acceleration. I put both ESC on a side by side comparison and it was clear to me that punchier acceleration doesn’t equate to faster acceleration. New LingYi felt aggressive, but it wasn’t exactly faster. Hobbywing ESC in the old NLS Pro is smooth yet as fast as the new LingYi ESC on Pro mode, which becomes smooth only after the initial jerk. This is not to say that LingYi ESC wasn’t good, it’s just that the old Hobbywing ESC is freaking good.

To summarize, the ESC changes give NLS Pro yet another personality change. It converts NLS Pro from a calming comfortable ride to something more edgy and thrilling. Less boring, some had said. (For me? Boring is good.)

While the changes in control may make some happy and some sad, I’m pretty sure the addition of ‘push to turn on’ feature following the ESC change is going to be universally welcomed. ‘Push to turn on’ is a super underrated feature and I’m sure anyone who had tried that feature feels the same.

Handling

Aside from my disagreement on the change brought by the latest ESC change, NLS Pro is pretty awesome in any other aspects.
Having a bigger 100mm wheels and a very flexible deck reduced vibrations from rough roads as much as possible. Many hate hubs because of that thin urethane layer, big hub wheels in NLS Pro addressed that as much as any hub board could.
The most frequent complaint on the original NLS is the wobbliness, which I notice could be solved by changing to a harder and better bushing. With the NLS Pro, Meepo addressed the issue by upgrading to a better bushing that they named as Macroon. 100a Macroon bushing solved the wobbliness for me while still allows the NLS Pro to carve comfortably. This double tall Macroon bushing actually works better than my purple nipples on the shredder trucks (probably because nipples are not double tall bushing and shredder trucks were supposed to pair with double tall. =P). I’m no bushing expert, so I can’t explain why it works so well but it does work, NLS Pro now carves like a dream and still handles top speed like a champ.

Speaking of top speed, this board goes 32mph (51kmh). Crazy! I was able to hit that too! But honestly, 25mph (40kmh) is where my comfort zone ends and although NLS Pro is pretty stable even when pushed to the limit, no way I am staying there.

Wowgo 3 has been dubbed the best carving board of the mid-tier segment with its buttery smooth control and Paris truck set-up. With that said, to compare the smoothness and carving between Wowgo 3 and NLS Pro when it was with Hobbywing ESC is like splitting hair. I personally will take Hobbywing NLS Pro over Wowgo 3 as best carving board.

Just hear me out, Hobbywing NLS Pro is every bit as smooth while much more powerful than the Wowgo 3. It has faster acceleration and stronger brakes. Deck on NLS Pro is more flexible and to me felt better than the one on Wowgo 3. Wowgo 3’s Paris trucks theoretically should be better than the Shredder trucks with Macroon bushing, but honestly, I couldn’t tell. Again, it is like splitting hair. The real difference will be in the wheels size, 100mm wheels on the NLS Pro VS 90mm on Wowgo 3. Smaller wheels ride closer to the ground while with 100mms on NLS Pro I float abit higher.

However, now with LingYi’s NLS Pro, the 5% loss in smoothness after the switch to LingYi ESC lose the new NLS Pro that comparison due to that tiny setback in smoothness. It’s now have significantly better brakes, but on the question are “which one is most buttery smooth?” Wowgo 3 retook the crown.

Specs

When it comes to specs and number, Meepo NLS Pro is without a doubt, one of the best.

Using an 8AH pack of Samsung 40T in a 10s2p setting (288wh), the NLS hits 20miles (32km) range and that 32mph (51kmh) top speed for me. This number is pretty high up there compares to any boards and outside of those high premium boards, only Raptor 2 can best that numbers!

As always, Meepo might not win it all in terms of refinement and polish but it has without fail always having the top performance in its class.

Again, 100mm wheels are practically semi-AT

Conclusion

So, what is the verdict for the NLS Pro with LingYi ESC?

At $699, the NLS Pro is amazing both on paper and in actual riding.
It outperformed its peers in both top speeds, acceleration, and range.
It has good strong brake and control that leans on the aggressive side.
It is very enjoyable in both aggressively ride or comfortable carve.

What more can you ask for?
(Me: I want that 5% of smoothness in acceleration back…)

Check-out Meepo NLS Pro here.

Apsuboards introduce Apsuboard All Terrain GTR Dual

In line with customers changing preferences, more and more manufacturers are jumping on the all-terrain bandwagon. This comes as no surprise as an all-terrain setup is more usable in less than ideal roads. But a mountainboard is a different beast altogether, which allows the rider to conquer all types of terrains. 

Capitalizing on their know-how on belt-driven longboards, Apsuboard has taken their first crack at making an all-terrain board, more specifically, an electric mountainboard. While have seen some all-terrain belt driven boards such as Ownboard Carbon AT, WowGo All-Terrain and the newly announced Backfire Ranger X2, they are no Mountainboards.

While all-terrain hub boards are pretty common now, many still prefer a belt-driven drivetrain for an all-terrain board as produce higher torque for having gear reduction, and torque is difficult to compromise on when it comes to AT.

Let’s have a quick look at what the Apsuboard GTR is.

The motors utilized is a 6384 which is a good size in view of the expected stress that would be put upon a mountainboard. With 3450W total from the dual motors, this should slingshot you from bend to bend with adequate ease.

Battery wise, the AT GTR Dual uses a pack of Samsung 35E battery in 10S5P configuration (630Wh 17.5AH). Apsuboard claims this is adequate to power the board up to a Cruising Range of 40KM (24.85 miles). Expect lower miles on extreme terrains. Although we prefer Samsung 30Q, the recently launched Evolve GTR proved that 35E is not too shabby.

As intended from a mountainboard, a pair of channel trucks with springs is utilized up front and back. The quality of the trucks, especially on a mountainboard, is important for safety, stability and maneuverability reason. The one on the GTR seems to be the typical mountainboard trucks that lean towards stability rather than maneuverability but it’s difficult to tell without actually stepping on one.

From our previous stint with Apsuboard X1, we remarked the choice of using a LingYi ESC(old version) was an Achilles heel to an otherwise outstanding value board. Apsuboard was quick to point out upon our inquiry that the new GTR will be using an updated ESC which is different but it’s not Hobbywing. The verdict is still out on that matter until we have our own review unit. It is interesting to note that the new and cheaper Apsuboard SP2 longboard is using a customized Hobywing instead of LingYi ESC. 

Pushing into the 4 digits price barrier at 1299 USD, not many Chinese manufacturers can claim success within this price range. However, if one wants a true electric mountainboard, this is probably the minimum price of admission. Spec-wise, the price is appropriate with the collection of parts provided but whether it all comes together in a compelling package is soon to be seen. I mean, what are the alternatives? The cheaper but weaker and less refined DIYEboard?

Well… it’s an option.

All things aside, Apsuboards willingness to innovate and push their product line is surely commendable. This remains the first & only electric mountainboard by the Chinses manufacturers. Perhaps this is the start of something greater for Apsuboard and the community at large will benefit too.

Check out Apsuboard AT GTR Dual by clicking here.