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.

Flipsky releases Dual FSESC 6.6 Mini and VX2 remote

On 18th July 2019, Flipsky announced the release of a new ESC FSESC 6.6 Mini and around the same time, they’ve also put up the new VX2 remote for preorder.

Dual FSESC 6.6 Mini ($229)

I think Flipsky needs no elaborative introductions as they are pretty well known for their VESC. For those who don’t know, they are amongst the top options when it comes to VESC, competing with the industry leader Focbox Unity. Many DIYer chose Flipsky for it’s budget friendlier price and instant availability. (Hey Enertion, am still waiting for my Unity..)

Dual FSESC 6.6 Mini is the mini version of their top of the line product – Dual FSESC 6.6 with heatsink. However, besides the smaller footprint (81mm x 77mm x 20mm), Mini has a few more changes:

  • 1 extra UART port (2 in total).
  • Removed switch button.
  • And some upgrade on the more technical stuff like cables and MOSFET design.

Anyhow, here are the specs:

  • Hardware: V 6.6
  • Voltage: 8V – 60V (Safe for 3S to 12S LiPo) for the dual ESC
  • Voltage spikes may not exceed 60V
  • Current: Continuous 100A single, total 200A,
    Instantaneous current 400A per single, total 800A for system instantaneous current.
  • 5V 1.5A output for external electronics for single
  • 3.3V 1A output for external electronics for single
  • Modes: DC, BLDC, FOC (sinusoidal)
  • Supported sensors: ABI, HALL, AS5047
  • 6 shunts in a dual system. Each is measurable for the current.

You can check out the Dual FSESCS 6.6 Mini by clicking here.

VX2 Remote ($99 $79)

When it comes to remote, the old Flipsky’s VX1 was considered the best. It’s comfortable in hand, the throttle wheel has good travel, there is board-battery indicator, cruise control function, reverse mode & speed modes.

Well, Lacroix certainly agrees that VX1 was the best option as they uses VX1 in their Jaws and Nazares line-ups.

The new VX2 which is due to ship on 15th August are all that plus a screen for telemetry. The screen-on-the-top-of-the-remote set up reminds me of the R2 remote, which is a good design unlike the popular screen on the side of the remote set-up which is useless for left-handers.

You can check out the VX2 remote by clicking here.

Event: Annual Cannonball Race, San Francisco (6-8th September 2019)

Riders from across the country are invited to attend the 1st Annual Cannonball Race in San Francisco, California. The three-day festival opening on Friday, September 6th through Sunday, September 8th is open to various electric vehicles including electric skateboards, electric scooters, and even electric unicycles. Riders of any skill level will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test on the steep streets of San Francisco, while taking in some unbelievable views of the historic Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous maximum-security prison, Alcatraz.

Registration for the three-day Esk8 event for the event is free for all participants and riders will have the chance to win over $1,000 in prizes.

Click here to Register

Day 1: Route Finding Day

The 1st Annual Cannonball Race will begin on Friday, September 6th at the Exploratorium located at Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111.  The objective of Day 1 is for riders to scout out their route and identify any impeding obstacles across the 7.5-mile trek from the Pier 15 Exploratorium to the Ocean Beach Fire Pits for Sunday’s Expert Cannonball Race; while taking some time to explore what the city of San Francisco has to offer.

Day 2: Straight Line Race

Riders will meet up at 1 PM PST for the second day of the Cannonball Race at Golden Gate Park at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Dr. & Middle Dr. West streets (Middle Dr. W., San Francisco, CA 94122). Here riders will have the chance to participate in a straight-line race through San Francisco’s extensive urban park, Golden Gate Park. Did you know that the Golden Gate Park is 20% larger than New York City’s Central Park?

Standard Race

Day 3: Expert Cannonball Race Day

Day three of the 1st annual Cannonball Race will begin at the Exploratorium located at Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111. The objective the Expert Cannonball race, which will take place at 11 AM on Sunday, September 8th, is for riders to quickly traverse across the 7.5-mile journey from San Francisco pier to coast. The rider to first reach the Ocean Beach Fire Pits wins! Riders will face the day-to-day elements of San Francisco, most notably the varied terrain and hellish traffic while complying with all local traffic laws.

Expert Race Start Location
Expert Race End Location

For additional event details, please visit the official 1st Annual Cannonball Race website: https://baesk8.club/pages/race

Backfire release Backfire G2 Black on 17 July 2019

Read our full review by clicking here.

Release of Backfire G2 Black, best beginner electric longboard?

When a brand like Backfire updates its entry-level offering, we can’t help but take notice.

For those in the dark, Backfire has made a name for itself by offering consistent quality products with good after-sales support. Add in a 6-month warranty to sweeten the deal makes them highly appealing.

For those who are unfamiliar with their offerings, the G2 line was initially released in 2017 replacing the G1. Higher specification updates was introduced along the way (G2s & G2t) but at a higher price point. In 2019 however, Backfire actually updated the base version of Backfire Galaxy 2 twice. First to the Backfire G2 2019 edition, and now the Backfire G2 Black is another incremental update to the G2 2019.

So, what’s G2 Black about?

Backfire boldly claims that this is the perfect beginner product. Let’s examine what this longboard brings to the table.

The most glaring visual change is obviously the blacked-out style of the board through and through which includes the tires, electronics & battery cover. This is in line with customer trends which prefers blacked-out boards ala Boosted stealth and the likes. 

Also fitted on the Black is 96mm wheels versus 83mm on “regular” G2. It’s good to see the 96mm wheels which were only available on the pricier Backfire models has trickled down to the entry-level offerings. This is in line with the current trend of manufacturers offering larger and larger tires which is more practical especially on less than ideal roads. A lot of us who are new to the sport also tends to fine larger wheel more comforting.

The new Hobbywing motor is also said to be more powerful while being quieter.

As for similarities goes, the deck & internals are likely the same as the “regular” G2. It still has the old Backfire galaxy deck, which is on the stiff side, but have nice concave and is pretty comfortable to stand on. The tried and tested Caliber II trucks is unfortunately still reserved for Backfire’s more expensive models. Still no surprises here.

We have consistently praised Hobbywing ESC and this is still carried over from the previous board. As this is marketed for beginners, a good ESC is especially important to have a good sense of control & a feeling of being one with the board. 

All in all, it is a well-rounded update to an already compelling board. I’m sure novice & experienced users alike will appreciate what an attractive entry-level offering that Backfire G2 Black is. 

The updates on the G2 Black as compared to the “regular” G2

  • blackout colour design
  • Bigger 96mm wheels
  • new hub motor made by Hobbywing
  • $30 price hike

Pricing

Full Price for the Backfire G2 Black is USD 429.

It is only slightly more expensive than the standard G2, which is selling for $399. At only $30 separating them I see little incentive for a prospective buyer to choose the G2 instead of the G2 Black.

Shipping

As per details in the website; Backfire G2 Black has been shipped to warehouses in Hamburg and Los Angeles. It is expected to arrive on August 25th and then start local delivery in the US and Europe.

For orders placed right now, they will be shipped from China, ETA 7-10 days for the US, 10-15 days for Europe.

You can expect a full review from us in a few weeks time.

Checkout Backfire G2 Black by clicking here and remember to use our affiliated discount code ‘ESKATEHQ‘ during checkout to get a little bit off your purchase.

Meepo Classic 2 leaked

As we all know, Meepo products have the iteration cycle of a fruit fly.

6 months after the Meepo Classic was released back in December 2018, Kieran is now already testing the updated version of the Classic 2.

Apparently, Classic 2 is going to be an upgrade over the original Classic and hence the price point, which is going to be moved up from the entry-level price of $400 to somewhere around the $649 price point.
As of today, reviews of the Classic 2 by KAMi JUINs are already available on Youtube.

What changed?

The most obvious change on the Meepo Classic 2 is that it is now using a flatter single enclosure and larger 97mm wheels. Both of these are great news because bottoming out was the number 1 complaint of the original Meepo Classic. With these changes, the Classic 2 now has a 4inch(10.5cm) ground clearance.

The bigger wheels also should bring on a higher top speed. KAMi JUIN’s test put the top speed to 28mph or 45kmh.

The battery size also has more than doubled from the 4AH(144wh) to 10.5AH(378wh), which by my estimation, should take you more than 20miles (32km) in a single charge.

In regards to the remote, my guess is Meepo is going to ship Classic 2 with the NR remote until the new smaller N2 remote becomes available, much like what they are doing with the Mini 2 series.

Other than that, most of the parts have been kept the same with minor updates. The Hobbywing ESC used in the Classic 2 is likely the newer version that is now used on NLS Pro, which gives stronger braking. The trucks have also been updated with newer Macroon bushing.

To think about it, the only thing that Classic 2 is sticking with is the same drop-through maple rocker deck with nice concave, which is my favorite deck from any Chinese brand. (Yes, more than NLS, Wowgo 3’s or Ownboard’s).

Summary:

Despite the likely price of $649, Meepo Classic 2 is shaping up to be the board that has the best value for money proposition. This is after considering that Classic 2 will have a 378wh battery pack – a battery pack that is larger than Meepo V3 with ER battery (288wh), which is selling only $30 cheaper. And, with the gap between LingYi ESC and Hobbywing ESC closing, the difference between V3 ER and Meepo Classic 2 might very well just come down to which deck suits you best.

What do you think about Meepo Classic 2? Let us know in the comment section below.