Product Reviews - Electric Skateboard HQ

July 14, 2024July 20, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Maxfind Max 6 Review – Best electric skateboard under $600?

This is the Maxfind Max 6 which comes in two options: $569 for the version with PU wheels and $629 for the version with 105mm Galaxy Cloud Wheels. This means that the Max 6 is one of the very few affordable belt-driven electric longboards available out there.

Max 6 is a little bit pricier than Wowgo 3E, which was our top pick for the best electric longboard under $500; but it does undercut other midtier belt-driven electric longboards like the $629 Wowgo Pioneer X4, and the $699 Meepo NLS 3.

Read our review of the Wowgo 3E here.

Being one of the most affordable belt-driven electric longboards is a good pricing strategy, especially considering Max 6 has the specs that punch above its weight, too.

Maxfind Max 6 Specs:

Price	$569
Battery	360Wh 10s 21700 Samsung 10Ah battery
Controller	Hobbywing ESC
Top Speed	26 Mph (42 Kph)
Range	31 miles (50 km)
Deck	X Composite deck
Motor	900W*2 Belt drive
Net Weight	20.9lbs (9.5kg)

Deck – X Composite Deck:

Starting with the deck, the Max 6 uses an X composite deck, which is said to be stronger than your average Maple and Bamboo composites. It has only a slight flex.

The deck is relatively narrow, even by our Asian-feet standards, with part of our feet sticking out most of the time. We do like the pronounced U-shaped concave, and our feet are nice and snug with it. Design-wise, the shock-absorbing grip tape gives a pretty neat cyberpunk aesthetic, a nice change from the many minimalistic prints on the market.

Battery – 360Wh 10s 21700 Samsung 10Ah battery:

Photo of Maxfind Max 6 battery enclosure

Moving onto the battery, the Max 6 is powered by 21700 Samsung 40T cells, which are pretty solid cells. It’s too bad Maxfind decided on a 10s2p configuration instead of 12s2p, like the one found on both Wowgo Pioneer X4 and Meepo NLS 3. However, the range on the Max 6 turns out to be better. It is marketed to have a range of up to 31 miles (50km), and in our tests, we managed to make it to 25.5 miles (41 km). That’s 50% more than what we got from the Pioneer X4 and NLS 3.

A concern could be that using 10s instead of a 12s battery configuration gives the board less power, but we will talk about that a little bit later.

ESC and Remote -Hobbywing ESC:

Next, Maxfind went with the tried and true Hobbywing ESC. For the remote, it’s likely the standard Hobbywing remote with custom casing. It has a screen for telemetry, comes with 4 speed settings, and you can also pair it with their mobile app to customize your ride profile.

Motor – Dual 900w Belt Drive Motors:

Moving onto the motors, the Max 6 runs on some hefty dual 900W belt drive motors, which are pretty powerful for a mid-range board. The marketed top speed is a pretty modest 26 mph (42 kph), so it’s not a surprise that we managed to hit that speed in our test.

It has a 1:2.7 gear ratio, which is on the higher side.

Trucks And Wheels – Custom 45° Max Iii Trucks And 90mm Pu Wheels Or 105mm Galaxy Cloudwheels

Next, as for the trucks and wheels, the Max 6 uses their own custom 45° Max III Trucks.

It’s a CNC-forged truck, which is more durable and safer than cast trucks. For some skaters, having a forged truck is a must for safety, but finding one on a $600 board is rare, so this is a big plus point for the Max 6.

As for the wheels, you have a choice between 90mm Polyurethane wheels or a 105mm Galaxy Cloudwheels upgrade. The board also weighs about 20.9 lbs or 9.5 kg, which is pretty light and easy to carry around.

RGB Lights:

A stand-out feature is definitely their RGB atmospheric lighting, which is a collaboration with the Soundynamic brand and features sleek RGB lights on the sides of the deck.

The RGB light cycles through 3 modes: the first one is where the color switches, 2nd mode is breathing pattern, and then the last mode is blinking. The color switches by default and cannot stay a single color, to our disappointment. You can turn the lights on and off with the remote. It also has a brake light that will turn red when we brake.

Although the lights are not as bright as the LED lights lining the deck, they still add some nice flavor to the board.

Specs Summary of Maxfind Max 6:

All these years, Maxfind’s strategy has been to “price the board a little bit higher than the competition, and justify the price with higher quality parts and prettier design” The Max 6, however, is different. It arguably gives the best value for $549, especially if you value the ambiance lighting.

To illustrate, let’s compare the Max 6 to the $449 Wowgo 3E. The Maxfind Max 6 is a pretty good deal here as it has a longer range thanks to using 21700 Samsung 40T cells. It also has a stronger motor, CNC trucks, and lights.

On the other hand, when you compare up against the $629 Wowgo Pioneer X4 and $699 Meepo NLS 3, the Max 6 fairs pretty well, too.

The negatives are that it has a smaller battery and weaker power, but the positives are that it has forged instead of cast trucks and, again, has ambient lights. That’s why, if you value forged trucks and ambient lights, and are satisfied with a 10s battery, Maxfind Max 6 will be, on paper, the best board in the $500-$600 price range.

Read our review of the Meepo NLS 3 here.
Read our review of the Wowgo Pioneer X4 here.

Riding Experience of the Maxfind Max 6

The Max 6 has torque, it felt stronger than the Wowgo 3E on the get-go. The higher gear ratio probably plays a part here. Max 6 certainly gets away with using a 10s battery instead of 12s.

However, when compared against higher priced Meepo NLS 3 and the Wowgo Pioneer X4, the Max 6 does lag behind in torque and power. This is probably how the Max 6 has a lot more range than those two, by dialing back on the power and increasing battery efficiency.

The Max 6 gets to top speed pretty easily and is very stable all the way. But we do feel the trucks are a bit too resistant to turns. Let’s just say they weren’t the most responsive trucks we ever tested, but they are sure as hell stable. We tried loosening up the trucks, but even then, it was still one of those trucks that just wanted to go straight. With that said, carving is not the most fun on this board, but changing the bushings may help in these aspects.

Overall, the board feels comfortable. As we said, the concave makes our feet feel pretty welcome, and of course, Hobbywing ESC means completely smooth acceleration and braking.

The board wasn’t the best at reducing road vibration, given that it uses a stiffer deck. However, the Max 6, being a belt-driven board, is obviously better than any hub-driven board. If you really want a smoother ride, you can always just put on the Cloud Wheels.

Verdict on the Maxfind Max 6:

As you can see, Maxfind Max 6 is not perfect, a $569 board is bound to have some flaws. The Max 6 doesn’t have the most thrilling top speed, doesn’t have the most enjoyable trucks, and the built-in ambiance light is not the most eye-catching.

With that said, it is still one of the best options at its price. It has an extraordinarily good range, safer forged trucks, and, while not our favorite light setup, it is at least there. We’ve reviewed many Maxfinds, and so far, the Max 6 is our clear favorite and we wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for something below $600.

If you are interested in buying the Maxfind, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive 5% off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!

June 17, 2024June 19, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Veymax Roadster X4 Review – $439 electric longboard!

We’ve never heard of Veymax prior, but since we are committed to cover every board under $500, we have to give this $439 hub-board with clean design a try. We already have pretty good options in the all-rounded $399 Wowgo 2s Max and thrilling $439 Meepo v3s, so let’s see if the Veymax Roadster X4 has anything new to offer.

Read our review of the Wowgo 2s Max here.

Read our review of the Meepo V3s here.

Veymax Roadster X4 Specs:

Price	$439
Battery	12S2P 216Wh 18650 25P10S2P 288Wh 21700 Samsung 40T
Controller	LingYi 8.0 ESC
Top Speed	29 Mph (46 Kph)
Range	X4 model – 13 miles / 21kmX4S model – 17.4 miles / 28km
Deck	Canadian Maple and Fiberglass
Motor	550W*2 Hub drive
Net Weight	20.5lbs (9.3kg)

Deck – Canadian Maple and Fibreglass:

Starting with the deck, the deck of Roadster is made up of a mix of Canadian maple and fiberglass. It has a very wide deck, making it very comfortable to stand on, and a wider deck means added stability at high speeds, as well as comfort. The deck is a bit stiff with only a mild flex. Veymax also included nose and tail guards, which is also a nice touch,

Battery – 12S2P 216Wh 18650 25P:

Next, for the battery, you get two options: the X4 model comes with a standard 12s2p using 18650 25P cells, which totals 216Wh battery, while the X4S model comes with 10s2p using 21700 Samsung 40T, which totals 288Wh battery.

This is a little bit interesting as the standard model uses a 12s battery, while the upgraded version X4S uses a lesser 10s battery but with a better 21700 Samsung 40T. 21700 cells are obviously better, but the difference in power for both variants might be narrower than first thought. Anyway, we only received the X4 for the review, so we’ve no way of knowing how X4S compares.

The marketed range for the X4 model is 13 miles or 21km, while the X4S model is marketed to reach 18 miles (28km). Our range test on the Roadster X4 resulted in 17 miles or 27.36 km with a 119lbs (54 kg) rider riding fast. This is pretty surprising, and the first time, our range test yielded a range that was significantly higher than the marketed range. A heavier rider would probably get the marketed range and no more than that, but this is still pretty good news, considering most brands drastically overstates the range on their board.

ESC and Remote – LingYi 8.0 ESC:

Moving onto the ESC, Veymax went with a Lingyi 8.0 ESC on the Roadster. The Lingyi ESC has a push-to-turn-on feature, four speed modes, and four brake modes. It is paired with the generic Lingyi remote, which has an OLED display to show the speed, battery, and other info.

Motor – Dual 550W Hub Drive:

Next, powering the Roadster is a pair of 550W hub motors, which is about an average amount of power for any eskate in the under $500 price bracket. Hub motors have the upsides of being maintenance-free, and you can kick-push the board if you run out of battery. The Roadster is marketed at a top speed of 29 mph (46 kph), which is above average in the budget board category, and when we took it to the streets, we managed to hit the marketed top speed.

Trucks and Wheels – Reverse Kingpin trucks and 105mm Jellywheels:

Next, let’s talk about the trucks. They are 7.5-inch reverse kingpin trucks with a 45° base plate angle, and the bushings given are 92A durometer. The Roadster also comes with 105mm Jelly wheels, which looks to have a good tread and contact patch. This should help with vibration absorption and slight off-road use. making them big and chunky, which helps absorb vibrations.

Specs summary of the Roadster X4:

To sum it up, most of the specs are on par with the industry leaders – High top speed, above-average battery size, and good 550W motors. Giving entry-level hub boards 105mm wheels makes sense, as beginners to semi-experienced riders would value safety from sticks and stones and road vibrations more than the sticky smooth ride feel offered by premium PU wheels. Another cool feature of the Roadster is its LED tail lights that come with 6 mode settings for additional customization to your ride.

The Roadster weighs in at about 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg), which is a bit on the heavier side for a budget tier board, but it should help with its stability, which is always a plus.

Riding Experience on the Roadster X4:

Starting off with its speed control, the version of LingYi ESC that Veymax uses is probably one of the most current. It is perfectly smooth in both acceleration and braking, making it an intuitive board to ride, even for beginners.

And once you are accustomed to the board, you can turn up to the “Pro” mode, where the gloves come off. The highest “Pro” mode of the Ling Yi ESC gives a thrilling, quick acceleration, more so than your typical $400 electric longboard. It takes off really quickly and gets you to that 29mph top speed very quickly. I like to classify entry-level electric skateboards into two types: the relaxing kind, which wouldn’t hurt you, and the thrilling kind, which gives you a rush. Roadster X4 certainly falls into the latter category.

With the very high 28mph ( kmh) top speed, we have to talk about the stability of the ride.

First, the deck.The deck is about 1.5cm wider than Exway Flex and Meepo V4s. Having a wide deck to place our feet helps, and a stiff deck that doesn’t bounce around helps the board to feel stable during high speed. However, we do wish for more concave on the deck, Roadster only have a pretty mild concave on the very wide deck.

Another factor that affects the stability of the trucks is the trucks. The trucks are pretty average; they were pretty stable until they approached top speed, and we started to feel a bit of wobble around 28mph ( kmh). Tightening the truck would certainly help, but the truck was already pretty average in maneuverability and carving fun, too. Perhaps investing in a pair of better bushing would improve both these aspects. Veymax was well aware of these shortcomings and told us that new trucks are in the works.

Then, there are the wheels.

These 105mm Jellywheels are no cloudwheels. They are harder and don’t soak up as much vibration as we would hope. However, expecting cloudwheels to come in stock for a board just north of $400 might be asking a little bit too much. Compared to 90mm PU, which was the standard for this price, these 105mm were still less rough and more immune to pebbles when riding fast. There is safety in wheel size, and 105mm is better than 90mm in that one aspect.

Verdict – Should you buy the Veymax Roadster X4 ?

The Roadster is a pretty board that went for a ride profile similar to that of the Meepo V3s.

It’s definitely a thrilling board that has one of the highest top speeds in this category. Compared to the big dogs, the Veymax Roadster may be a little bit less refined when it comes to its trucks and deck, but it has a better range than most, and the practicality of its big 105mm wheels is another plus. It’s a good alternative to the Meepo V3s, especially if you like the practicality of big wheels.

If you are interested in buying the Veymax, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive 5% off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!

June 5, 2024June 5, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Backfire Ranger X5 Review – The easiest all-terrain board

Today, we will be reviewing the Backfire Ranger X5, which came out in April 2024.

As more brands make all-terrain electric longboards with belt and gear drives in recent years, the once very popular hub-driven Backfire Ranger series seems to have been somewhat forgotten. Following the trend of belt-drive everything, Backfire released the Hammer Sledge last year, but it seems they aren’t ready to give up on the hub-driven variant just yet. Instead, this year, they released this Ranger X5, which is one of the prettiest-looking AT boards out there.

Backfire didn’t take too much risk with the design of Ranger X5, however. There’s some upgrades in parts and polish and a $200 price bump, but the Ranger X5 is essentially the ‘facelifted’ Ranger X3, as the specs are almost the same.

Backfire Ranger X5 Specs:

Price	$1299
Battery	50.4V 12S3P Samsung 40T 518Wh 90A
Controller	12s Hobbywing ESC
Top Speed	26 Mph (42 Kph)
Range	21 Miles (35 km)
Deck	ABS, Fibreglass and Maple Composite Deck
Motor	1500W*2 Dual hub motors
Net Weight	28lbs (12.8kg)

Deck – Multi-Layer Composite Deck

Starting with the deck, the Backfire Ranger X5 uses a double-drop composite deck made from ABS, glass fiber, and maple. Despite featuring ambient lighting along the deck, the X5 continues to live up to the reputation of the Ranger series for having a flexible and comfortable deck.

It is a 40” deck, longer than most longboard and similar in size to mountainboards such as the Acedeck Nyx Z3.

There is also a red accent stripe running along the edge of the deck, so even when the LED light isn’t turned on, the board maintains its black-and-red look.

ESC and Remote – 12s Hobbywing ESC:

Photo of Backfire Ranger X5 esc enclosure

As for the ESC, there seems to be no change from the X3; it was equipped with a 12s Hobbywing ESC. What sets it apart though, is the X5 comes with the stunning Halo remote, which was first seen with the Backfire Zealot X.

In case you didn’t know, the Halo remote is really neat. It has a large display, fingerprint unlock, and a reverse switch. The remote is also long, nice to hold, and allows access to ride profile customization.

It’s heavy, feels high-end, and, well, drains the battery faster than a standard remote. But you will agree that it is a small price to pay for the features you get.

Battery – 12s3p Samsung 40T battery:

Photo of Backfire Ranger X5 battery charger

Photo of Backfire Ranger X5 battery enclosure

Another feature that doesn’t change with the X3 and X5 is that both boards use a 12s3p Samsung 40T battery, totaling 518Wh, and has a marketed range of 21miles (35km).

Motor – Dual 1500W Hub Motors, Trucks and Wheels:

Powering the Ranger X5 are dual 1500W hub motors. From what we can tell, these are identical to hub motors from the X3.

While belt and gear systems are capable of more torque, which by definition are more thrilling, the hub system has at least three advantages:

it uses less power and hence gives a better range for the same juice;
it requires less maintenance and
it’s a lot quieter.

You won’t have to worry as much about sand, sticks, and leaves becoming stuck in the motor systems when off-roading if you use a hub system.

The same stress-free design applies to the 165mm airless rubber tires, too. Without a doubt, riding on different terrain calls for different tyre pressures, and pneumatic tyres offer more comfort. But in exchange for the marginally better ride, you pay with having to manage tire pressure and risking the chance of a tire puncture in the middle of an off-road trail run. It happens more than you’d think.

The top speed on this puppy is a modest 26mph (42km/h), which we have no problem hitting.

Sadly, the double kingpin trucks—which connect to the hubs and wheels—are die-cast rather than forged. It seems to be the same truck as the one on the X3, and we’ve heard good things about it.

LED Lights:

Backfire definitely put extra effort into the light system. The LED system can be switched between multiple modes with a double-click of the power button, including solid, breathing, flashing, and off. The Ranger X5 also has extra white lights that turn red when the brakes are used in addition to the ambient LED deck. The ambient LEDs on the X5 turn on to show that it is charging when you plug it in. Of course, this is an optional feature, but it’s a nice touch.

Add-ons available for the Backfire Ranger X5:

Also, there are lots of add-ons that you can buy, like a spoiler, pull bar, and mudguards – we heard they’re useful. We don’t have those add-ons, but if you want to see how the Ranger X5 looks in its final form, check out EV Tech Steven’s reviews. Caution: his footage is too pretty, and you might be lured into buying the board and every single add-on.

The board weighs 28 lbs or 12.8 kg, which is not that heavy for an all-terrain board.

Specs Summary of the Backfire Ranger X5:

With a price tag of $1,299, the Backfire Ranger X5 doesn’t pack the biggest battery or the strongest motor. For instance, even the $1,199 Evolve Hadean Carbon AT has a slightly bigger 12s4p battery, and Evolve is not exactly known as a value brand either.

It’s clear that Backfire wants to establish the X5 as the best hub-driven all-terrain board available. A board that surpasses the likes of the Maxfind FF AT, Tynee Explorer, or Meepo City Rider 3 in terms of versatility, power, beauty, and build, and after testing the board, it is indeed better than these competitors.

Read our review of the Meepo City Rider 3 here (click)

Read our review of the Tynee Explorer here (click)

Riding Experience of the Backfire Ranger X5:

It has to be said that hub-driven all-terrain boards are an underrated breed. The worst part about hub systems is usually the road vibration and relatively harsh ride. While these are big problems when it comes to street setup, they are practically negated when the board has big 165mm wheels with a flexible deck.

The Ranger X5 is also rather good at handling lesser torque, which is another concern with the hub arrangement. These dual 1500W hub drives are sufficient to climb any steep uphill we encountered, even though the Ranger X5 was not as torquey as, say, the Acedecks all-terrains with their strong gear-drive and large gear reduction. The Ranger X5 feels 70% more powerful while in turbo mode than the Acedeck Nomad N3 and the Nyx Z3, which is more than most people would need!

Let’s just put it this way: for a rider who doesn’t insist on having the strongest torque, the Ranger X5 is the most ‘hakuna matata’ off-road board that can go through grass, water, and sand. It can get dirty without you having to worry about things getting caught in the motor system. It can ride over questionable surfaces without the worry of a punctured tire.

It can still practically traverse any terrain that a traditional belt or gear system could and does equally well-dampening road vibration.

Ranger X5 is a little bit higher off the ground, which is not our favorite ride profile but means better ground clearance for off-road situations. And it is still pretty stable at top speed. We could stay at top speed with no speed wobble once we slightly tighten the trucks, but the highlight of the board is definitely its responsiveness. For a long AT board, the Ranger X5 is very easy to turn, thanks to the double kingpin trucks. I’d say responsiveness and maneuverability are what separates the Ranger X5 from budget all-terrain boards like the Meepo City Rider 3 and Tynee Explorer. Carving on the Ranger X5 is a lot more enjoyable and a lot more fun to ride.

And I don’t know if I still need to say this, but the speed control is perfect as Hobbywing ESC tends to be. Perfectly smooth acceleration and braking across all speed modes. No surprise here.

Verdict – Should you buy the Backfire Ranger X5:

It’s kinda funny that while the Ranger X5 is a great ride, what sets it apart is outside of the riding experience. It is a handsome-looking board with lights that call for attention. It has a stress-free ownership experience that can’t be said the same for many better and pricier boards.

I think for many casual riders who want a board with big wheels, getting the Ranger X5 makes a lot of sense. And I’d even extend the recommendation to the Ranger X3. Although we haven’t tried the $1,099 Ranger X3, its similarity to the X5 makes us pretty confident that it’s too a great option, a better board even, for those who don’t see the value in paying extra for the X5 for its polished and the looks.

If you are interested in buying the Backfire, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $5 off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!

May 11, 2024May 11, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Maxfind FF Pro Review – A Pretty Face

So, we are reviewing another Maxfind, the Maxfind FF Pro.

Maxfind has made a good few boards in their FF series, including the FF Plus, FF Belt, and FF AT. Today, we’re checking out the latest edition of the series, the $799 Maxfind FF Pro. Despite the “pro” naming, the FF Pro is actually the lowest-spec variant of the Maxfind FF series.

Maxfind FF Pro Specs:

Price	$799
Battery	SAMSUNG 12S3P 29E, 8.7Ah, 376Wh, 48V
Controller	HOBBYWING V5.0 FOC
Top Speed	28 Mph (45 Kph)
Range	27 Miles (45 Km)
Deck	X-composite + Glass Fiber
Motor	1000W*2 Hub drive
Net Weight	24 Lbs (11 Kg)

Deck – X-composite + Glass Fiber:

Starting with the deck, the Maxfind FF Pro kept the same X composite and fiberglass deck as the FF Street and the FF Belt, which is now a staple in the FF series design. The deck is wide and features a good concave for secure foot placement, just like its predecessors. It’s also a double drop deck design, which is well known for its stability and decreased riding height.

We like the rubber grip tape, as it doesn’t snag on fabrics or damage them. Another thing that sets the Maxfind FF apart is its top-accessible built-in electronics compartment, which allows easy access for hot-swapping the battery and gives it a sleek, unibody look.

Battery – SAMSUNG 12S3P 29E, 8.7Ah, 376Wh, 48V:

Photo of Maxfind FF Pro battery enclosure

Speaking of hot-swappable batteries, the FF Pro is powered by a hefty 376Wh Samsung Battery with a 12s3p configuration. While we love the convenience of the easy access battery compartment this does cause risk for water seeping in from the top.

The FF Pro is marketed to have a range of up to 27 miles (45 km) and in our tests, we managed to make it to 17 miles (27.5 km) with a 196 lbs (89 kg) rider.

ESC and Remote – Hobbywing 5.0:

Moving onto the ESC, Maxfind made no changes and stuck with the tried and true Hobbywing 5.0 ESC, which has never failed to deliver buttery smooth and intuitive control for both acceleration and braking. It comes with four-speed settings and is paired with a standard remote with an OLED display that allows you to customize your riding profile.

Motor – 1000W*2 Hub Motors:

Next, the FF Pro comes with massive 1000W dual hub motors which are marketed to have a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph) and when we took it to the streets we managed to rack up 23.6 mph (38 kph) on a windy day which is no short of impressive especially for a board that costs under $800.

Trucks and Wheels – Double KingPin Trucks and 3.8” Poly Wheels:

As for the trucks, the FF Pro sticks with the same Double KingPin Trucks as the FF Street.

The FF Pro comes with basic 3.8-inch poly wheels but you can easily switch them out for some Cloud Wheels for a smoother ride.

With a weight of 24 lbs. (11 kg), the board is considerably light for the battery it’s packing. It also has an ergonomic handle that you can use to conveniently pull it about when you’re not riding.

Specs Summary of the Maxfind FF Pro:

To sum up, competition is pretty stiff in the $799 range, and most boards at this price are belt-driven. Boards like the Propel Pivot S have similar specs but fare better and are much stronger with a powerful pair of belt motors. To give Maxfind some credit, if you’re a fan of hub motors, then there aren’t a lot of options at this price point. A couple of the more notable competitors are the Wowgo Pioneer 4 and the Backfire G5, both of which have slightly lower specs and retail for around $550.

Enough with the on-paper comparison, let’s hit the road and talk about how the board rides.

Riding Experience of the Maxfind FF Pro:

The overarching theme of the FF Pro is that it’s a well-rounded ride that has no significant shortcomings but, at the same time, lacks any standout moments.. The speed control is nice and comfortable, as expected from the Hobbywing ESC. Stability is quite solid, but we can’t say the same for its power, which is about average at best. The double kingpin truck’s ability to carve is pretty mediocre as its turning radius isn’t that great, but just okay-ish. We had trouble doing sharp u-turns, and its return-to-center is also quite lacking. This could be improved, perhaps, by replacing the bushings.

We think, in this case, Maxfind could’ve gone with their standard Reverse Kingpin trucks, which were pretty good and would’ve done a far better job here. Ride comfort was alright, thanks to the board’s wide and long deck with its nice concave. The grip tape is definitely a plus, and the deck’s flexibility helps dampen the road vibrations, which is a blessing when you purchase anything hub-driven.

Verdict – Is the Maxfind FF Pro any good?

So what’s the verdict? Well, it’s not our favorite board, as we at ElectricskateboardHQ love specs and performance and care a little bit less about the looks of the board.

With that said, we think the Maxfind FF Pro has a good look, and the hot-swappable battery feature is definitely a plus. While the specs and performance weren’t exactly top of the class, they are decent enough to justify the price. If you are looking for a hub-driven electric longboard that has the look, the FF Pro may suit your taste.

And, if you’re a fan of the looks but aren’t quite satisfied with the features the Maxind FF Pro has to offer, you could always look into the many other variants in the FF series with similar decks and looks but different prices and configurations.

March 21, 2024April 2, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Acedeck Nomad N3 Review – Very Different.

Acedeck has released a new board called the Nomad N3. The standard Nomad N3 is available for $1899, while an elite model with a larger battery costs $2199.

Compared to Acedeck’s own Nyx series, the Nomad series seems to receive less attention. My guess is that this is the case since the Nomad initially appears to be simply another AT board in an extremely competitive market.

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When we took a closer look, we realized the Nomad N3 is probably the most unique AT board in the market right now.

Acedeck Nomad N3 Specs:

Price	$1899 – $2199
Battery	1554Wh 14s6p Samsung1304Wh 14s6p Molicel P42A
Controller	Custom Acedeck ESC
Top Speed	37 Mph (60 Kph)
Range	55 Miles (90 km)43 Miles (70 km)
Deck	Multi-layer composite deck
Motor	6890 150KV 7500W2 for N3 Elite6384 150KV 4500W2 for standard N3
Net Weight	44.3lbs (20.1kg)

Deck – Multi Layer Composite Deck:

Starting with the deck, Nomad is the only production eskate we know of with a split-angle deck. We just love to have something different than a typical double-drop deck, which everybody else is going with right now. With the split-angle deck, the front of the deck angles upwards to increase steering ability, and the back of the deck curves downwards to increase stability. We’re curious as to why there aren’t more boards on the market that use split-angle decks because people seem to really love the Nomad N1’s deck.

The deck material is a multi-layer composite of carbon fiber, maple, fiberglass, and bamboo.

Compared to the previous Nomad N1, the deck is somewhat wider on the N3. It also has a nice W concave on it, and we were told that it is less pronounced than the previous N1 to make it more comfortable to stand on.

The deck is pretty stiff, as stiff as a typical carbon fiber deck. It uses foam-layered grip tape that gives it a more serious and purposeful look. Acedeck also included the N1 version of grip tape in the box, in case that suits your taste better. There are also accent lights on the front and side of the deck, which can be turned on and off using the remote.

ESC and Remote – Custom Acedeck ESC:

As for the ESC, the Nomad N3 is paired with a 14s custom ESC, which, if we have to guess, was based on the tried and true Hobbywing ESC. It comes with four-speed settings and a smart turn-on feature. It’s paired with an Acedeck customized remote with a screen for telemetry where the board power, top, speed, acceleration curve, braking, and even the lights under the deck can be customized through the remote menu.

Battery – 1304Wh or 1554Wh 14s6p battery:

Moving on to the battery, you can choose between the standard version, which is powered by a 1304Wh 14s6p Molicel P42A, or the Elite version, which is powered by a 1554Wh 14s6p Samsung battery, which is almost twice the battery capacity of the Nomad N1. The standard version is marketed to have a range of up to 43 miles (70 km), and the Elite version its marketed range is up to 55 miles (90 km).

It took us a long while to complete the range test, and we got 41 miles (66km) riding fast.

Motor – 150kV Gear Drive System:

Powering this Nomad N3 is a gear drive system similar to the one on the Nyx Z3 with a gear ratio of 1:4. From our experience with the Nyx Z3, we already know that they are both powerful and have amazing torque. They are also regularly quiet compared to other gear drive systems on the market which isn’t something you see every day.

It is also worth mentioning that this new gear drive system is about 30% more compact, which translates to higher ground clearance, especially when compared to some belt drives.

We prefer gear drive systems over belt drive systems, as there’s no need for belt maintenance. Also, since this drive system is completely enclosed, it is protected from dust and debris, which makes for hassle-free off-road riding.

Gear drives are also more efficient in terms of power delivery, so they tend to get more mileage out of the battery.

The Nomad N3 is marketed to have a top speed of 37mph+ (60kph+), which is higher than boards like the Propel Endeavors2 Pro or the Meepo Vader. In our top speed test, we managed to hit 34 mph (55 kph), but some other reviewers had gotten 36mph (58 kph) and you can increase the top speed further by upgrading to 8-inch tires.

Trucks and Wheels – Precision True Kingpin Trucks and 8” AT Wheels:

Next, for the trucks, the Nomad N3 uses precision TKP trucks, which are marketed to have the turning radius of a Double King Pin truck combined with the Traditional Kinpin truck’s stability. They also redesigned the bridge angles and hanger, which are CNC machined and the axles are still 10mm, for improved durability.

We also like the bullbar protection system, which gives the board a distinct, almost military look. You can use it to ram into others during battle, and during peacetime, it doubles as a handle for you to pull this hefty board around.

The Nomad N3 comes pre-installed with 92A bushings, which are pretty soft. If the truck feels too soft for you, you can always swap it for the stiffer 98A bushings. Acedeck also includes thicker bushing cups, which can give you an even stiffer setup.

It’s also good to note that the wheel hubs are also CNC machined, much unlike regular plastic hubs you’d see on the market.

There is also an 1100-lumens integrated light system in the works

Specs Summary of the Nomad N3:

Acedeck has always produced beautiful boards, and this one exudes luxury.

What is surprising for us is that if you look around the market, $1899 usually gets you a board with a 14s4p battery or less. So, despite presumably spending a good amount of money on R&D and using exclusively high-quality parts, the Nomad N3 still manages to outbid rivals on pricing.

Riding Experience Nomad N3:

One of the first things we notice when riding the Nomad N3 is how nimble it is, which is surprising for such a heavy board. The split deck system, plus this new TKP truck, is a big game changer. It’s really responsive and easy to turn, might even be a bit too loose right out of the box. We tightened it up a little to make it just right for us.

With this split deck system, the front truck is responsive and has the turning radius of double kingpin trucks, yet it feels more stable than your average double kingpin truck.

The carving was really fun on the Nomad N3, too, which is no small feat for a 44.3 lbs board with AT wheels. A lot more fun than other big AT boards for sure.

And it didn’t compromise stability either. Having a split-angled deck also means the back trucks of the boards are stable and, hence, won’t give you speed wobble. We feel very comfortable going top speed with it. The W-concave also makes our feet feel secure.

The Nomad N3 has the same motors and likely the same ESC as the Nyx Z3, and the speed control, torque, and power are very similar. The torque on the Nomad N3 is super strong, and you will feel the high-voltage system in action. The acceleration is quick and punchy and can effortlessly get you to the top speed. Acedeck did a beautiful job configuring the speed control, and even though the acceleration is rapid and strong, it wasn’t harsh and didn’t have the jolt that many boards with LingYi ESC might have. The braking is equally smooth but strong, and those who like strong brakes would definitely be happy about this.

Another thing about the Nomad N3 is that despite having a rigid deck, the large all-terrain wheels and foam grip tape helped to reduce most, if not all, of the vibrations from the road.

Verdict – Acedeck Nomad N3:

To us, the Acedeck Nomad N3 is like a Sport SUV. It is mainly for urban commuting or even racing, but it can certainly handle some off-road riding. The thing we love most about it is definitely how nimble it is, making it possible to ride on sidewalks or amongst foot traffic.

You can hardly find another board that has this blend of power, comfort, stability, and responsiveness, just like you can hardly find a board this well built, well specced for only $1899.

Our only regret here is that we already made a list of the Best Electric Skateboard of the Year, and it’s too late to put this one in.

If you are interested in buying the Acedeck, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $5 off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!