belt-driven Archives - Page 2 of 9 - Electric Skateboard HQ

April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Veymax Mini Monster Review

Today, we’re reviewing the Veymax Mini Monster, a $759 electric shortboard from a smaller brand.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with electric skateboards, a quick search will tell you that the electric shortboard market is packed, especially in the $500-$1000 price range. That means the Veymax Mini Monster has its work cut out for it.

But first, let’s run through the specs and see what your $759 gets you.

Veymax Mini Monster Specs:

Price	$759
Battery	403Wh Samsung 40T battery504Wh Samsung 50S battery
Controller	Custom 14S Hobbywing ESC:
Top Speed	32 mph (52 km/h)
Range	28 miles (45 km)
Deck	8-ply Canadian maple and fiberglass
Motor	Dual 3000W belt motors

Deck – 8-ply Canadian maple and fiberglass.

Starting with the deck, the Veymax Mini Monster features an 8-ply Canadian maple construction with a layer of fiberglass.

It’s a pretty typical shortboard deck, measuring 30 inches long and 9.6 inches wide. It has a functional kicktail, which is always a plus. Veymax has also pre-installed a tail puck, a nice touch that wasn’t common a few years ago but is now almost expected.

It also has a mild concave, which is nothing too crazy here.

Battery – 403Wh Samsung 40T or 504Wh Samsung 50S battery:

Next up, let’s talk about the battery. The Veymax Mini Monster comes in two battery variants, so you can choose one that fits your needs and best suits your budget

The $759 standard version comes with a 403Wh battery using Samsung 40T cells. This setup gives a range of 28 miles (45 km), but for an extra $200, you can upgrade to the 504Wh Samsung 50S battery for more range.

What’s interesting is that Veymax decided to follow the recent trend of premium electric shortboards and go with a 14s2p configuration instead of arranging the same number of cells in a 10s3p configuration, which would give the board a higher Ah. This means they would prefer the Mini Monster to have monster power and no voltage sag rather than maximizing the range.

Meanwhile, lesser-known brands that are trying to break into the market often configure their boards with higher AH ratings and range figures, as first-time e-skate buyers tend to focus on numbers on specs sheets —without realizing that power and torque don’t show up on the spec sheet.

So, I’m happy to see Veymax using a 114-volt battery. This at least means that we can take them seriously. Plus, as far as we know, the only other shortboard with a 114-volt battery is Tynee’s flagship, The Tynee Mini 3 Max——and that thing is a rocket.

Motor – Dual 3000W belt motors:

Photo of Veymax Mini Monster belt motors

All that battery power flows into a pair of 5255 3000W motors. These motors are 140KV, and for those unfamiliar, lower KV ratings mean better torque.

The belt-drive system features a 2.4:1 gear reduction.

With a top speed of 32 mph (52 km/h), the Mini Monster isn’t the fastest shortboard out there, but it’s still faster than what most riders would ever need from a board this size.

And the ride performance is pretty much as expected. The combination of a high-voltage 14S battery, large motors, and a 140KV setup gives the Veymax Mini Monster the monstrous torque it was clearly named after. It launches from a standstill very fast, which is an absolute thrill.

However, what’s more noteworthy here is that the board has extraordinarily strong brakes—strong and sharp, stronger than any other electric shortboard that we’ve tested.

Trucks – 8-inch, 45-degree RKP trucks

Veymax uses 8-inch, 45-degree reverse kingpin cast trucks with CNC finishing.

Most electric shortboards use narrower 7-inch trucks unless they are specifically designed for high-speed stability—in which case, they use 8-inch trucks, like the Tynee Mini 3 Max.

We generally prefer wider trucks on shortboards. Wider trucks give a shortboard the stability of a longboard at high speeds, while the shorter wheelbase keeps it agile and easy to turn.

And, of course, you can always kick-turn for the tightest turns.

There’s no way we’d ride a shortboard at 30 mph on 7-inch trucks.

ESC and Remote – Custom 14S Hobbywing ESC:

For the ESC, Veymax went with a custom 14S Hobbywing ESC.

If you’ve ridden a Hobbywing-powered board before, you know what to expect—buttery smooth acceleration and precise braking. It also has a smart power-on feature, meaning the board turns on automatically when you power up the remote.

This ESC also allows for advanced customization, either through the mobile app or directly on the remote.

Wheels – 90 x 60 mm, 78A durometer or 105mm Cozy Wheels

The base Mini Monster has 90mm 78A wheels, while the upgraded version features 105mm PU wheels, which Veymax calls Cozy Wheels. We’re not familiar with these wheels, but larger wheels can be useful or those looking for higher top speeds and better safety on rough roads,

The 90mm 78A wheels are fairly standard—similar to the stock 90mm wheels used by most major brands today.

Specs Summary of Veymax Mini Monster

For mid-market electric shortboards around $759, the Tynee Mini 3 Pro sets the standard.

The Veymax Mini Monster enters the scene with competitive specs but ups the ante with a 14S2P Samsung 40T battery, compared to the 13S2P Molicel in the Tynee Mini 3 Pro.

It seems Veymax is following Tynee’s proven formula of building a torquey and powerful electric shortboard while adding its own small twists—a 14S battery instead of 13S, wider 8-inch trucks, and different wheel options. Tynee does have the Tynee Mini 3 Max, which also features a 14S battery and wide 8-inch trucks, but with the added advantage of forged and CNC-finished trucks and a gear-drive system—though it comes at a higher price of $959.

As you can see, Veymax is taking a lot of inspiration from the two Tynees there.
The main drawback is that Veymax is still a lesser-known brand. However, that’s less of a concern because it uses proven components like Samsung battery cells, a Hobbywing ESC, and Hobbywing motors. The board is also well-built and relatively portable, at 19 lbs (8.6 kg).

Riding experience of Veymax Mini Monster

It’s become a trend to make electric shortboards with extreme torque, and Veymax seems to have gotten the memo.

The Mini Monster rockets off the start line, likely thanks to its low KV motors and high-voltage battery. In fact, it’s the second most powerful shortboard we’ve tested, just behind the $200 pricier Tynee Mini 3 Max. The acceleration is incredibly fast and thrilling—most riders probably won’t go full throttle from a standstill, but just knowing that much power is available at a flick of the throttle is exciting.

To handle the high torque and power, the trucks are configured for straight-line stability out of the box. Perhaps because we are lightweight Asians, it took more effort to lean and get the board turning. We ended up loosening the trucks slightly to make carving easier.

Otherwise, the wider trucks help compensate for the short wheelbase, adding stability at higher speeds.

Aside from that, the other aspect of the ride is pretty standard. The Hobbywing ESC delivers smooth and intuitive speed control, while road vibrations are as harsh as expected from a shortboard with 90mm wheels.

Verdict of the Veymax Mini Monster

The Veymax Mini Monster is a well-built board with specs and a riding experience that holds its own against other shortboards on the market.

It’s a solid choice for those who want more kick and range than a $500 budget board but aren’t ready to shell out $900–$1,000 for a luxury ride. If you’re looking for a little more bite without breaking the bank, the Mini Monster might just be the beast for you.

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!

February 1, 2025February 1, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Meepo Edge Review – Highly recommended.

In November 2024, Meepo finally launched its first pair of affordable belt-driven electric skateboards: the Meepo Go and the Meepo Edge. Both of which are priced at just over $500.

We’ve already reviewed the longboard Meepo Go, so now it’s time to take a look at the Meepo Edge.

Meepo Edge Specs:

Price	$519
Battery	12S2P 345Wh battery using 21700 cells
Controller	JK ESC
Top Speed	26 mph (42 km/h)
Range	20 miles (32 km)
Deck	30” Bamboo and fiberglass composite
Motor	Dual 1500W 4230 belt motors

Deck – 30” Bamboo and fibreglass composite:

Starting with the deck, the Meepo Edge features a 30-inch deck with a mild concave. It comes with a kicktail with a pre-installed braking pad, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the tail when doing kick turns and tail brakes.

The deck is made of a bamboo and fibreglass composite, and we really like its simple, sleek design.

Battery – 12S2P 345Wh:

Next, let’s discuss the battery. The Meepo Edge is powered by a 12S2P 345Wh battery using 21700 cells, the same as the Meepo Go. This is also the same ER battery pack used in the Meepo V5 and Mini 5.

The marketed range is 20 miles (32 km), which is much more than the 10 miles (16 km) we’ve come to expect from a typical $400 entry-level electric skateboard. It also has a bit more juice than some other $500 boards.

It’s surprising to me that Meepo included a bigger battery instead of the typical 18650 cells and kept the price below $500. I thought that would have made the Meepo Edge easier to sell as an entry-level electric shortboard. However, it seems Meepo wanted to ensure that the board had enough power to accommodate heavier riders.

Speaking of which, let’s talk about power.

Motor – Dual 1500W 4230 belt motors:

The battery powers dual 1500W motors.

These 4230 motors can reach a top speed of 26 mph (42 km/h), which is pretty average for boards at this price. The board effortlessly achieves this speed.

That being said, it does also have this one annoying feature: the top two of the four-speed modes are locked for the first 6 miles (10 km) of riding as part of a mandatory “practice mode.” Unfortunately, there’s no way to bypass it. We’re hoping they remove this “feature” in the future.

But what’s nice about the Meepo Edge is not the top speed but the torque, which, for most people, is the biggest reason to upgrade from hub drives to belt drives. The board takes off quickly, is zappy, and is very fun to ride. Going uphill is practically effortless.

Most brands now prioritize torque over high-top speed, and we absolutely agree with that. Having more torque is also more fun and practical.

ESC and Remote – JK ESC:

For the ESC, the Meepo Edge uses the JK ESC, a new ESC developed by the ex-chief engineer of Hobbywing. Unsurprisingly, there are many similarities between the two. Both ESCs also have 4-speed modes and smart power-on features, where turning on the remote will automatically power on the board.

The new JK ESC also pairs with a new remote that is different from the typical Hobbywing or Lingyi remote. Some of the differences we didn’t like, for example, switching speed modes by double-pressing the power button do feel odd. But it’s a minor issue. What really matters is the speed control, and in our tests, the JK ESC is just as perfect as the Hobbywing ESC. Acceleration and braking are both super smooth and super precise. New riders will find this a very easy board to learn.

Wheels – Orangatang Kegel wheels:

Speaking of acceleration, it feels sharp—partly thanks to the quote-unquote “smaller” 80mm wheels.

Meepo currently equips the Edge with orange Orangatang Kegel wheels, which have made a name for themselves in the community. They are soft, grippy, and a joy to ride on. Meepo may or may not change the wheels in the future, but we certainly hope they stick with these.

For those who want bigger wheels for rougher terrain, the Meepo Edge is compatible with Meepo Cyclone 105mm and 110mm wheels.

Trucks – 7-inch, 45-degree reverse kingpin truck:

As for the trucks, the Meepo Edge uses a familiar 7-inch, 45-degree reverse kingpin truck.

We recently tested the Tynee Mini 3 Max, which features wider 8-inch trucks optimized for speed and stability. In contrast, Meepo seems to have prioritized responsiveness and agility for the Edge with its standard 7-inch trucks—and that’s exactly what we experienced.

The board is easy to turn and fun to carve on. However, beginners might find it wobbly at high speeds unless they tighten the trucks.

That said, we’re fully on board with this configuration. Most people want a shortboard to be agile. If you’re chasing high speeds, you’d probably opt for a longboard or an all-terrain board.

Verdict of the Meepo Edge

At $519, the Meepo Edge stands out as the most affordable belt-driven electric shortboard on the market. If you’re considering shortboards with similar specs, you’d be looking at the Tynee Mini 3 or the Exway Wave Riot, both of which cost over $700.

Beyond being a fantastic value, the Meepo Edge is also a solid ride. It has enough power for heavier riders, is nimble and agile for urban commuting, and offers smooth control for first-time e-skaters.

Meepo Edge is a fun board to ride and an easy product to recommend.

Unless you’re looking for something highly specialized—like extreme top speeds or extraordinary range—the Meepo Edge should suit nine out of ten people who are looking for a shortboard.

If you are interested in buying the Meepo, 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!

December 27, 2024January 17, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Meepo Go Review – Affordable belt-driven electric skateboard

Meepoboard is the OG affordable electric skateboard brand that has shaped today’s eskate scene, so we were quite puzzled that it took them until now to introduce their affordable belt-driven electric longboard. But finally, in November 2024, they released the Meepo Go and the Meepo Edge, a pair of belt-driven electric longboards and shortboards priced at just over $500.

Today, we’ll be looking at the Meepo Go, the longboard, and as usual, let’s dive into the specs.

Meepo Go Specs:

Price	$519
Battery	12S2P 345Wh battery using 21700 cells
Controller	JK ESC
Top Speed	28 Mph (45 Kph)
Range	20 miles (32 km)
Deck	Bamboo and Fibreglass Composite
Motor	Dual 1500w 4230 Belt Motors

Deck – Bamboo and Fiberglass Composite:

Starting with the deck, the Meepo Go features a simple design with a handle cut-out. Unfortunately, this downgrades the board, giving it a slightly cheap vibe, but it’s undoubtedly a practical feature.

The deck is made of Bamboo and Fiberglass composite, which isn’t as flexible as the material implied. It only has a mild flex and a rather subtle concave.

Battery – 12S2P 345Wh battery using 21700 cells:

Next, for the battery, Meepo Go is powered by a 12S2P 345Wh battery using 21700 cells which is the same ER battery pack used in the $499 Meepo V5 ER.

It has a marketed range of 20 miles (32 km), much more than the 10 miles (16km) we expected from a typical $400 entry-level electric skateboard and on par with the range of other $500 boards. As always, the actual range depends on rider weight, terrain, and how hard you ride.

ESC and Remote – JK ESC

The ESC is where it gets interesting. Most e-skates run on either Hobbywing or LingYi ESCs, but Meepo decided to introduce a new competitor: the JK ESC. The ex-chief engineer of Hobbywing developed this ESC, so it’s no surprise it behaves very similarly to Hobbywing ESCs.

The JK ESC includes a smart power-on feature, where turning on the remote powers up the board, and comes with four-speed modes. However, the top two speed modes are locked for the first 6 miles (10 km) of riding — a mandatory “practice mode” with no bypass. This is annoying, and we hope they eventually drop this “feature” in the future.

The remote also takes some getting used to, as it operates a bit differently from other ESCs. For instance, switching speed modes requires double-pressing the power button, which isn’t our preferred method but isn’t a major issue either.

Motor – Dual 1500w 4230 Belt Motors

As for the motors, the Meepo Go is equipped with dual 1500W 4230 belt motors which are marketed at a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), which is pretty standard for boards in this price range. And we have no problem hitting 28mph with our board.

Trucks And Wheels – 7” 45 degree Reverse Kingpin Shredder Trucks With 90mm Wheels

The board uses Meepo’s 7-inch 45-degree reverse kingpin Shredder trucks with 100A bushings. We are familiar with Shredder trucks, as Meepo puts them in most of their boards. They are good and give a good balance between stability and maneuverability.

The wheels are standard 90mm with a 76A durometer and we have nothing much to say about them.

Specs Summary of the Meepo Go

We initially thought Meepo would aim to make the Meepo Go the most affordable belt-driven electric longboard, but we were wrong. Instead of stripping down the specs to the bare minimum and creating a belt-driven version of the $359 Meepo V5, the Meepo Go is based on the $499 Meepo V5 ER, featuring the same upgraded 21700 battery.

The rest of the components are familiar—while not particularly exciting, they have proven to be reliable and contribute to a solid riding experience which we will dive into next.

Riding Experience on the Meepo Go

When it comes to riding, the Meepo Go is a practical and straightforward board.

Let’s first talk about the new guy in town, the JK ESC. This JK ESC actually feels indistinguishable from Hobbywing ESCs, which means perfectly smooth acceleration and perfectly smooth braking. Everybody loves Hobbywing ESC, and hence, everybody will love this JK ESC. New riders will definitely find this an easy board to learn.

The second focus we have for this board would be these belt motors. And they are alright. They deliver strong torque—better than any hub—but nothing to write home about. For those who are considering between hub drives and belt drives, definitely get belt drives unless you are allergic to belt maintenance. Belt drives have better torque, better battery efficiency when going uphill, and a smoother ride on rough roads. When all else is equal, there is little reason to pick a hub drive over belts.

Belt drives also kick off from a stop stronger, which is the best feeling on an electric skateboard, and they get to the top speed faster.
On Meepo Go, we reached its top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) easily, but staying there is a bit sketchy, and we blame it on the lack of a pronounced deck concave. We felt less sure about where our feet were.

Otherwise, the Shredder trucks did their job well. They are stable and have a good return to center. Shredder trucks have a pretty good balance between maneuverability and stability. Carving is smooth and fun, but it would have been more fun had the deck been more flexible, but that’s just my personal preference.

Verdict of the Meepo Go

Overall, what you get from the Meepo Go is reflected well by the vibe of its name — simple and utilitarian.

It’s not the cheapest belt-driven electric longboard out there, though Meepo could’ve achieved that by using a smaller 12S2P 18650 battery and pricing it at $450. However, instead of cutting corners and potentially leaving some riders dissatisfied, the Meepo Go comes with a setup that packs enough power and battery to meet the needs of even the most demanding riders.

While not at all fancy and maybe a little bit boring, it’s an inoffensive board and a safe buy for anyone looking for an entry-level belt-driven electric longboard.

December 8, 2024February 1, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Wowgo Pioneer X5 Review – Unexpected!

The Wowgo Pioneer X5 is a prototypical street-wheeled $1000 flagship electric skateboard, which comes with a lot more power, battery, and bells and whistles than the Pioneer X4, a mid-range board selling at $579.

Judging by the look and the $979 to $1079 price tag, it was designed to be the latest rival to the Backfire Zealot X and Meepo Voyager Limited, which all look especially similar at night with the board lights on.

But first, let’s get into the specs.

Wowgo Pioneer X5 Specs:

Price	$979 – $1079
Battery	504wh 14s2p 58.8v Samsung 50s Cell
Controller	Hobbywing 14s ESC
Top Speed	34 Mph (55 Kph)
Range	22 miles (35 km)
Deck	8-Ply Canadian Maple And Fiberglass Composite
Motor	Dual 2500w 6368 160kv Belt Motors

Deck – 8-Ply Canadian Maple And Fiberglass Composite:

Starting with the deck, the Pioneer X5 deck is composed of an 8-ply Canadian maple and fiberglass composite, with a prominent concave similar to that of the Exway Flex. The deck is also layered with padded foam grip tape which helps dampen road vibrations. The deck has a medium flex—more than the Backfire Zealot X and about as much as the Meepo Voyager.

Battery – 504wh 14s2p 58.8v Samsung 50s Cell:

Next, the Pioneer X5 is powered by a 504Wh 58.8V Samsung 50s cell battery with a 14s2p configuration, an interesting choice as it’s similar to the 14s2p on the Zealot X but has eight fewer cells than the 12s3p on the Meepo Voyager Limited. It’s marketed at a range of 22 miles (35 km) and we managed to hit just that in our tests.

ESC and Remote – Hobbywing 14s:

As for the ESC, Wowgo sticks with the golden standard Hobbywing 14s ESC which is paired with a standard OLED remote. Unless you’re a newbie to the eskate scene, you’d know that the Hobbywing ESC provides smooth and intuitive control, from rocketing off from a standstill to buttery-smooth braking. The X5 Pro also comes with the Tuya Smart App so you can customize your ride profile on your smartphone, including key settings such as top speed, acceleration, and braking power.

Motor – Dual 2500w 6368 160kv Belt Motors:

Next, the Pioneer X5 runs on some hefty dual 2500W 6368 160KV belt Motors and Wowgo came up with a unique design choice and put covers over the belt drive, which is something you’d usually see on gear drive motors, which protects them from dust and debris. The board provides substantial power and is marketed to hit a top speed of 34mph (55 kph), which we managed to reach when we took it to the streets.

Trucks – 45-Degree Casting Trucks Or 50-Degree Cnc Trucks:

Moving onto the trucks, the X5 offers two options: 45-degree casting trucks for $979 or 50-degree CNC trucks for an extra $100. Wowgo sent us the 50-degree CNC truck option to review. These are 50° CNC aluminum reverse kingpin precision trucks that are quite wide at 9.2 inches. For reference, 8-inch trucks are more common with builds like this, and the extra width significantly impacts the ride profile, as we’ll explain later.

For those who don’t need the extra durability and peace of mind provided by CNC trucks, you can save $100 with the cast truck variant for $979. However, for a board that can go 34 mph, we recommend the CNC trucks for safety. An interesting feature of the X5 Pro’s truck setup is the difference in base plate angles: the Pro model has a 50° angle, while the standard version has a 45° angle.

A 50-degree truck should turn more sharply and quickly than a 45-degree truck if all else is kept equal. If you are getting a Pioneer X5, just get the CNC 50-degree trucks. The reason will become quite clear later.

Wheels – 105mm Galaxy Cloudwheels:

Next, the Pioneer X5 uses 105mm Galaxy Cloudwheels, different from other 105mm wheels like Madwheelz 105 or Cloudwheel Discovery. This was our first experience with the Cloudwheel Galaxy, which seems to have a larger contact patch and is grippier than the Discovery Cloudwheels, though a bit less soft.

Lights:

The board also integrates an LED lighting system that emits a bright orange glow and flashes when braking, adding both style and safety for night riding. The LEDs give off a distinct orange glow, bright enough to turn heads during daylight but truly shining during low-light and nighttime rides.

In terms of functionality, the LED system offers three modes: constant, breathing, and flashing. These are no ordinary LEDs; the board uses COB (Chip-On-Board) LEDs, which are densely packed, offering much more intense light than typical LED strips you’d find online. But they do drain your battery, so to maximize range, you might want to tone down the light show.

Specs Summary of the Wowgo Pioneer X5

It’s clear that the WowGo Pioneer X5 isn’t competing on price, as there are many $1000 boards with 12s3p or even 12s4p batteries, similarly powerful motors, forged trucks, and branded wheels. That being said, on specs alone, it is still on par with the likes of Backfire Zealot X, one of the most popular boards for this price.

It certainly has a complete spec sheet that promises a great—if not unique—ride, so let’s discuss that next.

Ride Experience on the Wowgo Pioneer X5

As we said before, the Pioneer X5 was built with power in mind. From our experience, its torque and power rivals even the likes of the Meepo Voyager X Limited, which in turn feels more powerful than the Backfire Zealot X. And this was done on purpose as the board was set up specifically to harness that power.

This power is firstly complemented by the board’s stability with the choice of wider 9.2-inch trucks, which, as we mentioned, are significantly wider than the 8-inch trucks found on Meepo and Backfire counterparts. Secondly, thanks to the Hobbywing ESC, the Pioneer X5 delivers very intuitive and smooth speed control and is paired with the grippy 105mm wheels that keep you secure on rougher roads. This 14s Hobbywing is certainly tuned to maximize power. And powerful it is, you will need to brace yourself for the acceleration that the board has to offer.

Next, the deck’s medium flex isn’t bouncy enough to feel unstable at high speeds, and the pronounced concave helps us lock our feet onto the deck while going fast.

We are pretty surprised that Wowgo packed so much power on the X5. It felt more powerful than Zealot X, and Meepo Voyager Limited, and those boards are already extremely powerful.

Click here to read our review of the Meepo Voyager Limited

Click here to read our review of the Backfire Zealot X

We are especially surprised because this was not what Wowgo tends to do. When we talk about packing a lot of heat on the board, we typically think of Meepo, and perhaps Tynee with their shortboards, but this is the first time a Wowgo board went in this direction.

However, this power-oriented setup also means the board isn’t exactly made for carving. Despite the 50-degree trucks, the turning radius is still wide, and the board isn’t very nimble with turns. Rider weight might make a difference: most of our team weighs 154 lbs and found the board hard to turn, while one of our 198 lbs friends found it quite manageable. We think the 9.2-inch trucks might be overkill, making the board too stable and not maneuverable enough, but we heard switching to softer bushings can help with this.

As for road feel, the 105mm Galaxy wheels are decent at handling vibrations. Unlike the Cloudwheel Discovery which has a foam core, the 105mm Galaxy feels harder and takes away less vibration. Luckily, the wheels aren’t working alone here. The flexible deck and the foam grip tape all contribute in making the board comfortable even when the road conditions are otherwise.

Verdict – Wowgo Pioneer X5

We are a bit saddened that Wowgo chose not to stick with the ride profile that started with the WowGo X3 and continued with the Pioneer X4. Those predecessors were known for silky smooth ride and buttery smooth carving, emphasizing softer wheels, more flexible deck, and very responsive trucks. Instead, for the Pioneer X5, Wowgo took a different turn entirely making it an absolute beast. It has one of, if not the most powerful acceleration amongst its competitors. And to cater to power, it uses wide trucks that keep you straight and steady. With that said, we see Wowgo Pioneer X5 as a board best for a smaller set of people—those who want extreme power while prioritizing stability or, in other words, those who want a board that beats even Meepo in the thrill game.

If you are interested in buying the Wowgo, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $15 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!

November 5, 2024August 9, 2025 by Paxson Lim

OMW Hussar Review – $999, but rides like $1999

The OMW Hussar is a board that starts at $999 and is almost entirely customizable from the board’s flexibility, the trucks, and the different wheel options to build a ride that suits your needs.

OMW’s is having Black Friday sale starting on 1st November.
Cavalry boards will enjoy a $200 off and Hussar boards will enjoy a $100 off, compared to the original discounted price.

It means:
– Cavalry board with forged truck will be $1099,
– Cavalry board with CNC truck will be $1249;
– Hussar board with forged truck will be $899,
– Hussar board with CNC truck will be $1109.
(All with stock in USA. The discount code “EskateHQ” can be also used, which means extra $30 off for all the boards, enjoy!)

OMW Hussar Specs:

Price	Starts at $999
Battery	12s3p 21700 648Wh 21700 Samsung 50S battery
Controller	12s Hobbywing ESC
Top Speed	34 mph (55 kph)
Range	37.3 miles (60 km)
Deck	Carbon Fiber deck
Motor	6374 x2 / 165kv / Max Power – 3500W
Weight	33 lbs (15 kg)

Deck – Carbon Fiber Deck:

Starting with the deck, OMW is known for making carbon fiber decks that are actually flexible, as seen previously with the OMW Cavalry. The carbon fiber deck is not only relatively lightweight but should also be more durable than a bamboo composite deck. It features a double drop deck design with a wide concave.

As mentioned in the intro, the flexibility of the deck is customizable. Riders have three flex options to choose from, catering to various riding styles and weight preferences; whether you prefer a more flexible deck for absorbing road vibrations and improving comfort during long rides or a stiffer one for more control and stability.

The one we have is a 2B deck, recommended to us by OMW based on our weight, which is around 154 lbs (70 kg)

ESC, Remote, and Battery – Hobbywing ESC and 12s3p 21700 648Wh 21700 Samsung 50S battery

Next, just like with the OMWEV Cavalry, OMW stuck with what works by using the tried and true 12s Hobbywing ESC, which has become the gold standard for its smooth and intuitive control. It comes with four-speed modes and is paired with the standard Hobbywing remote, featuring an OLED display that provides real-time data such as speed and battery levels, and also has cruise control.

The Hussar also includes smart on/off technology, meaning the board powers up as soon as you power on the remote and you can also adjust performance settings via a mobile app.

The Hussar is powered by a 12s3p 21700 648Wh 21700 Samsung 50S battery, marketed to have a range of 37.3 miles (60 km).

Motor – Dual 6374 Belt Motors:

Speaking of power, the Hussar is equipped with dual 6374 belt motors generating a combined output of 8000W. While these numbers seem high on paper, they yield a comparatively modest top speed of 34 mph (55 kph), which we were able to reach in our test.

Trucks and Wheels:

The Hussar offers two truck options: a forged double kingpin truck or a CNC double kingpin truck for an additional $110. Upgrading to forged or CNC trucks can be beneficial for durability, as they outlast cast trucks. Given that the Hussar is the kind of board you’ll be riding hard in various conditions, opting for this upgrade might be worthwhile. The CNC version should be more precise and also allow the trucks to be configured with street wheels, whereas the forged trucks are only compatible with 150mm or 175mm pneumatic wheels.

Our CNC trucks came with the MAD Wheelz, so we will be testing this configuration. We’re already familiar with MAD Wheelz, it’s great to see them offered as a standard option here.

All things Lights:

The Hussar comes with bright headlights, offering up to 3600 lumens of output, tail lights that light up when braking, and RGB deck lights, which you can toggle by double-tapping the remote.

Specs Summary of the Hussar

Comparing battery sizes, the OMW Hussar may fall short next to value brands like Verreal’s RS Ultra and the Meepo Hurricane Bamboo. However, neither of those options includes forged trucks. Plus, upgrading from a bamboo to a carbon fiber deck typically adds about $100 in value, and having a flexible carbon fiber deck is even harder to put a price on.

At ESHQ, we love crunching numbers and finding the best specs for the dollar, and we tend to favor brands that pack a lot of value into their boards. So, we’re pretty happy to see that, despite being a premium brand, the specs on the OMW Hussar still hold their own against Meepo and Verreal. OMW isn’t horsing around with the Hussar—it offers a premium look and feel without charging a premium price.

Riding Experience on the OMW Hussar

The defining feature of the OMW Hussar is its potential for aggressive riding.

Many boards nowadays prioritize torque over top speed since that exhilarating launch from a standstill is hard to beat. The Hussar’s build is tailored to this experience. The truck, with a double kingpin design, is incredibly stable, making high-speed riding feel easy. In fact, we wish it could go faster because 34 mph didn’t feel fast when the board was this stable.

Another highlight is the strong braking system. While Hobbywing ESCs are known for their smooth and intuitive acceleration and braking, OMW has tuned the brakes on the Hussar to be more aggressive, allowing for more reckless riding with the reassurance that you can stop quickly if needed.

The CNC trucks also contribute to a more aggressive riding style. Though they don’t offer the most aggressive carving experience, they provide great stability while still allowing for precise control.

We love the deck, too. It’s wide, has a nice concave, and is comfortable to stand on. Having a flexible carbon fiber deck feels surreal, even though this isn’t the first OMW deck we’ve tried. That said, the carbon fiber deck doesn’t magically eliminate all road vibrations. With the 105mm MAD Wheelz setup, we still felt about 40% of the road vibrations.

Bamboo decks generally do a better job at absorbing vibrations, but a flexible carbon fiber deck is still leagues ahead compared to a stiff carbon fiber deck.

The board’s low ground clearance does cause it to bottom out occasionally, though not as much as other boards, like the Verreal RS Ultra. If you hate seeing scratches on your board’s enclosure, you might want to go for the 150mm or 175mm all-terrain wheels.

In terms of carving, the Hussar can make tight turns but offers less play than other double kingpin trucks. If you’re looking for a super carvy board, you might be disappointed, but most riders will appreciate the balanced configuration of these CNC trucks—they’re not too aggressive but stable enough for high-speed rides.

Verdict – of OMW Hussar

The OMW Hussar is a stunning board and a total thrill to ride. Its precision trucks and expertly tuned Hobbywing ESC deliver incredible control over speed and board.

And while OMW is a premium brand, $999 for a 12s3p carbon fiber board is about as good of a deal as you can get. So, if you are looking to buy an electric skateboard in the $1000 range, and 12s3p and 37 miles (60km) range are enough for you, this board should be one of your top picks, especially if you are looking for one with a flexible carbon fiber deck.

If you are interested in buying the OMW, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $10 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!