geared drive Archives - Electric Skateboard HQ

February 13, 2025February 13, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Acedeck Horizon Review – The Best Electric Skateboard, period.

Acedeck has been making top-of-the-line boards for electric skateboard enthusiasts. The Acedeck Nyx Z3 and the Nomad N3 are both incredible machines that cost a fortune, but Acedeck is pushing the envelope further with their latest flagship model, the Acedeck Horizon.

Check out our review of the Acedeck Nyx Z3.

This board is truly made for the 1% of people who want the absolute best electric skateboard and are willing to spend $2000. You absolutely get what you pay for.

But first, let’s get into the specs.

Acedeck Horizon Specs:

	Horizon (1036Wh) $1,999	Horizon (1036Wh) $2,299	Horizon (1554Wh) $2,999	Horizon Elite (2072Wh) $3,399
Trucks	Precision CNC Trucks 405mm / 16 inches wide	Independent suspension truck with EXA shock absorber
Battery	14S4P Samsung 50S		14S6P Samsung 50S	14S8P Samsung 50S
Range	34.2 miles / 55km		52.8 miles / 85km	68.4 miles / 110km
Motors	DXW 6384 150KV		DXW 6890 150KV
Top Speed	37.5mph / 60kph		43.75mph/ 70kph
Wheels	AT 8 inches (200*50mm) Pneumatic wheels		AT 8.5 inches (215*70mm) Pneumatic wheels
ESC	14s Custom ESC (Hobbywing-ish)
Deck	Maple and Fiberglass Composite
Weight	42 lbs / 19.05kg	46 lbs / 21.06kg	58 lbs / 26.45kg	63 lbs / 28.65kg

Truck Options & Pricing

Photo of Acedeck Horizon precision CNC trucks

Photo of Acedeck Horizon independant suspension trucks

Acedeck Horizon currently has four price points, with the trucks being the first major factor affecting the price.

Here’s the $2000 base version, which comes with channel trucks similar to those found on the Acedeck Nyx Z1. Acedeck calls these the “Nyx channel trucks,” as opposed to a $300 pricier version equipped with “independent suspension trucks.”

Our Acedeck Nyx Z3 was equipped with suspension trucks. These systems allow the four wheels to move independently, providing a smoother ride over rough terrain. If you’re looking for a true off-road board that can handle mountain trails, suspension trucks are the way to go.

For those who prefer a truck and ride feel closer to traditional skateboarding, the Nyx channel trucks offer that experience. They also feel more responsive and easier to turn. However, based on our expertise with Acedeck’s trucks, the suspension trucks are easier to turn than they appear and have a smaller turning radius than you might expect.

Switching from suspension trucks to channel trucks will also reduce the weight by about 4 lbs (2 kg), but going from 46 lbs to 42 lbs (21.06kg to 19.05kg) is hardly noticeable. No matter which truck or battery configuration you choose, this is a very heavy board.

Battery Options & Performance

Now, let’s move on to the power source. The Horizon offers three battery configurations: 14S4P, 14S6P, and 14S8P. All versions use Samsung 50S cells, the most commonly used cell for premium electric skateboards.

Our board is equipped with a 20Ah 1036Wh battery, which provides a range of 34.2 miles (55 km). However, if you go all-in with the 14S8P 40Ah 2072Wh battery, you can extend that range to an incredible 68.4 miles (110 km) on a single charge.

Bigger batteries mean a thicker enclosure, but Acedeck’s design ensures the enclosure remains flexible, maintaining the deck’s natural flex and improving ride comfort.

Deck Design & Features

The deck is another highlight of the Horizon. Made from a combination of maple and fibreglass, it’s both durable and slightly flexible.

It has a mild concave in the middle and raised edges along the sides, which ensure secure foot placement even at high speeds. The deck is also very wide, providing a stable platform for confident riding.

To enhance comfort, it comes with EVA foam grip tape, which feels great on longer rides. Plus, like other high-end Acedeck boards, the deck features pre-drilled holes for foot bindings, in case you want to take your off-road adventures to the next level.

Tires & Wheels

The Horizon has two-wheel setups. The lower-tier model has 8-inch wheels, while the higher-tier model uses slightly larger 8.5-inch wheels for better ground clearance.

The 8-inch wheels provide more than enough clearance for road use, but the 8.5-inch setup is a nice upgrade if you plan to ride off-road frequently. Both versions use pneumatic tyres with CNC aluminium hubs, which not only look sleek but also improve durability.

Motors & Drive System

Now, let’s talk about power. The Horizon comes with two motor configurations. The base version features DXW 6384 motors rated at 4500W each, while the higher-tier version upgrades to DXW 6890 motors rated at 7500W each. Both are 150KV motors.

The base model has a gear reduction of 4.0, delivering a top speed of 37.5 mph (60 kph). The higher-tier version has a gear reduction of 4.3 and hits a blistering top speed of 43.75 mph (70 kph).

Acedeck’s ELEMENT AT GearDrive 4.0 system is compact, efficient, and fully enclosed to protect against dust and debris.

ESC & Remote Features

The Horizon uses a 14S custom ESC, which we suspect is based on the Hobbywing ESC. It has four-speed modes and smart turn-on features for added convenience.

The remote allows customization of brake levels, speed modes, and even lighting. The front light features a high-beam white LED at 1600 lumens which is pretty bright! There’s also a yellow low-beam option and tail lights that are constantly on and flash rapidly when braking.

Specs Summary – Acedeck Horizon

The Horizon series is designed to be an ultra-premium product for the most dedicated electric skateboard enthusiasts. While premium products often carry a price tag that exceeds their specs, this is not the case with the Acedeck Horizon.

Think about it—the Lacroix Nazare, one of the boards that made this form factor famous, was $3300 when it launched. It is a lesser board in every way compared to the base version of the Horizon, which costs $1300 more. Lacroix owners love their boards, so it’s easy to imagine that anyone who owns the Horizon will love it even more.

Riding Experience on the Acedeck Horizon

Out of the box, the first thing you notice is how easy this “freight ship” is to turn. It’s a big board, but making L-turns on it is no problem. Carving is easy and fun, though you do lose some high-speed stability. Of course, if you are mostly riding at high speed, you can always tighten the trucks.

After testing three different trucks, the Nyx Z3, Nomad N3, and now the Horizon, we’re impressed with Acedeck’s ability to make large trucks responsive. It’s a pleasant surprise that trucks like these are compatible with city riding, which requires sharp turns.

Check out our review of the Acedeck Nomad N3.

As a side note, the channel truck and suspension truck are similar in responsiveness, so you don’t need to overthink your choice.

The ride is very comfortable, almost like riding on cushions. Although the board is heavy, it feels surprisingly light when cruising.

For urban commuting, the Horizon is capable but not the most practical option.

While it ignores any road imperfection and even lets you ride up a curb, its size and weight were too cumbersome for quick errands, like grabbing a coffee. But for those who enjoy turning heads, this board is a showstopper.

The vehicle’s off-road capabilities are decent, handling dirt paths and light gravel with ease. However, for intense off-road adventures, a mountainboard-style setup like the Nyx Z3 may be a better alternative.

The best way to enjoy the Horizon is, as the name suggests, on open roads with a view of the horizon. That’s where you can fully experience the board—its high speed, smooth ride, and seemingly endless range.

Verdict on the Acedeck Horizon

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of electric skateboards, the Acedeck Horizon is it. Unlike many luxury products that are expensive for the sake of being expensive, this board justifies every dollar with premium build quality, exceptional performance, and unmatched specs.

Most people don’t need the Horizon, but I’m sure everyone wants it. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you won’t be disappointed.

If you are interested in buying the Acedeck, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $25 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!

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Tynee Mini 3 Max Review – Unreal power!

The Tynee Mini 3 Pro was—and still is—one of our favorite electric shortboards of all time. It’s a true pocket rocket with more power and torque than anyone could ever need, especially from a shortboard. So, what’s the most logical thing for Tynee to do? Obviously, it’s to add a gear drive and give it even more power.

And that’s exactly what the $979 Tynee Mini 3 Max is all about. And man, we so stoked for this one.

Tynee Mini 3 Max Specs:

Price	$979
Battery	14s2p Samsung 50S
Controller	14s Hobbywing ESC
Top Speed	38mph (62kmh)
Range	32 miles (52km)
Deck	31” Canadian Maple
Motor	Dual 3000W helical 6360 Hobbywing gear drive motors

Deck – 31” Canadian Maple:

Starting with the deck, the Tynee Mini 3 Max sports the same deck as the Tynee Mini 3 Pro. If it aint broke, don’t fix it, right?

This deck is made from Canadian maple and features a wide concave. While the concave isn’t as aggressive as the dish-shaped decks popularized by the Boosted Mini, it’s still pretty comfortable.

And, as always, the kicktail is there for easy kick turns and tail braking. Plus, the pre-installed braking pad is a nice touch.

There’s also an integrated brake light that lights up when you brake using the remote which adds a layer of safety and style.

ESC – 14s Hobbywing ESC:

For the ESC, the Tynee Mini 3 Max uses a 14s Hobbywing ESC—no surprises here. As expected, it comes with 4-speed modes and a smart turn-on feature, which means the board powers on automatically when you turn on the remote.

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

Battery – 14s2p Samsung 50S:

The Mini 3 Max comes equipped with a 14s2p Samsung 50S cell battery, providing a total of 504Wh, and is marketed to produce a range of 32 miles (52 km).

This was a welcome surprise! When we reviewed the Mini 3 Pro at launch, we were already satisfied with its smaller 13s2p Molicel P42A battery, which packed plenty of punch.

But now, with the 3 Max, you get even more juice.

Motors – Dual 3000w Helical 6360 Hobbywing Motors:

Speaking of juice, all that extra power is channeled into two massive helical 6360 Hobbywing motors, paired with a brand-new gear drive system—the star of this board.

Each motor is rated at 3000W, making them absolutely insane—even crazier than the motors on the Mini 3 Pro, if you can imagine that. The acceleration is a thrill, but you’ll want to brace yourself before hitting the throttle.

Just like the Mini 3 Pro, the 3 Max has a default top speed of 31 mph (50 km/h), but it can reach up to 38 mph (62 km/h) if unlocked via the remote or app. It’s wild, and while we didn’t dare push it to 38 mph, we did manage 33.5 mph (54 km/h) before chickening out. That’s just an insane top speed for a shortboard.

Another thing we love about the gear drive system is how well the board free-rolls. While it doesn’t free-roll as smoothly as hub drives, it’s noticeably better than belt drives, meaning the board doesn’t decelerate too much when you let go of the throttle.

Trucks – 8” Forged & CNC-machined trucks:

Next up, let’s talk about the trucks, which feature some unexpected changes.

The Tynee Mini 3 Max uses 8” trucks instead of the more common 7” trucks found on most shortboards, including the Mini 3 Pro. These new trucks are Forged & CNC-machined, making them more durable and safer.

We were initially worried that the wider trucks might make the board harder to turn or less maneuverable, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

Tynee made the right call here. The wider trucks give the 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 rely on the kicktail for tight turns.

Wheels – Boosted 105s:

Finally, let’s talk wheels. The Mini 3 Max comes with Boosted 105s, which Tynee has now made the stock wheels for both the Mini 3 Pro and 3 Max which is great news.

While we liked the 105mm Hydrowheels, we love the Boosted 105s. These wheels are big, meaty, and provide a soft, grippy ride. It’s great to see more brands adopting them.

Verdict:

Like the Tynee Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 Max is built exceptionally well, featuring top-notch specs like:

A 14s2p battery,
Gear drive system,
Forged CNC trucks, and
Boosted 105s wheels.

It’s also worth noting that this is one of the least portable shortboards, with its larger battery pushing the weight up to 21.8 lbs (9.9 kg)

When it comes to price and value, you’d typically expect a board with these specs to cost around $1100–$1200, similar to the Backfire Zealot X. So at $979, the Tynee Mini 3 Max is a fantastic deal.

And the Mini 3 Max did deliver on what’s promised with the specs; it’s the most thrilling shortboard while also a perfectly good and comfortable casual ride when you just wanna relax and carve down the road.

Previously if you’re looking for the craziest electric shortboard, the Tynee Mini 3 Pro was the top pick. Now, the Tynee Mini 3 Max has taken that crown. It’s great.

If you are interested in buying the Tynee, 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!

August 21, 2024August 21, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Review – The most affordable electric mountainboard. Period.

Today, we’re reviewing the Ecomobl Ripper Pro, which comes in 2WD and 4WD versions.

Ecomobl is a brand known for its rugged all-terrain boards at affordable prices. At $1199, the 2WD Ecomobl Ripper Pro is quite literally the most affordable electric mountainboard on the market. As we run through the specs, you’ll see that if you were to buy the parts off the shelf and assemble a mountain board yourself, you’d probably end up spending more than $1199.

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Specs:

Price	$1199 (2WD), $1899 (4WD)
Battery	12s5p 25AH (1080 Wh)
Controller	12s Lingyi ESC
Top Speed	30-35 mph / 48-55 kph
Range	25-30 miles / 40-50 km
Deck	Maple and Fibreglass Composite deck
Motor	170kv 6382 Planetary Gear Drive Motors, 3500W each

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Deck – Maple and Fibreglass Composite:

Let’s start by talking about the deck. The Ecomobl Ripper Pro features a typical mountainboard deck made from a maple and fibreglass composite. As with many mountainboard builds, the battery box is mounted on top of the deck, right in the middle, instead of underneath. This allows the deck to remain flexible while maximizing ground clearance.

As with all mountainboard decks, it has an aggressive camber, giving the deck a good bit of flex, which is essential for off-road performance. The wide concave design makes it comfortable to stand on, providing a snug and secure feeling underfoot.

Since many people ride mountain boards with footbindings, Ecomobl has thoughtfully predrilled the deck for them, with the drill holes neatly covered under the grip tape. This feature adds to the board’s versatility, allowing riders to lean aggressively and maintain control, especially on challenging terrains.

Ecomobl Ripper Pro ESC and Remote – 12s Lingyi ESC:

For the ESC, Ecomobl went with a 12s ESC, which is most likely a Lingyi ESC. It features the Lingyi signature push-to-turn-on feature instead of the smart power-on feature where you turn on the remote, and the board automatically turns on. As usual, it comes with 4-speed modes and 4 braking modes, which can be adjusted independently. We’ll talk about how they impact the ride later.

However, instead of the typical Lingyi remote, Ecomobl pairs this with one that we haven’t seen before. It gives off the vibe of an RC remote, which I think the DIY community will love. It has all the usual information on it, like speed, ride mode, etc., but it also shows throttle input, which is unique to this remote. What’s not so nice is that the remote screen isn’t bright enough, making it hard to see what’s displayed when the sun is out.

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Battery – 12s5p 1080Wh battery:

The big black box on top of the deck houses a pack of 12s5p batteries, which are 25AH or 1080 Wh. This is an unusually large battery for the price, rivalling most boards costing $2000.

The battery box is removable, making it easy to maintain or replace.

The Ecomobl Ripper Pro is marketed to have a range of 25-30 miles (40-50 km) with a 144 lbs rider. In our tests, we managed to get 24 miles (39 km) with our still relatively lightweight 154 lbs (70 kg) test rider riding fast.

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Motor – 170kv 6382 3500W Planetary Gear Drive Motors :

As for the motors, the Ripper Pro 2WD is equipped with its signature planetary gear drives. These are 170kv 6382 motors, rated at 3500 watts each. We are familiar with them from our time with the Ecomobl Telum, and they are powerful. It’s marketed to do 30-35 mph (48-55 kph), and in our test, we hit 32 mph (52 kph), right in the middle of the marketed numbers.

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Truck And Wheels – 20 Inch Suspension Trucks:

Photo of Ecomobl Ripper Pro suspension trucks

The board uses super-wide 20-inch trucks, which are CNC forged and should be durable enough for off-road abuse. The front lights are conveniently built into the front trucks and are functionally bright, making them actually useful.

Like many off-road mountainboards, the truck uses spring suspensions. This often makes the board tough to turn for featherweight riders like us but incredibly stable for straight lines and off-road terrains.

One way to remedy the turning problem is by installing footbindings, which will allow you to lean aggressively and use more of your body weight to turn the board.

Speaking of weight, the board is incredibly heavy, weighing in at 39 lbs (17.7 kg).

So if you were thinking of jumping with the footbindings to turn, you’ll need to make sure you’re not skipping leg days.

Unlike some of the older Ecomobl boards, which use airless wheels, the Ripper Pro comes with 7-inch pneumatic wheels, which should provide a softer ride compared to airless wheels.

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Spec Summary:

It’s clear that Ecomobl wants to offer the best value-for-money electric mountainboard. A 12s5p battery, planetary gear drive, and CNC parts for just $1199 is awesome.

For example, the Evolve Bamboo GTR, which we considered the best value all-terrain board now that it’s on sale at $1199, only has a 12s4p battery and regular belt drives.

And, the Backfire Ranger X3, which we love and has the exact $1199 price tag, also only has a 12s3p battery.

While we are aware that leading brands for all-terrain builds like Propel and Acedeck have more refined products, Ecomobl was all about giving you the same specs while asking for half the price.

So, Ecomobl is cheap, relatively, but what’s the catch?

Ecomobl Ripper Pro Riding Experience:

If you’re familiar with the Ecomobl Telum or any old Ecomobl boards, the Ripper feels very similar but a bit more refined.

Ecomobl feels like a raw beast. I’ve never driven a monster truck or a jeep before, but I’d imagine they share the same ride feel. Meaning – very powerful, with very strong torque, but the acceleration and braking are jerky. We have to say that we’re a little disappointed at the rawness of the speed control, as we’ve seen how the latest Lingyi ESC can be smooth yet powerful, but this one remains unrefined.

It’s also hard to maintain the board at the same speed when riding fast, as the drive system has significant drag, and merely easing off the throttle feels like braking. It may throw you off if you’re not expecting the forward momentum to halt.

Experienced riders will get used to this quickly, and some may even love the rawness of the speed control, but not us.

Another reason I describe it as a truck is that it’s not easy to turn. We’re not expecting a mountainboard to be easy to turn, but even after loosening the trucks, this is still one of the hardest boards to turn. Making L turns at intersections is challenging for us, but if you weigh more than 180 lbs (80 kg), you might find the truck just right.

Even with all that criticism, the Ripper Pro still excels at what it was designed to do: tackle unpaved paths. The planetary gear drives are strong enough to handle off-road hiking trails with ease, allowing you to both climb them and stop on an incline.

The flexible mountainboard deck, the 7-inch pneumatic wheels, and the suspension in the trucks work together to eliminate any vibrations you’d feel on bad roads while keeping the board stable when riding fast on off-road terrain.

Verdict:

Let’s put it this way. The premium brands in the off-road category right now are Propels and Acedecks. Their $2000 boards handle off-road incredibly well while also being smooth and responsive enough to be fun regular city rides. The same can’t be said about the Ecomobl Ripper Pro. It’s not refined, smooth, or responsive enough to be a regular city ride, but it still does off-road well and costs only half as much.

If you want to get into electric mountainboarding, Ecomobl is a good way to enter. It has a decent build, a good-looking design, and practical integrated head and taillights. It’s not perfect, but it sure as hell is the most affordable option available.

If you are interested in buying the Ecomobl, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $50 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!

August 20, 2024August 20, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Voyager Limited X Review

Today, we are reviewing the Meepo Voyager X Limited which started as a limited version of the Meepo Voyager X but will not be a limited edition board. This version comes with some upgrades, including swapping the belt drive for a gear drive, adding some flair with the LED strip along the deck, and an updated ESC and remote pairing.

We are usually not too excited about the facelift version of products we’ve already reviewed but we liked the original Voyager X, which was a polished ride capable of explosive torque upon the push of the throttle. We didn’t think a few upgrades would be worth a revisit, but boy, were we wrong. The X Limited has so much to offer.

Read our review of the OG Meepo Voyager X here.

Voyager Limited X Specs:

Price	$1099
Battery	12S3P Molicel P42A 544Wh
Controller	12s Lingyi ESC
Top Speed	23.6 Mph (38 Kph)
Range	15.5 miles (25 km)
Deck	Bamboo and Fibreglass Composite deck
Motor	6358 Dual 2800W gear drive

Deck – Bamboo and Fibreglass Composite:

Photo of Meepo Voyager X Limited deck lights

Starting with the deck, this one is very similar to the Voyager X, which is a comfortable deck that we liked. It is made of a bamboo and fibreglass composite that has good flexibility. The Voyager X Limited keeps the pleasing design of the original Meepo Voyager but adds a nice-looking ambient LED strip along the edge of the deck which gives it a bright golden halo around the board.

The deck has a medium flex and a nice wide concave, making our feet feel nice and snug.

ESC and Remote – 12s Lingyi ESC and M6s remote:

Photo of Meepo Voyager X Limited esc enclosure

Next, for the ESC, Meepo went with a 12s Lingyi ESC, which has a push-to-turn-on feature. Meepo paired it with the new M6s remote, which comes with a new functionality allowing in-depth customization of top speed and acceleration strength. These are very nice features, especially when the Lingyi ESC was already capable of super powerful acceleration that not everyone can master, but there are also a few things we didn’t like.

The remote feels cheap and plasticky and lacks the typical silicone grip on the enclosure. But what’s more annoying is you have to double-click the buttons to change the speed, which does take some getting used to.

Motor – 6358 Dual 2800w Gear Drive:

Photo of Meepo Voyager X Limited gear drive motors

Photo of Meepo Voyager X Limited gear drive

As for the motors, the X Limited is equipped with some hefty 6358 Dual 2800W gear drive motors. As we all know, gear drives are some of the strongest types of e-skate motors, and these are advertised to be able to hit a top speed of 37 mph (60 kph), which is pretty crazy. You have to move over to all-terrain territory to find boards that can go that fast, and certainly not at this price.

In our test, we didn’t have the guts to go THAT fast, but we can certainly say that the board gets to 31 mph (50 kph) with ease and looks like it has no problem getting to 37 mph. It’s scarily fast!

Battery – 12S3P Molicel P42A 544Wh:

Photo of Meepo Voyager X Limited battery charger

Photo of Meepo Voyager X Limited battery enclosure

Moving on to the battery, the X Limited runs on a solid 12S3P Molicel P42A 544Wh battery, the exact same one as the Meepo Voyager X. This board is marketed to have a range of up to 30.5 miles (49 km) and in our tests, we managed to rack up 30 miles (48 km) with our 154 lbs (70 kg) rider riding fast. These are great results and very similar to the range we got from the OG Voyager X. We were expecting the change to a gear drive might give better range, as it should be more efficient, but I guess any fuel saved from eliminating the belt has been offset by using more powerful motors.

Truck and Wheels – Forged, of course:

Photo of Meepo Voyager X Limited trucks and wheels

Next, for the truck and wheels, Meepo went with their own forged 50-degree Reverse Kingpin Shredder trucks. We came to expect forged trucks for boards that cross the $1000 mark, as boards at this price are capable of going really fast, and die-cast trucks are less durable and can even pose a safety risk.

Meepo also kept the motor mount part of the truck in silver steel color, as if to make it clear that these are forged trucks. I personally like the look; some don’t.

The Voyager X Limited came with some white 90mm 78A wheels. It’s graded as 78A, but it doesn’t feel that soft. More on that later.

The board weighs in at 24 lbs or 11 kg.

Meepo Voyager X Limited Spec Summary:

For $1099, the Voyager X Limited has the craziest top speed in the $1000 category. Its range is pretty great for the price too.

If you compare it to the Voyager X, which is still selling at $949, picking this X Limited version is definitely a no-brainer. The gear drive upgrade itself is perhaps worth the $200 extra, and on top of that, you get the pretty ambient lights, the latest ESC which allows for in-depth ride profile customization, and a fast charger.

It’s no wonder the Voyager X Limited has been running out of stock. It is too fast, too pretty, and too much value to be selling at $1099. But does it have a ride quality that matches the looks and specs? Let’s hit the road and see how it rides.

Riding Experience of the Meepo Voyager X:

Meepo has traditionally designed their boards to be fast and aggressive, and it is immediately clear to us that they went to another level with the Voyager X Limited. If you’re a newbie or someone who just prefers to ride slow and safe, this is not the board for you. It’s not that the board is incapable of a smooth and easy ride, but you will be wasting what the Voyager Limited is capable of. Riding slow on a Voyager Limited is like buying a muscle car just for commuting to work, and the Voyager X Limited is indeed the muscle car of the e-skate world.

To illustrate how much muscle the board has, we tried mini drag races with motorcycles and won with the Voyager Limited, no cap. Its punch rivals some of the four-wheel drives we tested.

Regarding speed control, the first two modes of this Lingyi ESC are as smooth and intuitive as the gold standard set by Hobbywing ESCs. The third and fourth modes are very aggressive by default, with less linear acceleration and more of an exponential acceleration ramp. By default, the fourth mode is just bonkers. You really need to brace yourself and press hard on your front foot upon pulling the throttle, as this is definitely a treat for speed demons. You can go with the second mode if you want a more relaxed ride or obviously cop out by tuning down the acceleration strength from the remote.

This is a very powerful board; fortunately, it also has good trucks capable of harnessing that power. The CNC Forged Shredder trucks are outstanding. Stable at high speed, and precise and responsive for carving.

The deck also adds to the carving fun. While the board specializes in torque and speed, this does not take away from how comfortable the board is on a regular chill ride. Its medium flex, comfortable concave, and responsive trucks come together really well, and we enjoy riding the Voyager Limited slow almost as much as we enjoy rocketing off with it.

Now, it sounds much like an ad for the board, so let’s shift gears to talking about what we don’t like about it. First of all, these are not our favorite wheels in the world. They are similar to Boa wheels, we guess? They are too hard for our liking and don’t feel as grippy. We would much prefer Meepo to equip the board with their Cyclone 105mm wheels, which are soft and sweet. The Voyager is not bad at reducing road vibration, but going with soft grippy 105mm wheels would improve it that much more.

We already said we don’t like the remote, but we also much prefer the smart power-on of a Hobbywing ESC versus the push-to-start feature of the Lingyi ESC.

Verdict:

I think the Meepo Voyager X Limited is a winner. On paper, it packs great specs for the price it’s asking. Great battery, over-the-top top speed, beautiful lights, and it even comes with a fast charger. On the road, it is as enjoyable as any premium board to ride slow and carve around; yet it blows everyone out of the park when it comes to exhilarating acceleration and crazily ‘unsafe’ top speed.

If you like powerful electric skateboards, this one is for you. Do ride safely though!

If you are interested in buying the Meepo, 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!

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!