Hub Driven Archives - Electric Skateboard HQ

September 5, 2024September 7, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Maxfind Max 5s Review – RGB everything!

This is the Maxfind Max 5s, Maxfind’s latest refresh of their affordable electric skateboard lineup. It’s priced at $499, which is a bit higher than most affordable e-skateboards that usually hover around the low $400 range. This pricing strategy is in line with Maxfind’s approach of setting a slightly higher price but offering better quality parts in exchange.

Maxfind Max 5s Specs:

Price	$499
Battery	4.4AH 10s2p 18650 cells
Controller	Hobbywing ESC
Top Speed	23.6 Mph (38 Kph)
Range	15.5 miles (25 km)
Deck	X Composite deck
Motor	650W*2 Hub drive

Deck – X Composite deck:

Starting with the deck, the Maxfind Max 5s uses the same X composite deck as the Max 6, which is said to be stronger than your average Maple and Bamboo composites. It’s a deck with only a slight flex and is pretty narrow. But we do quite like it’s pronounced U-shape concave, which makes foot placement nice and snug. The design of the shock-absorbing grip tape also looks pleasant in our eyes.

This is an integrated deck with hub motors, so it should be one of the most waterproof budget electric skateboards out there. Many eskate have some IP rating; we don’t trust those with our board, but with an integrated electronic and runs on hub motors, we trust the Max 5s IPX5 splashproof rating a little bit more.

Battery – 4.4ah, 10s2p 18650 Cells:

Moving onto the battery, the Maxfind Max 5s is powered by a 4.4AH, 10s2p configuration using 18650 cells. The marketed range is up to 15.5 miles (25km), but in our tests, we managed to achieve only 7.8 miles (12.6km).

This is a bit underwhelming, especially coming off from reviewing the Max 6, which has an extraordinary range. We expect affordable eskates to have at least a 10-mile (16km) tested range, and the Max 5s fell short of that benchmark.

Maybe, the RGB lights took a small bite out of the battery, affecting the overall range.

Esc And Remote – Hobbywing Esc And Remote:

Next, the Maxfind Max 5s uses the same tried and true Hobbywing ESC as the Max 6. For the remote, it’s likely the standard Hobbywing remote with a 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 650w Hub Motors:

Moving onto the motors, the Maxfind Max 5s runs on dual 650W hub motors, which is higher than most affordable eskates that typically have around 550W. The marketed top speed is 23.6 mph (38 km/h), which is pretty standard among affordable electric skateboards, and we had no problem hitting this speed during our tests.

Truck and Wheels – 45° Max III Trucks and 90mm PU Wheels:

Photo of Maxfind Max 5s truck and wheels

Next, as for the trucks and wheels, the Maxfind Max 5s uses the same custom 45° Max III Trucks as the Max 6. These are CNC-forged trucks, which are more durable and safer than cast trucks. For some skaters, having a forged truck is a must for safety, and finding one on a $500 board is a big plus for the Max 5s.

However, there is some bad news, too. From our time with the Max 6, we know these trucks weren’t the most responsive and seemed to have a limited range of turning. More on that later.

For the wheels, you get 90mm Polyurethane wheels, which is nothing extraordinary here.

RGB Lights:

The Max 5s also has RGB atmospheric lighting underneath the deck, along the sides.The RGB lights cycle through 3 modes, none of which stay on a single color. 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, it is still a wonderful addition for a board under $500.

Specs Summary of Maxfind Max 5s:

As we mentioned, Maxfind always prices its board higher than competitors but gives a little bit more in terms of part quality. Max 5s is exactly that. If we judge the Max 5s solely on the motors and battery, it is merely on par with competitors that are priced around $400 and is about $100 overpriced.

However, it does have an interesting integrated composite deck, a safer forged truck, and the RGB ambient light. Even though we already knew the truck wasn’t the most responsive, it is at least durable and safe. And while the lights aren’t the brightest, they do add some spice to the ride.

So, if you value forged trucks and ambient light more than $100, the Max 5s will be pretty good value on paper.

Riding Experience on the Maxfind Max 5s:

The general theme of the Maxfind Max 5s is that it offers an overall comfortable ride but lacks an outstanding personality.

Firstly, the board is comfortable due to the smooth speed control provided by the Hobbywing ESC. As you should already know, Hobbywing ESC is very smooth and precise with both acceleration and braking, giving the industry the gold standard for predictable and smooth control. Plus, the deck’s U-shape concave makes our feet feel snug and secure, adding to the overall comfort.

The torque is respectable for a hub drive. It’s good enough to make the ride fun but not thrilling, and wouldn’t challenge any seasoned riders. Perhaps this is a boon for beginners; you are not likely to hurt yourself with the Max 5s, while it is still plenty strong to go up any incline.

Another aspect that’s good for beginners is the stability of the trucks. This stability makes riding at top speed easy and reassuring. However, the shortfall here is that the trucks are not very responsive and have a limited turning range. We did loosen up the trucks, but it still felt pretty limited. This means the board isn’t the most fun for carving and may feel a bit stiff when trying to make sharper turns.

And about road vibrations, of course, it’s bad. This is expected since the Max 5s is a hub-driven board with a stiffer deck. While the shock-absorbing grip tape helps to some extent, it’s not a game-changer. Road vibrations are about 20% harsher than what we experienced with the Max 6, so you will feel the rougher surfaces more on this board.

Verdict – Maxfind Mas 5s:

It’s not 2017 anymore, and there are plenty of options when it comes to buying an electric skateboard for less than $500. It might sound like a criticism to say that the Max 5s’s best qualities are just its looks, the lights, and perhaps the durability of the deck and the forged truck; however, I’m sure there are people who value these qualities. And, beneath it all, the Max 5s is still a good overall ride.
If you like the looks and need a forged truck, go for it.

If you are interested in buying the Maxfind, 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!

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.

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!

January 31, 2024March 7, 2024 by Paxson Lim

Tynee Mini 3 SL review – $359 !! Literally the most affordable electric skateboard.

The Tynee Mini 3 SL is outrageous.

In the electric skateboard world, brands have two tried and true methods to make their product successful. Make a board unique, or sell it at a really, really low price. Tynee with the Tynee Mini 3 Pro managed to stand out in the shortboard niche for its outrageously high torque and power, and now, with the Tynee Mini 3 SL, it will try to do the latter, be the lowest price electric shortboard, period.

Click to read our review of the Tynee Mini 3 Pro.

Just a little context: Since 2018, an entry-level electric skateboard has had a $400 price tag. Then the price crept up to $450, with increased quality, of course. However, last year, 2023, we started seeing brands offering their entry line-up at $399, which this $359 Tynee Mini 3SL one-upped.

The price war is real, and we consumers love it. The best part is the boards aren’t shabby either. Take a look at the specs.

Tynee Mini 3 SL Specs:

Price	$359.00 (216Wh)$399.00 (281Wh)
Battery	10S3P 6Ah 216Wh10S3P 7.8Ah 281Wh
Controller	12s Hobbywing ESC
Top Speed	30 mph/48 kph
Range	17 miles/ 27 km (216Wh) 20 miles/ 32 km (281Wh)
Deck	8 Ply Canadian Maple
Motor	2*550W hub motors
Net Weight	8.4 kg / 18.5 lbs

Deck – 8 Ply Canadian Maple

Starting with the deck, the Mini SL is made with an 8-ply Canadian maple and is unsurprisingly similar to the Tynee Mini 3 but with a longer kicktail. Its wide concave makes it pleasant to stand on.

The deck uses the same U-shaped concave design popularized by the late-boost Mini. Compared to other models like the Boosted Mini or Exway Wave, the Tynee Mini 3 SL has a wider concave.

ESC and Remote – Hobbywing ESC

Next, moving onto the ESC, Tynee went with the tried and true Hobbywing ESC, which comes with four-speed settings. And like all Hobbywing ESCs, it has a smart turn-on feature, meaning the board powers on automatically when the remote is turned on. It’s paired with the standard Hobbywing remote and a mobile app where you can customize the ride profile.

Battery – 6Ah 216Wh battery or 7.8Ah 281Wh:

Photo of Tynee Mini 3 SL battery enclosure

As for the battery, the Mini 3 SL comes with a 6Ah 216Wh battery or a larger 7.8Ah 281Wh battery for an extra $40.

The Mini SL Hub has a marketed range of 17 miles or 27 km using the standard 6AH battery and 20 miles or 32 km with the larger 7.8AH battery. Our unit was the smaller 216Wh version, and in our range test, we only managed to reach 11 miles or 18km with a 154 lbs or 70 kg rider riding fast. This is slightly lesser than the marketed range, as is always the case when we try to push the speed, but even then, 10 miles and 18km is what we were expecting from a $400 board, so we aren’t disappointed here.

In the worst-case scenario, it is a hub board so you can kick-push if you run a full 20 miles.

Motor – Dual 550W Hub Motors:

The Tynee Mini 3 SL, uses a dual hub motor drive at 550W max power, which is marketed with a top speed of 30 mph ( 48 kph), which is also impressive at that price point. When we took it to the road, we managed to hit 28 mph (45kph), just a hair shy of the marketed top speed.

Truck and Wheels – Tynee diamond truck 7” 43° RKP:

For the trucks, Tynee uses their Tynee PE truck, which is short of Paris Electric trucks. These were made by Tynee and were said to be designed based on Paris Trucks. Since we reviewed the other Tynee, we are familiar with Tynee PE trucks and know they are decent trucks, but unlike Paris Trucks, which were known for their responsiveness, Tynee’s trucks were designed with stability in mind.

As for the wheels, the Mini 3 SL comes with standard 90mm street wheels. 90mm wheels are pretty standard for electric skateboards; however, if you usually ride on rougher pavement, you might want to spend an extra $80 for the 105mm Donut wheels for a smoother ride.

Specs Summary of the Tynee Mini 3 SL:

As you can see, Tynee Mini 3 SL’s specs are also pretty solid. Much like the Tynee Ultra SL Hub, the range and top speed are both pretty good and is on par with boards that cost $100 more. Besides putting up decent numbers, Tynee spared no expense on the other parts either, going with the industry-standard Hobbywing ESC and a decent pair of trucks.

In short, this board, at least on paper, is a good deal for the price it’s asking. Now, it just needs to be a good ride to complete the package, and that’s what we’ll discuss next.

Riding Experience on the Tynee Mini 3 SL:

All things considered, the Tynee Mini 3 SL is a smooth, comfortable board, a good board for beginners.

First, let’s talk about speed control. To cut costs, a budget board will occasionally go with an older generation LingYi ESC that wasn’t the smoothest in speed control. And no, I am not calling out Exway Ripple or Meepo V3s here. Those two still use the latest generation of LingYi ESC, which is actually good. I am referring to those no-name brands from Amazon.

Click to read our review of the Exway Ripple.

Click to read our review of the Meepo V3s.

I am glad that Tynee didn’t do that. Tynee Mini 3 SL sticks with the tried and true Hobbywing ESC, which should come as no surprise that the controls are buttery smooth thanks to the trusty Hobbywing ESC. For those who are new to electric skateboarding, Hobbywing ESC always gives very intuitive speed control, and both the acceleration and braking ramps smoothly without any unexpected jolts.

This also means that the Tynee Mini 3 SL is the opposite of a ‘thrilling board.’ The acceleration curves weren’t aggressive enough to give you an adrenaline rush, and the power of the motors wasn’t strong enough to scare you either. If you were hoping that the board might be top of its class for its torque, just like how the Tynee Mini 3 Pro was, then you will be disappointed.

It does have enough power for a mini-board to get an average-weight rider uphill, but that’s just about it.

The board was clearly designed to be comfortable, not thrilling, and the other thing that helped it to be a comfortable ride was its trucks. As we mentioned in the introduction, the Tynee PE trucks are pretty good trucks that lean toward stability. Going fast on this small board isn’t scary, thanks to both these stable trucks and also the smooth speed control.

Turning obviously is easy; this is a shortboard, after all. The kicktail on the Tynee Mini 3 SL is also somewhat longer than average, longer than the Tynee Mini 3 and 3 Pro, for instance. Clearly, Tynee expects you to use kick turn more. We also like shortboards with good concave; it just makes the board more responsive to control and allows us to better gauge where our feet are.

So far, we like how Tynee put the Mini 3 SL together; all parts were designed with comfort in mind, except one thing: the hub motors. Hub motors are more battery efficient, quiet, require less maintenance, are more cost-effective, and free rolls better; hence can be kick pushed, They are also “very good” at passing road vibration to your knee. Shortboards with hub motors are especially uncomfortable on rough roads, and also, they also make annoying sounds on rough roads, which is, annoying.

This gets better if you pay that extra $80 to upgrade to the 105mm wheels, but if you’re just planning on cruising smooth pavements, you should be good to go.

Verdict:

With a price tag of $400, we typically look for flaws rather than hoping for a board with a big upside. And the Tynee Mini 3 SL is indeed that, a board that’s overall decent and without major flaws.

The slight disappointment here would be that the bigger 10s3p battery didn’t result in a significantly better real-world range but instead ended up only marginally outperforming its $359 price tag.

With that said, we still find that Tynee Mini 3 SL offers excellent value for money. It is a very easy ride and put together well. You can do much worse for $400, and Tynee Mini 3 SL is amongst the boards that give you the best bang for your buck.

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!