Backfire G2 Black Electric Skateboard Review 2023: Best Mid Range?
Pros
Cons
With so many electric skateboard companies on the rise, Backfire does not seem to back down against their competition. The Backfire G2 black is one of Backfire’s newest releases, and it is part of their affordable skateboard line of products. Since electric skateboards are getting their fair share of demand all over the world, companies need to make boards that sell at a competitive price.
To make an electric skateboard affordable, manufacturers should be picky with the features that they include in their design, and this Backfire board seems to hit all the right spots. It is not very rich in the extra features, but Backfire chose to make a quality board with excellent rideability.
The Backfire G2 shines most when it comes to riding quality, speed, and quality of construction. But is this Backfire board truly worth buying?
You can be the judge as we dig deep into its features in this Backfire G2 electric skateboard review.
Speed and Power output
The speed and power output of the Backfire G2 is impressive. It is equipped with two high-performance, 350-watt brushless motors from Hobbywing. The motors are efficient and they can make the board top out at speeds up to 24 miles per hour.
These high-efficiency motors are fully sealed and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand splashes from riding through small puddles and light rain. The two motors and its components have an IP55 waterproof rating (1), which means that dust cannot penetrate through the casing and damage the electrical components. With all that being said, the motors are virtually maintenance-free.
The ultra-quiet and super smooth motors start-up pretty quick, and it is capable of climbing steep hills at a 20% grade. A brushless motor has an advantage over hub motors in terms of efficiency and low calorific value.
Range and Battery Performance
The Backfire G2 Black is equipped with a safe battery that has a built-in advanced BMS. (Battery Management System) This technology allows the battery power output to be consistent at all times. If the battery is fully charged, the power output will stay the same even when it is running out without affecting acceleration and braking.
The BMS also protects the battery from overheating and other battery-related hazards. Each battery cell is strategically positioned to prevent shocking damage when riding fast.
The 36-volt 5.0Ah battery allows the Backfire G2 to travel up to 11 to 12.5 miles on a single charge, depending on the terrain and rider weight. For a board at this price range, reaching over 10 miles is a pretty impressive feat.
It only takes about 3.5 hours to get a full charge from zero percent, which is pretty fast considering its range.
Design & Construction Quality
The Blackfire G2 is not a flashy board, but it is well-designed and well constructed towards functionality. It sports an all-black aesthetic which is gender and age-neutral. It comes with a few stickers you can use to add a personal touch to the design.
This Backfire board is very light compared to other longboards, only weighing 14.5 lbs, which is about as light as electric cruiser boards.
Deck:
The 37-inch, 8 ply maple deck sports a symmetrical design. It has the right amount of flex and concave for a comfortable ride. Riders can dig deep when carving and turning. The amount of flex adds finer board control. However, heavier riders might not appreciate too much flex.
Wheels:
This electric board is equipped with large 96 mm wheels that help with shock absorption and vibration dampening. Usually, longboards are equipped with smaller wheels for faster acceleration and to make the board lighter. Since the G2 has light components, it can afford to go with bigger wheels without adding too much weight to the product.
Larger wheels also have a better grip for fast cornering, which is a good choice for this board. Plus, with larger wheels, beginner riders don’t have to worry about road imperfections and poorly paved roads, as they have better roll than smaller wheels.
Trucks:
The Backfire G2 is equipped with Crash trucks and not the Caliber 2’s like other models. The reason why it is equipped with lesser-known trucks is to make the price more competitive. These trucks are not bad. It functions and turns smoothly just like any other longboard truck in the market. Only true skateboard geeks will notice the difference.
Remote Control:
The Remote design is alright. There is nothing special about it, but it works perfectly fine. With the use of the Hobbywing ESC wi sensor, there are no delays when using the remote. It has smooth acceleration and braking all throughout the ride, and starting the board is quick and easy.
Braking System
This Backfire skateboard boasts an electronic regenerative braking system, which is excellent for efficiency. When going downhill, the battery regenerates power while using the brake, which makes the board more efficient. The board can stop smoothly even when coming from fast speeds.
Safety
In terms of safety, the Backfire G2 does not have a lot of features, such as LED lights, for riding at night. However, the board is still safe to ride because of the built-in BMS which makes the board more predictable. Because the board does not come with LED lights, we don’t recommend riding at night.
Remember to wear proper safety gear, such as a helmet and pads, to ensure safety on your end.
Brand & Customer Service
For several years now, the Backfire company has been creating some of the best electric skateboards. Their skateboards are some of the most durable products to fulfill the demands of consumers. Since the number of electric skateboard companies is growing rapidly, Backfire is still finding ways to outmatch the competition with more versatile boards that can run faster and reach further distances. The Backfire G2 is one of their best releases yet.
While this Backfire board is made for riding smooth surfaces, Backfire also develops boards for other recreational purposes like adventure riding, and boards for off-road trails. Their collection of electric skateboards covers a wide variety of purposes, which captures a more extensive range of consumers. Whether you are looking for a board for commuting or a heavy-duty board for all-terrain riding, Backfire has you covered.
Shipping usually takes around 7 to 20 days depending on the country. After 2 days, you can start tracking your package and get hyped until your new board arrives.
Backfire boards can be returned within 7 days of purchase. However, the board should remain unused with all the accessories and original packaging. The warranty (2) will cover any factory defects but not the normal wear and tear and components breaking because of extreme use.
You can contact their customer support team at [email protected] if you have any questions about the products.
Downsides
- It has limited features for its price range
- It is not suitable for riders that weigh more than 165 lbs.
- No Bluetooth app
- No LED headlights for riding at night
Who Should Buy the Backfire G2 Black Electric Skateboard?
The Backfire G2 focuses more on ride quality rather than extra features. It does not have a companion app that you would typically find in models within its price range. However, it is an excellent first electric skateboard for beginners and a fast board for experienced riders.
The range is pretty decent, making it ideal for short commutes and running errands. The enjoyment factor is still there even without the extra features. If you are looking for a reliable skateboard that can go fast with excellent ride quality, this Backfire skateboard is the right board for you. However, if you are looking for features such as Bluetooth connectivity, you may want to look for an alternative.
Final Verdict
The Backfire G2 is an above-average board with fantastic qualities. It is fast, it has a decent range, but most of all, it rides very smoothly. It is also designed pretty well with performance and aesthetics in mind. It is not too flashy, but the design serves its purpose. It is a great minimalistic board that meets all the requirements for an electric skateboard that is worth buying.
Because of everything that makes this Backfire board great, we gave it a solid 4 out of 5 on our stoke meter. It could have scored a little higher if they added more flare, but we guess that this board is fine the way it is.
Backfire G2 Black Electric Skateboard Video Review
| Acton Blink SR Electric Skateboard Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 24 MPH |
| Deck Length | 37 inches |
| Motor | 2x 250-watt Super Power Hobbywing Motors |
| Range | 11 to 12.5 Miles |
| Battery | 36-volt Lithium-ion battery |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours |
| Max Load | 165 LBS |
| Weight | 14.5 LBS |
| Wheel Size | 96 MM |
| Wheel Type | 83a Urethane wheels |
| Brake System | Regenerative braking |
| Warranty | 180-day warranty |
| Price | $$ |
FAQs
References
- https://www.nemaenclosures.com/enclosure-ratings/ip-enclosures/ip55-enclosures.html
- https://backfireboardsusa.com/pages/return-and-warranty-policy
zippyelectrics.com may earn commissions when you purchase items through links to external source such as Amazon. Read our affiliate disclosure here.
