For the most part, the title says it all. I’m looking to get my first esk8, and, since I can’t (yet) afford a more expensive board (or, more importantly, a belt-driven board), I’ve done a considerable amount of research, and narrowed the choices down to these two (or three). Starting yesterday, I started posting in one of the threads created by someone else…but, not wanting to ‘hijack’ that thread, I thought it my be prudent to create my own thread. For those who previously replied to me…with ‘positive’, as well as ‘negative’ comments, thank you…and, please, feel free to respond in here, as well. But, first, some quick “background” info:
I am 5’8”, approx 230lbs, and am in the early ‘50+’ category. Although I was a competitive swimmer many years ago, and involved in several other physical activities, life has gotten (hopefully, temporarily) the better of me, and my weight shot up. For a couple years, I did work for that (horrible) A-Z company, during which time I dropped to approx 175…but, after leaving, and going to work as a Professional Chauffeur (no, not gUber, or (un)Lyft), due to my job requiring me to “sit on my you-know-what”, the great majority of that weight returned. That being said, I AM interested in getting back down to at least 200lbs, and hopefully/possibly slightly less. I don’t currently have a huge energy reserve, but I’m also no couch potato. As for skateboarding, I got into it (minorly) about 40 years ago, but “moved on” less than five years later (swimming, and being a musician, became far more important)…and now, while not 100% the same thing, I am wanting to get back.
I could have purchased some cheap (ie. Sub-$300) board through Amazon, eBay, or other similar sources…but, I wanted something with a more-known (ie. ‘better’) quality. That led me to doing one of the things I do best – internet researching. Upon initial searching, I realized that most boards…especially any of the belt drive boards…are out of my reach, financially-speaking, thus the reason I am looking ONLY at the “budget” boards. At the same time, I do NOT want a “cheap” (ie low-quality, questionable build, garbage 3-month warranty, no support/customer-service, etc) board. After reading quite a few reviews, and watching even more YouTube videos (mostly reviews), I was able to narrow down my choices to the Backfire G2 Black, Wowgo S2 Pro, and…in a ‘distant third’…the Meepo V4. However, based on certain things said by others, the V4 is now an even-more-distant fourth (even though there is no “third”). Maybe in another year, or so, I will be able to afford a higher-end and/or belt drive board…but, for now, around $500 is the MAX.
So…between my two primary options/choices, what would others choose…AND “why”? what are the pros/cons of each against the other? Part of why I’m asking this question is, in my research, I found several comparisons pitting each of these two against others…but, I could find no comparisons pitting them against each other. I’m sure each has ‘positives’, as well as ‘negatives’ against each other…I’m just not entirely certain what they might be. Another area of ‘concern’ is support/customer-service. I know both are supposed to have US-based support (and, possibly, even US-based repair centers…if anyone can confirm this, please do). At the same time, from previous/personal experience, I’ve learned that US support from Chinese companies isn’t always the greatest. For example, Hobbywing does produce excellent products (I use their Seaking ESCs in the majority of my boats)…but, their US-based support is horrible. Thankfully, when dealing with one of their products, when factory-installed in something from another company, one doesn’t have to deal with HW support (again, for example, if purchasing any of the Spektrum ESCs and/or motors, which are actually manufacturered by HW, yu deal with Horizon Hobby support, which is outstanding).
Ok…enough said (by me, at least for now). My “plan” is to place my order within the next 1-2 weeks. But, to better ‘assist’ in my decision, I would greatly appreciate some input from others – ESPECIALLY anyone who has at least a few dozen miles of use with BOTH of my choices. If you are ‘pro’ one company, and have never even tested boards made by the other, please, refrain from commenting. If you are someone who has only ridden belt drive boards, please, refrain from commenting. And…most important of all…if you are someone who believe that only “expensive” boards are worth riding, please, refrain from commenting. I ask this, NOT to be ‘rude’, but to keep any comments being left “on the subject at hand” (ie. “budget” boards in general…and, specifically, the Backfire G2 Black, Wowgo S2 Pro, and (to some extent) the Meepo V4). Thank you, in advance, and look forward to all (helpful) information.
I will get better for sure)
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