Hey eSkaters! This is my Backfire Zealot S2 Review!
The Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard is a powerful and feature-packed board that delivers an exhilarating and smooth riding experience. With impressive specs, a top-quality remote control, the Zealot S2 is an excellent choice for riders seeking a high-quality electric skateboard that combines speed, power, and a thrilling ride for an affordable price.
Backfire Zealot S2 Review
Deck
The deck of the Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard is a standout feature that combines durability, flexibility, and advanced technology to enhance the overall riding experience. Designed with a length of 995mm and crafted from a combination of ABS, glass fiber, and maple composite materials, this deck strikes a balance between stability and responsiveness.
Design and Construction
The deck of the Zealot S2 showcases a semi-flexy design that absorbs vibrations from rough terrains, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. The integration of snowboard technology adds to the overall durability and flexibility, making it suitable for various riding styles and terrains.
Stability and Turning
With a wide concave shape, the Backfire Zealot S2 deck offers enhanced stability, allowing riders to maintain control at higher speeds and while navigating tight turns. This feature is particularly beneficial for riders seeking stability during downhill rides or while carving through urban environments.
Quality and Durability
The combination of ABS, glass fiber, and maple composite materials ensures excellent durability and longevity, enabling the deck to withstand regular usage and minor impacts. This construction also helps in minimizing the risk of cracks or damage to the deck, adding to its overall reliability.
Lighting Integration
An intriguing addition to the Backfire Zealot S2 deck is the atmospheric purple light built into it. This unique feature not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also enhances visibility during nighttime rides, increasing safety for riders and alerting pedestrians or vehicles of their presence.
Wheels
The wheels of the Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard are designed to deliver a smooth and enjoyable riding experience while providing excellent traction and durability. The standard 96mm 80A street wheels and the 120mm hydro wheels, riders can choose the setup that best suits their riding style and preferences.
Standard Street Wheels
The Backfire Zealot S2 comes equipped with 96mm 80A standard street wheels. These wheels strike a balance between grip and comfort, allowing riders to navigate various urban terrains with ease. The 80A durometer provides a good level of shock absorption, resulting in a smoother ride over cracks and bumps on the road. These wheels are ideal for riders who prioritize maneuverability and quick acceleration.
Hydro Wheels (Optional)
For those seeking an even smoother ride and improved shock absorption, the Backfire Zealot S2 offers the option to upgrade to 120mm hydro wheels. These larger wheels offer enhanced stability and vibration dampening, making them particularly suitable for riders who frequently encounter rough or uneven surfaces. The hydro wheels provide a comfortable and more enjoyable ride, reducing fatigue and allowing for longer rides without compromising on performance.
Traction and Performance
Both wheel options provide excellent traction, allowing riders to confidently carve through corners and maintain control at higher speeds. The wider contact patch of the wheels enhances stability, giving riders a secure and planted feel on the board. Whether you opt for the standard street wheels or the hydro wheels, you can expect reliable performance and solid grip that inspire confidence while riding.
Durability and Longevity
Backfire is known for its commitment to quality, and the wheels on the Zealot S2 are no exception. Constructed with durable materials, these wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of daily riding. They offer good resistance to wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan and reducing the frequency of replacements.
Trucks
The trucks of the Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard are thoughtfully designed and engineered to provide stability, control, and responsiveness during rides. With 8″ 50º reverse kingpin aluminum alloy forged CNC trucks, the Zealot S2 offers a reliable and high-quality truck system that enhances the overall performance of the skateboard.
Stability and Maneuverability
The 8″ width of the Backfire Zealot S2 trucks contributes to the board’s stability, allowing riders to feel confident and balanced while cruising at higher speeds. This added stability is particularly beneficial for riders who enjoy downhill rides or want to maintain control during sharp turns. The reverse kingpin design further enhances maneuverability, making it easier to carve and navigate tight spaces.
Durability and Strength
Crafted from aluminum alloy and forged using CNC technology, the Zealot S2 trucks offer exceptional durability and strength. These trucks are built to withstand the rigors of regular riding, including impacts and vibrations. The combination of quality materials and precision manufacturing ensures that the trucks remain reliable and perform optimally over extended periods of use.
Responsive and Smooth Ride
The Backfire Zealot S2 trucks provide excellent responsiveness, allowing riders to quickly and effortlessly shift their weight to execute turns and maneuvers. The trucks’ design and construction enable smooth and fluid transitions, enhancing the overall riding experience. Whether you’re cruising through the streets or tackling more challenging terrain, the responsive nature of the trucks ensures a controlled and enjoyable ride.
Versatility
The Zealot S2’s trucks are versatile enough to accommodate various riding styles and skill levels. From casual cruising to more aggressive carving, the trucks offer the flexibility and adaptability needed to cater to different preferences. This versatility makes the Zealot S2 suitable for a wide range of riders, whether they are beginners or experienced skateboarders.
Battery
The battery of the Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard is a vital component that plays a significant role in providing the power and range necessary for an enjoyable and efficient riding experience. With a 14S2P Samsung 40T 403Wh battery, the Zealot S2 offers impressive performance and a commendable range.
Powerful and Reliable
The Zealot S2’s 14S2P configuration, paired with Samsung 40T cells, delivers a powerful and reliable energy source for the electric skateboard. This setup ensures that riders can experience consistent and sustained power output, allowing for smooth acceleration and maintaining speed even on inclines or challenging terrain. The battery’s performance inspires confidence, enabling riders to confidently tackle various riding scenarios.
Extended Range
One of the standout features of the Backfire Zealot S2 is its impressive range. With a maximum range of 48 kilometers or 30 miles, riders can enjoy longer rides without the worry of running out of power. This extended range is particularly appealing for riders who use their electric skateboard for commuting or longer recreational rides. The Zealot S2’s battery allows riders to explore more and enjoy the freedom of extended travel.
Reliability and Safety
Backfire has a reputation for prioritizing safety, and the Zealot S2 battery is no exception. By utilizing high-quality Samsung 40T cells, the battery offers excellent reliability, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing the risk of unexpected power loss during rides. Backfire also incorporates built-in safety measures, such as overcharge and over-discharge protection, to safeguard the battery and prolong its lifespan.
Charging Time
While the charging time of the Backfire Zealot S2 battery may vary depending on the charger used, it is worth noting that a high-quality charger is included with the skateboard. This charger is designed to efficiently charge the battery, minimizing the time needed for a full charge. Riders can enjoy more time on their board and reduce downtime between rides.
Motors
The motors of the Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard are a key component that significantly contributes to its performance, speed, and overall riding experience. With two 875W belt-driven motors, the Zealot S2 offers impressive power, acceleration, and responsiveness.
Powerful Performance
The Backfire Zealot S2’s dual 875W motors provide a powerful performance that allows riders to experience exhilarating speed and acceleration. These motors deliver ample torque, ensuring quick and smooth acceleration from a standstill. Whether you’re looking to cruise around town or tackle more challenging terrain, the motors offer the power needed to conquer various riding conditions.
Smooth and Responsive
The belt-driven motor system on the Zealot S2 contributes to a smooth and responsive ride. The belt drive mechanism helps minimize vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable and enjoyable riding experience. Additionally, the motors are designed to respond quickly to input from the rider, allowing for precise control and maneuverability.
Speed and Hill Climbing
With the Backfire Zealot S2’s motors, riders can reach impressive speeds of up to 48kph or 30mph. This speed capability adds a thrilling element to your rides, enabling you to keep up with traffic or simply enjoy the exhilaration of high-speed cruising. Furthermore, the motors’ power and torque assist in conquering inclines with a hill climb ability of 30%, making uphill rides more manageable and enjoyable.
ESC
The Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) of the Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard is a crucial component that regulates power delivery, controls speed, and ensures a smooth and safe riding experience. With the FOC 14S 60A ESC, the Zealot S2 offers advanced control, efficiency, and reliability.
Advanced Control and Customizability
The FOC (Field Oriented Control) technology implemented in the Backfire Zealot S2 ESC provides precise control over the motor output, resulting in a smooth and seamless acceleration and braking experience. The ESC allows riders to customize their riding experience by adjusting various performance parameters, such as acceleration and braking sensitivity, through the remote control settings. This level of customization enables riders to tailor the board’s performance to their preferences and skill level.
Efficiency and Power Optimization
The ESC is designed for optimal energy efficiency, allowing riders to maximize the overall battery life and extend their riding range. The ESC efficiently converts battery power to motor output, minimizing energy losses and ensuring a more efficient ride. The power optimization of the ESC contributes to a longer battery life and provides riders with extended riding sessions.
Safety Features
Backfire prioritizes safety, and the Zealot S2 ESC incorporates several safety features to protect both the rider and the board. The ESC has built-in overcurrent protection, which helps prevent damage to the electronics in case of sudden spikes in current. Additionally, the ESC’s advanced braking system provides smooth and controlled braking, enhancing rider safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.
Remote
The remote control of the Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard is a well-designed and user-friendly device that enhances the overall riding experience by providing convenient control and customization options. Packed with features, the remote offers a seamless and intuitive interface for riders to control their skateboard with ease.
Robust and High-Quality Build
The Backfire Zealot S2 remote is built with a robust aluminum shell, providing durability and a premium feel. This sturdy construction ensures that the remote can withstand regular use, offering long-lasting reliability. The high-quality build of the remote instills confidence in the overall performance and durability of the Zealot S2.
Intuitive Display and Controls
The 1.5″ circular color LED display on the remote is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. It provides riders with important information at a glance, such as speed, battery level, and riding mode. The intuitive controls allow riders to switch between modes, adjust settings, and control the board’s performance effortlessly.
Convenient Riding Modes
The Backfire Zealot S2 remote offers three riding modes: ECO, SPORT, and TURBO. These modes cater to different riding preferences and skill levels. The ECO mode provides a more energy-efficient and relaxed riding experience, while SPORT mode offers a balance between efficiency and performance. The TURBO mode unlocks the full power and speed potential of the Zealot S2, delivering an exhilarating ride for more experienced riders.
Fingerprint Unlock and Customization
An innovative feature of the Zealot S2 remote is the fingerprint unlock capability. With three fingerprint slots available, riders can conveniently and securely unlock the board. Additionally, the remote allows for customization of performance settings, enabling riders to fine-tune the acceleration, braking, and other parameters to suit their preferences and riding style.
Auto On/Off and Light Control
The Backfire Zealot S2 remote incorporates an auto on/off feature, which automatically turns on the board when the remote is activated. This convenient feature eliminates the need to manually power on the skateboard, providing a seamless user experience. The remote also allows riders to control the board’s lights, easily toggling them on or off as desired.
Final Thoughts
The Backfire Zealot S2 Electric Skateboard is a high-performance board that offers an exhilarating and smooth riding experience. With its durable and flexible deck, stable trucks, and traction-rich wheels, the Zealot S2 provides a reliable and enjoyable ride. The 48km/30-mile range and dual 875W belt-driven motors deliver impressive power, quick acceleration, and speeds of up to 48kph/30mph.
The FOC ESC ensures precise control, efficiency, and customizable settings, while the user-friendly remote offers a robust build, intuitive controls, and convenient features like fingerprint unlock and riding mode selection.
Priced at US$799, the Backfire Zealot S2 represents excellent value for its performance, durability, and advanced features. It is an ideal choice for riders of all levels seeking a top-quality electric skateboard that delivers on performance, reliability, and an exhilarating ride.
Get $50 OFF with code ESKHUB
On Backfire’s Website