Monday, May 26, 2008

The Review of Exkate X24 Electric Skateboard


Introduction

You might have heard of or have seen an Electric Skateboard. Check them out so you can get a good one for yourself, or for someone that loves to skate, ski, snowboard, surf or just have good fun. The ultimate model is the X24 Electric skateboard that we will review today.

About the Product:

I chose the Exkate X24 wireless model, wanting the best available. There are many players in the Electric Skateboard market, but Exkate has been doing it longer and better for quite some time. The quality and build on these boards is top notch.
Of the Powerboard offerings. This model includes a removal able battery pack, full digital wireless control system and Charger.

How I tested the product:


I have been using it for 3-10 times a week for over a year! I have ridden it up and down some of the biggest hills in Oakland, Berkeley, & Palo Alto California. I have tested it in some of the best parking lots I could find for as long as the batteries held up. I have been asked to leave a few places that did not enjoy my riding as much as I did. I have also ridden it on various paved trails throughout Northern California and on all sorts of street surfaces.

Pros

*Great Value-Although the upfront cost is high, once you have a board the operating expense is next to nothing.
* Green- No Noise Pollution or Smelly Exhaust to deal with.
* Safe- Having a skateboard with excellent breaks makes Power-boarding safe and controllable.
* FUN- The amount of joy you can get from riding up and down hills or even in a parking lot is unbeatable.

Cons


* Heavy-At over 50 pounds it's nothing to throw on your shoulder and hike into the City with.
* Availability- The best ones X-24's are made of a rare metal I like to call Un-Ubtainium (as in good luck finding one)
the older line of Raptors 4.0 (3.0's are too small for most of us) is hard to find and the new line by Exkate called 'Altered"
looks promising but we will have to wait to sometime in August to find out for ourselves!
* Reliability-The Chinese made electronics are spotty, hopefully improving with the new version due out in August 08.

Conclusion


Overall the product works like a champ, built like a tank and rides like a dream. I give it 5 Stars out of 5. The New version of the Company I give 4.0 out of 5 stars for being almost a year out on production of the "Altered" line up, and shelving this the best of their Boards ever made. Other then that they do a fine job of servicing their clientele and keeping everyone wishing for a return someday of the "Grand Daddy X24."


Critical data on the Exkate X-24:

Handmade & Individually Tuned
Maximum Speed: 22mph (40kph)
Acceleration 0-22 mph in 4 sec
Breaking distance (22mph-0): 30 feet (10M)
Range: 10-15 miles
Weight: 50 lbs
Custom built electric motor produces 1+ horsepower
Rechargeable 24 volt system (AC charger included)
Optional Inverter for charging from a car (cig lighter) or other vehicle (not included - $49.00 extra; can be used with up to two boards simultaneously) so you'll be powered wherever you go.
Patented, Digital, wireless hand remote controller with integrated throttle and brake.
Remote and AC charger included
Weight: 50lbs (23kg)
Deck Dimensions: 42 x 9.5in (107 x 24cm.)
Made in the U.S.A.
Retail price $999 No Longer in production or available.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Check out what "Surfing" Magazine has to say about Electric Skateboards..

"SURFING MAGAZINE - February 2007
Pushing, pumping, tic-tacking, it's all so pathetically 90's. Get over it. The skateboards of the future are all electric. And OK, it may not work for flippy-do tricks but harnessing the energy of the Exkate electric skateboard is the closest feeling to surfing you're ever going to get on the pavement. Commanding a respectable 20 mph with a wireless handheld controller, your feet never leave the board as you carve your way all over town. And with around 10 miles to a full charge, you'll be tripping. Until someone invents the Hoverboard, this baby is it!"

"Electric skateboarding 101"

Powerboarding...think of it as snowboarding without annoying lift lines or tickets, wakeboarding without a boat, or skateboarding without your feet ever touching the ground! Just step on and accelerate. Going up to 15 miles on a four-hour charge, electric skateboards and longboards are one of the most exciting innovations in personal transportation to date. Using the latest in electronic technology, these electric skateboards are unrivaled in performance and range. Powerboards are a zero-emissions product, virtually silent and 100 percent environmentally friendly. It's also the best Mobile Meditation I have found, and also good excersise for your body...check it out & you will thank me.

Ride On and Be Blessed*

Monday, May 19, 2008

Quick California spin on the Electric Skateboard

Here's Kyle Mansfield doing a quick ride in Northern California

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Impression of Exkate Electric SkateBoards


After a Hot & Fun filled skateboard weekend I jumped on a Exkate/Altered Electric Skateboard and gave it a quick spin. It is a Blast! The handling was tight and excellent for this the Biggest of the Exkate Fleet (50 lbs) It carves like butter on warm bread! I will keep riding all the Electric Boards to get a solid comparison for everyone (including myself & friends) for now Exkate/Altered is the King...let's see if the rest of their fleet deserves to wear the crown as well!
Enjoy the picture of this Custom Deck at my buddy David's house.

Ride on...Bless on'


Kyle Mansfield
California Street Surfing Skateboarding for over 30years*