Raptor 2.1 Electric Skateboard Review
The Raptor 2.1 electric skateboard was built with state-of-the-art technology to ensure your riding experience is the best.
With so many different e-skateboards options on the market, it can be hard to tell which products are worth your time. Well, one option that you have likely seen before is the Raptor 2.1 model by Enertion.
I will drive you through a different set of things that I think are important to discuss and determine whether this model is worth the purchase.
Table of Contents
Technical Specs of This e-Board
| MOTOR | - Read dual hub. - 31 mph (50 km/h). | DECK | - Tub type semi-rigid Maple Wood. - Smooth kick-tail - L: 97.3cm; W: 27.4cm. - Thick grip tape. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BATTERY | - 432Wh, 36v, 12 Ah. - 30Q Samsung 4A. - Up to 15 miles (25 km). See detail in the battery section. | CLIMBING ABILITY | - 30% inclination. |
| WHEELS | - 90mm (fitted); 97 and 100 mm (available). - 78A composition. | BRAKES | - Regenerative braking. - Descent braking power due to size of the hub motors. |
| CARRYING WEIGHT | - 110kg. | OVERALL WEIGHT | - With dual motor: 25.8 lb (11.7 kg). |
| RIDING MODES | - Two (2). See details in the controller section. | CHARGING TIME | - 2.5 hrs (from flat). |
The 2.1 Unique Deck
Materials
This Raptor board is made from the most durable materials, and the deck is carved from semi-flexible Maple eight (8) layer wood. This type of wood gives the board a nice grain look with a sturdy feel.
Let’s be honest; what is more catchy than the black color? Enertion knows that, and that is why they decided to give a dark look to the board’s deck itself. Besides, typically this color helps to hide the dust and dirt, so you won’t need to clean it too much.
In regards to the grip tape, it is very thick compared to other models. In my opinion, this is something I don’t particularly appreciate because it limits the movement of your feet along the deck; nevertheless, it will last more time than thinner grips.
Measurements
You might think that at first sight, this board could look like an electric longboard; however, the deck is 973mm in length and 274mm in width, which is suitable for skateboards.
This also makes the e-board a heavy-duty option for those who want the highest durability.
Design features
Most e-board manufacturers focus their designs on a simple configuration, meaning they will look like standard boards.
This is not the case on the Raptor 2.1.
This model was designed with the user in mind by adding a couple of handles on each side of the middle deck, ensuring right or left-handed people can carry the board in a fashion way.
In addition to this, the board also counts with a kick-tail that will let you:
- Dismount and lift the board if you need to quickly enter a place or walk and,
- It will give you the feature of doing a “holy” if you are an experienced skater.
Water protection
Enertion understands that the electronics of the board have to be protected. For this reason, they included a tri-zone silicon ingress protection and a digital thermal management system.
The added protection will keep your board’s internal electrical parts from sustaining liquid ingress damage while on a ride. The digital thermal management system uses intelligent real-time technology to protect your board’s electronics from overloading and overheating.
I like that the board’s motor should perform great in hot weather. Nevertheless, keep an eye on any changes in performance or odd sounds when riding.
Urethane Wheels
The 2.1 Raptor board comes with four (4) 90mm diameter wheels made from high-quality urethane and will help absorb the shock from bumps on the road to keep your ride smooth.
Durability and replacement.
In terms of wheel hardness, the adapted Enertion ones are 78A grade, landing on the soft side; this will also reflect on smooth rides with many grips.
The material is made to last and allows you to ride wherever you want for short or long trips without worrying about cracking or a high amount of wear and tear.
These wheels won’t need to be replaced when the hub motors are switched out, saving you more money on buying wheels.
Other options
Lastly, if you feel the diameter is not good enough, you have two (2) more alternatives to choose from (97 and 100 mm).
Keep in mind that increasing the diameter of the wheels will reduce the overall acceleration, but you will gain better speed (don’t think more than what the motor can provide).
Double Hub Re-designed Motors
This board comes with two (2) hub motors with high-efficiency open-source technology for a smoother ride.
The motors are fully programmable and can get you to reach speeds of up to 50km/h (is this speed too much for you? Check the Atom B10 Electric Skateboard instead.
This powerful motor allows you to get up 30% inclines without breaking a sweat.
One of the latest improvements seeing with the Raptor 2.1 model, and something that I liked, is the stator-core liquid-cooled technology that helps keep the motor at a lower temperature, not only when in use but also accelerates the cooling rate after a skating session.
This cooling technology is crucial considering that with the degree of acceleration and speed the motors provide, there will be an increase in temperature and, therefore, reduce performance or damage.
Lastly, the hub motors can be easily replaced when necessary and don’t require you to switch out the wheels.
Heavy-Duty Samsung Battery
The Raptor comes with a heavy-duty 432Wh Samsung Li-Ion battery (30Q 18560) that blows away the competition by being four (4) times greater range than its leading competitor, such as the Boosted Board Stealth.
The battery is rechargeable, so there is no need for disposable options, and it comes with a standard Fast Charger (4A) included in the purchase price.
These are my downsides:
Range: One downside I’ve seen so far is the claimed battery range by the manufacturer. The range should be around 40 km, but it seems less than that. Some users have indicated that the range is approximately 15 miles (24km).
Weight: I think it is good to have a bigger battery that allows for better range; however, the fact that it is more significant than usual will translate into more weight to carry.
The last thing to consider is that the range is directly affected by the total weight you put on the board. The more weight, the more energy the motors will need.
Regenerative Braking System Performance
It comes with a regenerative braking system that helps you to stop on a dime or slow down to a halt when needed. This is achievable thanks to the motors’ size and the wheels’ softness.
I believe Enertion thought about the battery consumption. This regenerative system helps the battery recharge every time the brake system is in use.
Off-course, there is not much charging toward the batter since you are riding, not braking all the time, but it will help a bit.
Nano-X Remote Control
In terms of controlling, it comes with innovative technology, including a Nano-X remote control. This remote is compact and lightweight and comes with a wrist wrap.
You push the thumb wheel throttle forward for acceleration and pull it backward to brake.
The Nano-X also comes with mirror mode that allows you to switch the direction of the acceleration and braking functions so that you push the throttle forward to brake and backward to accelerate.
The raptor model comes with high-tech race-spec components that are fully programmable.
The remote control allows these components to be programmed and changed as you ride and will help you adjust to your preferences.
One last thing that I find bothersome (but not a big deal) is the necessity to “calibrate” the control before every ride.
Final Thoughts
This electronic skateboard is not for the weak at heart. This board can get you to high speeds, and the heavy-duty build will feel sturdy and rugged as you ride over challenging terrain.
From the tough tires to added safety protections to the fully programmable electronics, this board pretty much has it all.
Like all other consumer products, there are some great things about this e-board and some not-so-great features. However, even though there are some flaws, there are many great points that come with it. After reading our review, please look at the things we like and don’t like.
From my perspective and based on other users’ opinions, I believe the new Raptor 2.1 electric skateboard would be a good option for weekend rides but not much for daily commuting.
Raptor 2.1
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What we like
- ✅ The large battery is a huge plus because it is long-lasting, charges when the braking system is in use and is four (4) times greater than the leading competition’s battery.
- ✅ Stator-core-liquid-cool technology allows you to ride without the motor getting too hot; this keeps the temperature cooler in use and gives you faster cooling-down times as well.
- ✅ The high-tech race-specs allow for a digital thermal management system that helps prevent overloading and tri-zone ingress protection to protect from liquid ingress damage.
What we do not like
- This is a premium product and does come with a high price tag that will likely not work for those who need a budget-friendly option.
- Mirror-mode will activate if you hold the remote wilh a very tight grip.
- The wheels hardness is good for bumpy terrains but won't last that much.
