Hey everyone! Today I’m starting a build log for my first board. I have just finished ordering the last few parts, so building will commence shortly. Despite unpopular opinion, I’m really admiring what the Chinese are up to in the electric skateboard area. They’re bridging the gap between mass produced boards and hobbyists like us. As a result I’m plunging into the Chinese world for parts, and so far I’m pretty impressed.
PARTS: Boosted Board clone deck: https://world.taobao.com/item/536855694383.htm?fromsite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4004-14838118875.2.l7tyh8
Trucks, Wheels, Pulleys etc. https://world.taobao.com/item/528942351980.htm?fromsite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4002-8431072093.46.pxndcc
15T Pulley to replace the 12T in the kit^ https://world.taobao.com/item/39638387460.htm?fromsite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w1017-2425805193.25.dtrbwl&
10S BMS (for charging only, discharging will bypass the board) https://world.taobao.com/item/21608808908.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.a5w3ik#detail
42V 2A Charger https://world.taobao.com/item/533987952568.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.fmqxg9#detail
INR18650-25R batteries 10S3P https://www.nkon.nl/rechargeable/18650-size/samsung-18650-inr18650-25r.html
Winning Remote https://world.taobao.com/item/537250175577.htm?fromsite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4002-8275179524.59.hggibp
Maytech VESC https://world.taobao.com/item/536720652464.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.skowvc#detail
Maytech 6374 190kV Motor https://world.taobao.com/item/540349637949.htm?id=540349637949
12 Gauge Wire https://world.taobao.com/item/524776541213.htm?fromsite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4002-12883306582.78.nxljx9
XT90 Connectors https://world.taobao.com/item/15753414213.htm?fromsite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4002-14849163110.19.wssrqc
Battery Display https://world.taobao.com/item/524929127650.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.idmlv8#detail
As you can see, everything I’m buying is coming from China, except the batteries since I live in Europe. (Heads up: NKON is hands down the cheapest supplier of 18650s in Europe if you didn’t already know). Everything else that’s coming from Taobao is coming through my agent. Buying direct from Taobao to Europe (and especially America) is possible, but it’s not easy and a lot of sellers have no interest in shipping internationally.
So far what has arrived is:
- Deck
- BMS
- Remote
- Wheels trucks pulleys etc
- Lights
- Wire
My verdict on parts so far: Deck: At first I was a bit skeptical, especially considering the price. Once it arrived I noticed that only the top and bottom of the deck is bamboo, the inner 3 layers are ply. But regardless, the build quality seems to be very high. The deck is springy like the genuine boosted deck, and generally feels pretty good. Note that it has 6 holes drilled towards one side, for fitting an electronics case to it. But once you put grip tape on it it’ll be all covered up so it’s not a problem if you don’t want them. Grip tape is included with the board.
Wheels They’re just generic fake 97mm flywheels. Never seen real flywheels so I can’t comment, but these seem quite flexible (little concerning?). Will ride with them for a while, but I think they’re going to need replacing in the long run.
Trucks, Bushings, Bearings All very solid, very pleased with them. No spacers included in the kit.
Pulleys They seem pretty good. I got a few extra belts to prepare for the worst. Replacing the 12T gear with a 15T.
Motor Mount Note sure if I should be concerned about the mount or not. The metal is quite thin. But it is all steel. The rest of the mount looks solid. The mount fits really nicely with the trucks and gears. They also included a belt shield. Once I sand off the branding it should be all good.
So that’s my verdict on the parts so far. Looking forward to testing the Maytech VESC. If things continue at this success rate, I should have a very good value board! Please leave me any feedback if you’ve got any, very new to the world of e-skating!