Backfire Nalu Assessment: Surf Impressed Electrical Skateboard

Hey eSkaters!

Ever wished you would seize that browsing feeling on the streets?

The Backfire Nalu electrical skateboard brings the wave-carving expertise to pavement, wrapped in a glossy package deal that turns heads with its built-in LED lighting system.

At $599 ($349 for first 1000 pre-orders, with code Nalu), this light-weight cruiser proves that you simply don’t want a large price ticket to get premium options and an exhilarating trip.

Whether or not you’re a surfer seeking to scratch that carving itch or a commuter wanting one thing extra thrilling than a conventional electrical skateboard, the Nalu delivers a novel driving expertise that units it aside from the group.

My Backfire Nalu overview will hopefully shed some gentle on whether or not this electrical skateboard is for you.

Backfire Nalu Assessment

Deck and Design

The Nalu’s 30-inch size strikes the proper stability between portability and stability.

Its fiberglass-maple composite deck encompasses a purposeful kicktail and considerate concave that locks your toes in place throughout these deep carves.

The shock-absorbing grip tape isn’t simply advertising converse – it really helps dampen vibrations whereas offering glorious foot traction.

What actually makes the Nalu stand out is its built-in LED gentle system working alongside the deck sides. These aren’t simply any lights – they’re correctly vivid and provide three modes (regular, respiratory, and flashing) controllable proper from the distant.

The clear crash pads at each ends shield these lights whereas including to the board’s premium really feel.

With 4 graphic choices accessible (Purple, Maple, Dice, and Jungle), you’ll be able to select a mode that matches your persona.

Wheels

The Backfire Nalu comes geared up with 80mm wheels rated at 78A durometer – a candy spot for city cruising.

These wheels provide first rate vibration absorption on clean to reasonably tough surfaces, although you’ll undoubtedly really feel bigger cracks and bumps (as anticipated with any 80mm wheel).

The delicate 78A compound offers good grip throughout carves and handles barely moist circumstances nicely, although I’d nonetheless keep away from driving in correct rain.

Whereas having different wheel choices can be good, the inventory setup is well-chosen for the board’s supposed use. The wheels complement the surf-style driving expertise with out sacrificing an excessive amount of stability or roll pace.

Vans

The star of the present is undoubtedly the hot-forged, 5-axis CNC precision surf truck up entrance.

With a 60° turning radius, this truck transforms the Nalu from a easy electrical skateboard into a real carving machine.

The extent of precision engineering right here is spectacular – there’s zero slop within the pivot, and the return-to-center is clean and predictable.

It does take some getting used to – newbies would possibly discover it twitchy at first, however when you adapt to the elevated responsiveness, you’ll be carving up sidewalks like they’re waves.

The rear truck is extra historically steady, creating a pleasant stability between agility and high-speed stability.

Battery and Vary

The 99Wh battery is a intelligent selection by Backfire. By staying below the 100Wh restrict, the Nalu turns into air-travel pleasant – an enormous bonus for vacationers.

In real-world testing, The Nalu constantly hit the marketed 12 mile / 19km vary when driving in ECO mode on flat floor.

Extra aggressive driving in SPORT or TURBO modes will cut back this to about 8-9 miles / 13-14km, which continues to be loads for many city commutes.

The battery fees absolutely in 2 hours with the usual charger, or simply 55 minutes in case you spring for the optionally available quick charger.

The lithium polymer battery selection helps maintain weight down whereas offering punchy acceleration when wanted.

Motors, Pace, and Hill Climbing

The twin 340W hub motors present sufficient punch for city commuting with out overdoing it.

The 16mph / 25kmh prime pace might sound modest in comparison with some high-powered boards, nevertheless it’s good for carving and creates a extra surf-like expertise. Plus, it’s a pace that gained’t terrify newbies or appeal to undesirable consideration from legislation enforcement.

Hill climbing is rated at 15% grade, which proved correct in testing. The board maintains good pace on average hills, although you’ll discover some slowdown on steeper inclines. It’s value noting that the motors are remarkably silent – good for stealthy cruising by quiet neighbourhoods.

ESC and Distant

The Hobbywing ESC is a standout function at this value level, offering clean acceleration and predictable braking.

Three driving modes (ECO, SPORT, and TURBO) allow you to match the board’s efficiency to your talent stage and driving circumstances. The distant is comfy and intuitive, with an LCD display screen displaying pace, battery ranges, and driving mode.

The flexibility to manage the deck lights instantly from the distant is a pleasant contact – double-clicking the ability button cycles by the sunshine modes, letting you turn between attention-grabbing and stealth modes on the fly.

Experience Expertise and Total High quality

The Nalu delivers a novel driving expertise that really captures the surf-skate really feel.

Acceleration is clean and predictable, with not one of the jerkiness you would possibly count on at this value level.

The mix of the surf truck and conventional rear truck creates a trip that’s extremely enjoyable for carving however stays steady sufficient for straight-line cruising.

Construct high quality is spectacular all through. The deck feels stable, the electronics are well-protected, and the built-in lighting system is completely weatherproofed (IP65 rated).

After a number of weeks of testing, together with some unintentional drops and bumps, the board reveals minimal put on and all techniques proceed to perform completely.