Maxfind has been providing trendy, aggressively priced electrical boards since 2015, they usually’ve steadily progressed into extra superior setups with more and more succesful options. It is a path we’ve seen many manufacturers comply with as they arrive into maturity, and I feel it’s reflective of wholesome competitors within the house. As manufacturers grow to be extra established and rising pains become expertise, corporations are in a position to extra confidently discover new board fashions.
Enter the Maxfind FF-Belt, the second mannequin within the “Excessive Efficiency” collection alongside the FF Road. This board’s marketed high velocity matches the Maxfind FF-AT’s marketed excessive finish of 28mph/45kph, which is the corporate’s quickest providing. My colleague discovered the FF-AT got here up quick on this division at 21mph, however these are mighty massive wheels for hub motors to drive…maybe the belt drive can pull out extra energy?
The experience
The FF Belt has a a lot heavier ride-feel than it’s hub-driven counterpart, the FF Road. A belt-drive system is in reality weightier, bringing the heft of the Belt mannequin up a full 4 kilos to 24 complete. This, mixed with a stiffer composite deck, makes for a really managed feeling whereas driving. The experience top is identical on each boards, a cushty 5.5” to the highest of the arch from floor stage. The added heft and diminished flex within the deck make for a really secure really feel, and the double kingpin vans carried out properly after tightening them down.
The added stiffness and weight is appreciated, as a result of the extra torque provided by this board is felt alongside it’s size. A noticeable jolt will be felt if the rider slams the throttle mid cruise…not jarring, however current. The acceleration is powerful and even, though the acceleration isn’t the strongest I’ve seen from twin 1500w motor setup. This isn’t essentially a disadvantage, as a result of until you’re trying to drag race it’s possible you’ll favor the smoother really feel as you attain high velocity.
The wheels
The FF Belt comes outfitted with CloudWheel clones, they usually appear to be fairly good approximations of their idols. Matching the Cloud’s 105mm, they’re black with a half-whitewall and have a honeycomb tread sample as a substitute of the Isosceles triangle’s (“particular multi-step tread sample”) discovered on the genuine Clouds that had been paired with the FF Road after we reviewed it. They’ve carried out properly up to now, though they might be extra vulnerable to sliding beneath laborious braking than the Clouds…this sliding has been predictable, manageable and really enjoyable for this rider, so it’s not essentially a draw back, only a attribute. On the time of this writing, it appears Maxfind continues to be pairing the official Clouds as an possibility with the Road mannequin…I ponder in the event that they’ll finally begin providing their clones as a substitute?
Accelerating and braking
The FF Belt affords clean acceleration from a standstill to high velocity, by no means feeling uncontrolled or jarring. There’s considerably extra torque than you’ll discover on the FF Road, as anticipated. This isn’t the form of board that’s prone to rip out from beneath you if you happen to hit the throttle too laborious…it’s a extra humble acceleration than a number of the rivals with comparable setups, and I nearly really feel like I’m lacking a “passing gear” to rapidly speed up from 20-30mph. The pull is stronger than the FF Streets hub motors, however the sensation is analogous.
The Braking on the FF Belt will be exhilarating, if that’s what you’re into! The belt drive is kind of able to stopping the wheels at excessive speeds, “inflicting” or “permitting” you to slip, relying on whether or not you’ve acquired it beneath management! I discovered the slides to be predictable, and easily releasing the brake brings the board again beneath full management. I don’t incorporate an abundance of flare into my driving, however I did benefit from the freedom this braking system affords. You’ll be able to actually cease steadily and easily, even abruptly with out sliding…however if you happen to see a pleasant patch that wants a little bit of drifting, locking the rear wheels is at all times an possibility!
High velocity
The highest velocity on the FF Belt caught me abruptly as a result of I acquired there so easily. My each day driver is a twin 1500w system with a a lot bigger battery, and it screams to 33mph. The FF Belt took my 165lb payload as much as 31mph for a second on very very best terrain, nevertheless it snuck up on me. I’m able to reproduce a high velocity of 29mph with no difficulty, however I discover I’m not usually on a protracted sufficient stretch of straightaway to realize it. I contemplate something with a high velocity in extra of 25mph to be cheap for many, and the FF Belt achieves this with out difficulty. The FF Belt has additionally been in a position to carry me up inclines in extra of 30% incline, verifying the marketed capabilities.
Vary
As soon as once more, we discover ourselves misled by marketed vary capabilities. That is disappointing for a lot of causes, most of which need to do with morality and honesty, however this might not be the place for discussions of advantage. What we’ll focus on is real-life vary, and it’s higher than the FF Road provided us. Our take a look at riders each weigh in round 165lbs and have comparable skating expertise.
We discovered that the primary half of our cost provided noticeably higher efficiency than the latter half, which will be anticipated. Driving towards the FF Road, the Belt nonetheless confirmed 4 bars when the FF Road needed to be kick-pushed! Nonetheless, the remaining bars fall off rapidly with high-speed, actual world driving, and we discovered that we may get between 14-16 miles out of a cost. That is nowhere close to the marketed 25 mile vary, nevertheless it’s an inexpensive outing size for this rider. I don’t experience greater than 10 miles on a go normally, and though I’ve vary nervousness and like to go overboard (my each day get 35+ miles on a cost) the FF Belt will be anticipated to meet the wants of most riders, most days.
Weight and portability
The FF Belt maintains the deck design of it’s Road-branded counterpart, even when the development is kind of completely different. This implies we nonetheless get the tow deal with on the nostril, however the motor guards could complicate issues for very tall riders hoping to drag it alongside them. As at all times, we suggest you keep away from this case with any board…throughout our overview testing, we had been evaluating the FF Road on to the brand new Belt mannequin within the discipline, which meant the Road mannequin usually ran out of juice…that board is 4 kilos lighter, has a deal with, you may kick-push it and I nonetheless advise you don’t run out of juice. Flip again round midway by your cost, at all times. This board will match within the backseat of many automobiles and the trunks of most, however we promise you don’t need to carry it.
Construct high quality
Maxfind has hit it’s stride by way of construct high quality, and that’s an enormous consider our overview. Specs don’t imply a lot in the event that they solely maintain for per week or two, and delivery these items again throughout the globe for repairs in not possible. They should arrive completed, examined, and primarily excellent.
We see Maxfind re-using elements throughout fashions, and this can be a sensible tactic for any firm making laborious items. Taking the deck for example, utilizing one form and elegance throughout many boards permits them to excellent that type and to drive its building value personal by decreasing the necessity to create new tooling. The longboard design outfitted with entrance deal with is used on all 4 of Maxfind’s FF collection longboards, though the supplies used range. We additionally see the rubberized grip carrying throughout fashions, reflecting Maxfind’s opinion that it’s superior to grit.
As Maxfind achieves milestones of their product design, we could count on to see extra similarities between fashions with main modifications having extra to do with motor and battery expertise than deck and truck configurations.
The battery
There are two battery configurations accessible for the FF Belt, the bigger of which advertises a doubling in vary to 50 miles. Given the Maxfind’s horrible historical past of deceptive purchaser’s with outrageous vary claims after which delivering subpar efficiency, I might completely NOT purchase the prolonged vary mannequin for a further $349. A 27% worth improve for an even bigger battery from an organization dishonest about batteries isn’t one thing we will suggest.
That mentioned, we expect the vary achieved by the FF Belt is purpose sufficient to think about it over the FF Road, given it’s at the moment inexpensive, quicker and travels twice as far.
Vans and bushings
Just like the FF Road, I really feel the vans on the Belt mannequin are well-paired. As at all times, you my discover the urge to switch them along with your favourite model or swap out the bushings for one thing extra premium, and you’ll doubtless see enhancements if you happen to do. That mentioned, I’[m not struggling with the stock setup. We’ve had no disappointments or catastrophic failures, and all I’ve done is tighten them down from stock. Like the deck, Maxfind seems to have found a manufacturer that gives them what they want and it hasn’t failed, so they’re sticking with it. We’re fine with that, especially since we’re looking for a finished, ready-to-ride board from the box that will appeal to the largest number of buyers. As such, a company has to find parts that satisfy that Goldilocks zone – not to stiff, not too soft, but just right.
Wheel options
The FF Belt comes equipped with polyurethane CloudWheel clones measuring 78A hardness, 85% high elasticity. This is a belt driven board, so lace up your hottest kicks and pull out your favorite board shoes! The FF Belt will accept nearly any wheel style, you just need to match it to the ABEC 11 pulley. I find CloudWheels and their look-alikes to be my favorite style of wheel for urban exploration, but this is entirely personal preference.
Waterproofing
Like the FF Street, there does not appear to be much effort to waterproof this board, and the battery enclosure on the top of the deck nearly guarantees a submersion or heavy rain will kill it. Our advice is to leave this one inside if there is any chance of rain, this is not one of those boards that “might be ok”.
Shipping Time
Excellent shipping time in the United States, within a week. Globally, not so great. Advertised shipping times as of this writing are: United States: Arrives 3-5 Days, Europe: Arrives 7-15 Days, Canada: Arrives in 60 Days, Australia: Arrives 7-15 Days. Maxfind has warehouse storage around the globe, so it’s likely there’s a board sitting on a shelf close by waiting to be shipped to you.
Customer Service
Maxfind disappoints us with inaccurate claims, and that makes us wary of trusting them with after-sales service. Reports have been mixed, but I wouldn’t expect to get a refund or repair regardless of what they claim in advance. As we’ve said, the product is constructed well and to our seasoned eyes it appears it should last with proper maintenance, but you may find you’re at the mercy of forums and skateboard threads when you need answers…fortunately we are part of a robust, intelligent, generous community that can likely set you straight.
Price and Competitors
The FF Belt feels right at $900, even if i feel they owe the buyer a few more miles of range. It’s actually $949 at the time of this review, which is cheaper than it’s less-robust counterpart, the FF Street, but still $49 past what I think it should sit at. I don’t think that small spread should deter you, but I want to be clear that this is not a “thousand dollar board”. This is a very nice $800/$900 board, and the difference matters. Boards at or in excess of 1k are pursuing different tracks and trails than those selling for hundreds.
Among it’s peers, the FF Belt holds it’s own. All the major players have a board in this category now, and they are all hitting the same price range…which you pick may depend largely on the appearance of the board, as many offerings in this category are neck-and-neck with speed and misleading with their range. Backfire is always one to look at since they are based in the US and offer phenomenal customer support.
Currently Recommended Upgrades
If you are buying this board, I think the “fast swap” battery system needs to be part of the appeal. Competing boards simply offer too much range at the same price for you to take the range hit without taking advantage of the technology. That said, 15 miles will get most people where the want to go, most days, and that’s what one battery will get you. I think one additional battery would be adequate for most weekend warriors.
We also recommend a helmet and body armor, specifically the Beyond Rider’s Armor we reviewed in 2021. This sport is extremely dangerous, and things happen in an instant. Helmets should be considered required for riding, and armored clothing goes a long way to preventing impact damage and abrasions. As a rider in my thirties, I feel the falls harder and the healing takes longer. Keep the injuries to a minimum and they wont pile up so high.
Closing Thoughts
The Maxfind FF Belt is a beautiful addition to the company’s lineup, and the extra power is appreciated. They’ve done a nice job of maintaining the smooth ride-feel I’ve come to associate with them, a cruise more akin to a standard longboard than the shredrippers some of us have piloted. I like the ride, the look, and the complete package that comes out of the box. This company makes a good product, and they are following smart practices such as the cross-compatibility we discussed. As long as you fully understand the range disparity is real, you are otherwise unlikely to be disappointed with this board.
That said, Maxfind continues to disappoint us by advertising dishonest ranges that mislead consumers. For those of use who have had several boards and are thick into the sport, we know what to expect from who, and are less likely to fall for these claims. However, it’s not fair to expect deep research from the average consumer…as much as I advise it, not everyone has time, access or the know-how to properly evaluate a purchase. As such, I must consider the first-time, uninformed buyer who may spend a thousand hard earned dollars on a product that arrives half as capable as they expected. There are those who rely on these as transportation, not just a hobby. They deserve to know whether their investment is sound, and it’s on Maxfind to be upfront. As the industry continues to mature, we hope that it pressures companies to prioritize accountability and transparency.