Is Backfire Mini Still One of the Best Electric skateboards?

With the release of the Backfire Mini, Backfire has finally completed their line-up with a board for every use case, from portability to All Terrain. For $699, the Backfire Mini boards are undoubtedly attractive, especially given their sleek design, carbon fiber deck, and premium look. It’s like a mini Exway to be honest. For those who have already glanced through the product page, the main selling point of Backfire Mini is pretty apparent – a light portable electric short board with sleek unibody design and that is air-travel friendly, by allowing the components to be easily accessible.

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Appearance

The electric skateboards visual appeal speaks for itself. Who wouldn't love the full-black carbon fiber design? The top of the deck features a foam layer that slightly improves vibration absorption. The sleek and stealthy unibody design is truly captivating. Additionally, the design is practical, with 8 screws on the deck that provide easy access to the electrical components. Overall, the Backfire Mini exudes a premium look, surpassing even that of a Boosted Mini.

Riding Experience

The premium quality of the mini electric skateboard extends beyond its appearance. When it comes to the riding experience, the Backfire Mini excels as a small and agile board with a 19.5" or 50cm wheelbase. It is highly maneuverable and responsive. The trucks resemble Caliber II clones with a 180mm hanger, and they perform similarly to the original trucks. They offer ease of turning, predictability, and comfortable carving. Additionally, the double kicktail design are available for super tight turns. all this insures that the board rides smoothly.

Although the aerospace grade carbon fiber deck lacks flex, as expected, it remains comfortable to ride on, featuring a pleasant concave shape to make it easier to balance compared to a deep concave. The foam layer beneath the grip tape enhances grip and helps secure the rider's feet in place. While the foam layer was intended to mitigate road vibrations, its impact in this regard is minimal. With a rigid deck and relatively small 85mm hub motor wheels, the Backfire Mini provides average road vibration handling at best.

The Backfire Mini utilizes the Hobbywing ESC, known for delivering smooth acceleration and braking across its three ride modes. The Turbo mode, although limited to a 30-second duration with a 30-second cooldown, now offers a smoother transition, eliminating sudden deceleration when the time expires.

Braking on the Backfire Mini is generally smooth, but it does have a few flaws. Some may find the brake power to be slightly soft, but this has been Backfire's intentional brake configuration, preferred by the majority of riders. However, when braking forcefully from high speeds, the two hub wheels tend to brake at different strengths right at the very end of the braking process. This can cause the back of the board to wobble just before coming to a complete stop. Interestingly, this issue only occurs when braking hard from higher speeds and right before reaching a halt. To avoid this, some riders have learned to ease off the brake slightly at the tail end of braking.

In summary, the Backfire Mini provides an enjoyable riding experience, aside from some quirks in braking. Now, let's delve into the performance numbers.

Backfire Mini Performance

Equipped with a 12s1p Samsung 40T battery pack, the Backfire Mini promises a range of up to 11 miles or 18 km. In my experience, the 175Wh high efficiency battery system offered a range of 10 miles or 16 km while riding in the standard mode, which is commendable. Remember that the actual range depends on if you ride up or down hills.

As for top speed, the Backfire Mini features dual 450W hub motors, boasting a marketed top speed of 26 mph or 42 km/h. During my ride, I was able to reach at least 25 mph or 40 km/h, but I hesitated to push it further. As mentioned in my previous review of the Backfire G3 Plus, I mentioned that I desired a board more powerful than I could handle with a high average riding speed. Well, the Backfire Mini fits that description perfectly.

Is the Backfire Mini Water Resistant?

the Backfire Mini is not waterproof. It is not even weatherproof. The built-in electronic compartments with top access are susceptible to water damage when exposed to rain or wet conditions. Based on lab experiments, there is a considerable risk of water getting into the compartments. Therefore, it is important to note that the Backfire Mini should not be used in wet or rainy conditions to avoid potential damage to the electronics.

Pros and Cons

It's important to consider these pros and cons based on individual preferences and priorities to determine if the Backfire Mini aligns with your specific needs as an electric skateboard rider.

Pros:

1. Sleek design and premium aesthetics with a full-black carbon fiber deck.

2. Lightweight board and highly portable, making it ideal for travel and city commutes.

3. Agile and maneuverable with a small wheelbase, providing excellent control.

4. Responsive trucks, easy to turn, predictable, and comfortable to carve.

5. Smooth acceleration and braking thanks to the Hobby wing ESC and a high efficiency electronic system.

6. Kicktails for tight turns and added versatility.

7. Foam layer on the grip tape enhances grip and comfort by using high quality deck material.

8. Suitable for riders who prefer a softer brake power.

Cons:

1. Not the most stable board at high speeds, may require extra caution.

2. Limited comfort on rough roads due to the lack of deck flex and smaller wheels.

3. The foam layer's impact on vibration absorption is negligible.

4. Brake power may feel soft for some riders, especially when braking from high speeds.

5. Braking at high speeds may cause slight wobbling before coming to a complete stop.

6. The Backfire Mini is not waterproof or weatherproof, requiring protection from moisture.

7. The top speed capabilities may be intimidating for riders seeking more conservative speeds.

What is the Difference Between an Electric Shortboard and Longboard

Ultimately, the choice between an electric shortboard and an electric longboard depends on personal preferences, riding style, commuting needs, and the terrain you plan to ride on. Consider factors such as portability, maneuverability, stability, speed, range, and the type of riding experience you desire when deciding which type of electric skateboard best suits you.

Size and Length

Electric Shortboard: Typically has a smaller length, ranging from around 28 inches to 35 inches. It is compact and designed to be more portable and maneuverable.

Electric Longboard: Generally has a longer length, usually ranging from 36 inches to 50+ inches. It offers a larger deck surface area, providing a more stable and comfortable ride.

Wheelbase

Electric Shortboard: Usually has a shorter wheelbase, which refers to the distance between the front and rear wheels. A shorter wheelbase allows for tighter turns and greater maneuverability.

Electric Longboard: Typically has a longer wheelbase, offering stability and smoother rides at higher speeds. It is less maneuverable compared to a shortboard.

Riding Style and Terrain

Electric Shortboard: Primarily suited for urban environments, short commutes, and quick, agile rides. It is ideal for navigating through crowded areas, tight spaces, and making quick turns.

Electric Longboard: Suited for longer commutes, cruising, and more relaxed riding experiences. It is designed for comfort and stability, making it suitable for longer distances and varying terrains.

Speed and Range

Electric Shortboard: Shortboards generally have smaller motors and batteries, resulting in relatively lower top speeds and shorter range. They are often preferred for shorter bursts of speed rather than long-distance cruising. More resistant to high wind speed.

Electric Longboard: Longboards often feature more powerful motors and has strong battery life, enabling higher top speeds and longer range capabilities. They are suitable for riders seeking extended rides or commuting purposes. Less resistant to high wind speed.

Riding Experience

Electric Shortboard: Provides a more nimble and responsive riding experience due to its smaller size and shorter wheelbase. It is favored by riders who enjoy carving, quick acceleration, and the ability to navigate tight spaces.

Electric Longboard: Offers a smoother and more stable ride, especially at higher speeds. It is preferred by riders seeking a more relaxed and comfortable cruising experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the backfire mini electric skateboard proves to be a remarkable addition to Backfire's electric skateboard lineup. With its sleek design, carbon fiber deck, and overall premium aesthetics, it immediately captures attention. The board's agility and maneuverability make it a joy to ride, thanks to its small wheelbase and responsive trucks. The Hobbywing ESC ensures smooth acceleration and braking, although there are some minor quirks to be aware of, particularly with hard braking at higher speeds.

While the Backfire Mini excels as a travel board and for city commutes due to its lightweight construction and excellent control, it does have its limitations. It is not the most stable option for high-speed rides, and it may not provide the most comfortable experience on rough roads. Additionally, it is crucial to remember that the Backfire Mini is not waterproof or weatherproof, and caution must be exercised when encountering wet conditions.

Overall, the Backfire Mini offers an attractive package, combining style, performance, and portability. For riders seeking a sleek and agile shortboard for urban environments, the Backfire Mini stands out as a top contender. Its design, weight, and maneuverability make it a perfect choice for those looking for a travel-friendly electric skateboard with a touch of stealth.