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Lineup Review Backfire & Lorentz

Backfire has grown from an early “budget eskate” brand into a full ecosystem: entry-level street boards, high-voltage carvers, true all-terrain longboards, and even a dual-motor scooter and mountain board.

In this review, we’ll walk through every model in this specific lineup:

  • Backfire ERA 5
  • Backfire G2 Black & G2Z
  • Backfire G5
  • Backfire Ranger X6
  • Backfire Rover Scooter
  • Backfire Zealot S3
  • Backfire Zealot X2
  • Lorentz Major V3 (sold through Backfire)

For each, we’ll cover:

  • What the spec sheet really means in daily riding
  • The design & UX details that stand out
  • Who that board or scooter is truly best for


Backfire ERA 5 – Stylish Entry-Level All-Rounder

The ERA 5 is Backfire’s most stylish entry-level street board: a classic longboard shape hiding a surprisingly modern electronics package.

Key Specs (Simplified)

  • Deck: maple / bamboo / fiberglass, 38" x 8.85", with integrated green COB light strip around the deck
  • Battery: 216 Wh, 36 V 6 Ah, smart BMS, hidden in the deck
  • Motors: dual in-hub, 400 W rated / 650 W peak each
  • Top speed: up to 42 km/h (~26 mph) in Turbo
    • E = 19 km/h, S = 38 km/h, T = 42 km/h modes
  • Range: ~12–15 miles / 19–24 km (rider ~80 kg / 180 lb on flat)
  • Weight: ~17 lb (7.7 kg)
  • Water resistance: IP65 (water-resistant, not waterproof)
  • Remote: R5s OLED remote

How It Feels to Ride

The ERA 5’s deck is the star:

  • The maple/bamboo/fiberglass layup gives gentle flex, closer to a traditional longboard than a stiff battery slab.
  • The embedded green COB light strip isn’t just aesthetic – it makes you far more visible at night without needing extra clip-on lights.
  • Acceleration is smooth thanks to the Hobbywing FOC ESC, and the dual hub motors give enough grunt for moderate hills without feeling twitchy.
  • Top-end speed in Turbo is spicy for an entry-level board, but Eco and Standard modes keep it beginner-friendly.

UX Notes

  • Hidden battery keeps the board looking “non-electric,” which some riders prefer.
  • 2 mm EVA foam grip helps damp high-frequency vibration on rough pavement.
  • Cloudwheel compatibility (105/110 mm) lets you upgrade comfort later.

Best for: Riders who want a first serious electric skateboard that:
  • Still looks like a classic longboard,
  • Has enough speed headroom to grow into,
  • Adds built-in lighting and a clean aesthetic without jumping straight into premium pricing.


Backfire G2 Black & G2Z – Budget-Friendly Classics (Hub & Belt)

The G2 platform is Backfire’s long-running entry series, now split into G2 Black (hub drive) and G2Z (belt drive) under one product listing.

Shared Chassis

  • Deck: 8-ply Canadian maple, 970 x 230 mm
  • Trucks: 7" reverse kingpin (50°), gravity cast
  • Wheels: 96 x 55 mm, 80A
  • Battery: 42 V 5.2 Ah, 187 Wh (10S2P)
  • Water resistance: IP65

Drivetrain Differences

  • G2 Black: 400 W × 2 hub motors with replaceable urethane sleeves
  • G2Z: 750 W × 2 belt motors (2.6:1 ratio), more torque & tunability

Performance

  • Top speed:
    • G2 Black: 24 mph / 38 km/h
    • G2Z: E = 19, S = 38, T = 42 km/h (identical top-end to ERA 5)
  • Range: ~11–12.5 miles (18–20 km) under typical rider conditions

Ride Character

  • G2 Black feels like a classic Backfire “starter board” – quiet hubs, low maintenance, good for commutes and casual carving.
  • G2Z adds belt-drive punch: stronger acceleration and braking feel, better response with bigger wheel setups if you want to tune for comfort or grip.
  • Both keep weight low (around 7.6 kg / 16.8 lb) and share the same friendly, longboard-style deck.

Why It’s Still Relevant in 2025

In an era of $1k+ boards, the G2 series is deliberately budget-conscious but not cheap-feeling:

  • Hobbywing FOC ESC for smooth throttle & braking.
  • IP65-rated electronics give real-world resilience.
  • R5s OLED remote standard across the line for consistent UX.

Best for:
  • G2 Black: New riders who want low-maintenance hubs and a simple, quiet commuter.
  • G2Z: Riders who want belt-drive torque and tuning without leaving the budget-friendly price bracket.


Backfire G5 – High-Voltage Street Carver

The Backfire G5 is a big step up from the G2/ERA: higher voltage, more range, stronger hubs, and a more substantial deck.

Key Specs

  • Deck: 39" x 9.8" composite (ABS + fiberglass + maple)
  • Battery: 58.8 V 7.2 Ah, 363 Wh (14S2P 21700 cells)
  • Motors: dual 700 W hub motors (Cloudwheel compatible)
  • ESC: Hobbywing 14S FOC ESC (new 9028/9208 version as of late 2024)
  • Top speed: 28.5 mph / 46 km/h
  • Range: 25–28 miles (40–45 km) with ~180 lb rider on flat terrain
  • Hill climb: 30%
  • Water resistance: IP65
  • Weight: ~22 lb (10 kg)

How It Rides

The jump to 14S high voltage is immediately noticeable:

  • Stronger, more linear acceleration across the entire speed range.
  • Better hill performance compared to 10S boards.
  • More stable braking, especially from higher speeds.

The composite deck has a refined flex pattern — not a noodle, but not a stiff plank either. Combined with the big 96 mm 80A wheels, it can handle rougher pavement without feeling harsh.

UX & Hardware Touches

  • R5s OLED remote with clear telemetry and multiple modes.
  • High-tech deck construction layers (glass fiber, bamboo, maple) emphasized for durability and damped feel.
  • Thoughtful truck setup: 8" reverse kingpin with gravity-cast hangers and well-chosen bushings for a balance of carve and stability.

Best for: Riders who want a fast, long-range street board that:
  • Can realistically handle 20–30 km commutes,
  • Feels planted at ~25–30 mph,
  • Still uses hub motors for lower maintenance.
The G5 is a sweet spot for riders who outgrow the G2/ERA but don’t yet need all-terrain.


Backfire Ranger X6 – All-Terrain Hub Longboard

The Ranger X6 is Backfire’s flagship all-terrain hub board, the result of a long lineage of Ranger models.

Specs That Matter

  • Deck: composite 40" x 10" with integrated red lighting
  • Trucks: 10" double-kingpin trucks
  • Wheels: 165 x 45 mm honeycomb airless rubber tires (70A)
  • Battery: 12S3P Samsung 50S, 648 Wh (15 Ah)
  • ESC: Hobbywing 12S 90A FOC
  • Motors: dual 1500 W hub motors
  • Top speed: 26 mph / 42 km/h
  • Range: 18–21 miles / 28–35 km (~180 lb rider, flat)
  • Hill climb: 30%
  • Weight: ~28.2 lb (12.8 kg)
  • Water resistance: IP65

Ride Experience

The Ranger X6 is aimed squarely at mixed-use riders:

  • On pavement, the double-kingpin trucks and big tires make it a surf-style carver with serious comfort.
  • On rough paths, gravel, compact dirt, and bad city roads, the honeycomb airless tires and long wheelbase keep it composed.
  • Because it uses hub motors, there’s less drivetrain noise and fewer exposed moving parts than belt/gear AT boards, at the cost of a bit less raw torque compared to something like the Lorentz Major.

UX Details

  • Integrated deck lighting strip makes you more visible at night and adds a premium feel.
  • Major V3 remote brings the high-end AMOLED touchscreen experience to an AT board as well.
  • Smart BMS, long warranty periods, and clear water-damage disclaimers show Backfire is thinking about long-term ownership.

Best for: Riders who:
  • Want a true all-terrain longboard without going into mountain-board territory.
  • Plan on mixing city streets with bike paths, park trails, or rough asphalt.
  • Prefer hub simplicity and quietness over the raw aggression of gear or belt drives.


Backfire Rover Scooter – Dual-Motor Urban Explorer

While not a skateboard, the Backfire Rover is part of the same ecosystem: a compact, dual-motor e-scooter aimed at riders who want serious performance in scooter form.

Core Specs

  • Motors: dual 800–1000 W brushless motors
    (marketing emphasizes 1000 W × 2 performance, spec sheet lists 800 W × 2)
  • Battery: 48 V 20 Ah, 960 Wh
  • Top speed: 50 km/h (~31 mph)
  • Range: 40–72 km (25–44 miles) depending on speed and rider weight
  • Weight: 29.5 ± 1 kg
  • Tires: 10" x 2.75" tubeless rubber
  • Brakes: dual drum brakes + e-brake
  • Water resistance: IP65
  • Suspension: front mono spring, rear twin springs

Commuter-Focused Design

The Rover is clearly tuned as an urban commuter scooter:

  • Dual motors give strong acceleration and hill capacity (25% grade), useful in real city riding.
  • 10" tubeless tires strike a balance between comfort, grip, and puncture resistance.
  • Dual drum + electronic braking setup is low-maintenance and weather-resistant.
  • The deck and folding design aim for that sweet spot where it still fits in most car trunks and can be maneuvered in elevators and bike rooms.

UX & Safety

  • Full-color LED dashboard that’s readable in sunlight.
  • Very complete lighting system: headlamp, tail lamp, high-mounted and rear turn signals.
  • Kick-to-start and auto cruise control (after steady speed for 8 seconds) make day-to-day riding smoother.

Best for: Riders who want:
  • A single, capable urban scooter that can do 25–30 mph,
  • Enough range for serious commuting,
  • Strong built-in lighting and dual-motor confidence at a still-manageable size.


Backfire Zealot S3 – Belt-Drive Street Charger

The Zealot S3 is Backfire’s “high-performance street belt board” – fast, bright, flexible, and tuned for riders who want carvy aggression.

Important Specs

  • Deck: 39" x 9.8" composite (maple core, fiberglass, ABS) with RGB ambient light strip
  • Battery: 58.8 V 8 Ah, 403 Wh (14S2P Samsung 40T 21700 cells)
  • Motors: dual 5255 belt motors, ~875 W rated / 1100 W peak each (2200 W peak total)
  • ESC: Backfire 14S 60A FOC
  • Top speed: 31 mph / 50 km/h
  • Range: 25–30 miles (40–48 km) with ~180 lb rider on flat terrain
  • Hill climb: 30%
  • Water resistance: IP65
  • Weight: ~23–23.5 lb

How It Rides

Everything about the S3 screams spirited street riding:

  • The high-voltage 14S system keeps torque strong even at higher speeds.
  • Belt drive gives immediate, punchy response and excellent braking modulation.
  • The flexible “snowboard-tech” deck keeps it lively underfoot, with enough shock absorption for longer rides.
  • The 96 mm 80A wheels are a good default: fast roll, decent comfort, and very tunable if you want to experiment with different urethanes.

UX & Lighting

  • Major V3 remote: 1.43" AMOLED touchscreen, CNC aluminum body, adjustable brightness, theme customization – genuinely one of the nicest remotes on the market right now.
  • Over 100 RGB lighting effects around the deck, plus brake-reactive lighting and remote-controlled color/mode changes.

It’s both practical (visibility, status at a glance) and fun, making the S3 stand out in nighttime group rides.

Best for: Riders who want a premium-feeling belt-drive street board with:
  • High-voltage punch,
  • Real-world range for long routes,
  • Aesthetic lighting and one of the most advanced remotes available.


Backfire Zealot X2 – Gear-Drive Flagship Street Machine

If the S3 is the belt-drive hot hatch, the Zealot X2 is the gear-drive sports car. It’s built to be stiffer, more efficient at speed, and more robust for high-power riding.

Specs

  • Deck: same ABS / fiberglass / maple composite with RGB light strip, 39" x 9.8"
  • Battery: 58.8 V 10 Ah, 504 Wh, 14S2P Samsung 50S 21700 cells with smart BMS (UART)
  • Motors: dual 6360 gear-drive motors, 1500 W each (2000 W peak each)
  • ESC: Backfire 14S 140A FOC (massive current headroom)
  • Top speed: 31 mph / 50 km/h
  • Range: 28–34 miles / 45–55 km (80 kg rider on flat)
  • Hill climb: 35%
  • Water resistance: IP65
  • Weight: ~27.1 lb (12.29 kg)

Ride Character

Gear drive changes everything:

  • More direct power transfer vs belts, with less maintenance than constantly tuning belt tension.
  • Strong, confident braking from higher speeds, supported by the 140A ESC.
  • Slightly more drivetrain noise than hubs, but very acceptable for a high-performance board.
  • The X2’s extra battery capacity and 14S system give it serious endurance, especially if you cruise below top speed.

UX Upgrades

  • Shares the same Major V3 remote as the S3 and Ranger X6.
  • Smart BMS with UART communication means better telemetry and cell-level monitoring at the ESC side.

Best for: Experienced riders who:
  • Want gear drive for robustness, power, and feel,
  • Regularly ride long, fast routes,
  • Appreciate higher-end electronics and don’t mind a bit more weight in exchange for range and performance.


Lorentz Major V3 – Ultra-Long-Range Mountain Board (Standard & Pro)

Finally, the Lorentz Major V3: a mountain board sold via Backfire that sits at the extreme end of performance and range.

There are two versions: Standard and Pro. Both share the same core design; the Pro pushes everything to the limit.

Headline Features (Pro Where Specified)

  • Battery: up to 2368 Wh, 16S8P Samsung 50S pack (Pro) – up to 76 miles of range on a single charge
  • ESC: 16S FOC ESC with up to 140 A instant current (Pro), ~25% more power than previous generation
  • Motors:
    • Pro: dual 7285 motors, 12,000 W peak (6,000 W × 2)
    • Standard: dual 6485 motors, 9,000 W peak (3,650 W × 2)
  • Drive: hardened steel gear drive, 5.3:1 ratio
  • Weight: ~54.7–57 lb depending on wheels (Standard vs Pro)
  • Lighting:
    • 2 × 2000 lm headlights (4000 lm total) with temperature control
    • Full RGB deck ambient lights
    • Unique “Major” laser tail lights
  • Remote: Major V3 AMOLED touchscreen remote in CNC aluminum housing

Ride & Use Cases

This is not a casual board. The Major V3 is built for:

  • High-speed off-road riding and mountain trails
  • Long-distance expeditions without range anxiety
  • Riders who want something closer to a light electric vehicle than a toy

The gear drive and huge motors give brutal acceleration and hill climbing, while the massive battery and fast chargers (up to 1150 W on Pro, 672 W on Standard) mean you can actually use that power without constantly worrying about range.

Engineering & UX Details

  • Flexible but protected battery pack, with potted cells and BMS, silicone seals, and a forged carbon fiber enclosure for durability and water resistance.
  • Modular design: BMS and cell modules connect by waterproof connectors for easier servicing.
  • Advanced lighting is interactive with the ESC and remote, allowing brightness control and status indication.

Best for: Hardcore riders who:
  • Want true mountain-board capability with extreme range,
  • Frequently ride off-road or mixed terrain at speed,
  • Treat their board as a primary electric vehicle rather than an occasional toy.


How to Choose in the Backfire Ecosystem

If you’re scanning this lineup and wondering where to land, here’s a quick mental map:

Entry / Budget-Friendly Street

ERA 5, G2 Black, G2Z
Great for: new riders, commuters on smoother pavement, and anyone who wants a lighter, more affordable board with “real eskate” feel.

Mid-High Street Performance

G5, Zealot S3
Great for: riders who value speed + range, high-voltage systems, and refined carving behavior.

High-Performance Street / Prosumer

Zealot X2
Great for: riders who want gear drive, smart BMS, big range, and substantive high-speed performance on street wheels.

All-Terrain / Mixed Surface

Ranger X6
Great for: riders mixing pavement, paths, and mild off-road while preferring hub simplicity.

Not a Board (But Very Relevant)

Rover Scooter
Great for: people who want a compact yet powerful dual-motor scooter for city commuting, with full lighting and solid range.

Extreme Mountain / Ultra-Long-Range

Lorentz Major V3 (Standard & Pro)
Great for: riders who want the maximum possible range and power in a mountain board format, and are comfortable with the size, weight, and responsibility that comes with it.


Backfire’s 2025 lineup covers almost every riding style: from stylish entry-level boards with integrated lights to mountain boards that can outrun your legs long before they outrun their battery.

The real question isn’t “Is there a board for me?” so much as:

How far, how fast, and on what terrain do you want to ride?

Once you know that, the right Backfire (or Rover, or Lorentz) model practically picks itself.

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