LINNPOWER ZEPHYR Electric Longboard
After spending considerable time with the Linnpower Zephyr, I'm ready to share my in-depth experience with this electric skateboard. It's a board that has generated a lot of buzz, and for good reason. It comes in two main flavors: the Standard and the Pro, and I've had the chance to get a feel for both. This review is a culmination of my rides, research, and a deep dive into what makes the Zephyr tick.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Right out of the box, the Zephyr makes a statement. The packaging is premium, ensuring the board arrives in pristine condition. My initial impression was one of high quality. The deck itself is a work of art, a composite of maple, bamboo, and fiberglass with a visually appealing epoxy resin finish. It feels solid and well-constructed.
The full dimensions of the board are 38 x 13 inches, with the deck coming in at 33 x 9.85 inches. The wheelbase is adjustable, which is a nice touch for those who like to fine-tune their ride. In its default setup, the wheelbase is 32.3 inches. The ride height is a low 3.55 inches, which, combined with the double-drop design of the deck, gives it a very stable, close-to-the-ground feel. The Standard model weighs in at a manageable 21.16 lbs (9.6 kg), while the Pro is slightly heavier at around 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg).
The Heart of the Ride: Deck and Trucks
The deck's U-shaped concave and flared edges lock your feet in comfortably, providing a secure and confident stance, especially when carving. It has a subtle flex that absorbs some of the road vibrations without feeling noodly, striking a good balance between comfort and responsiveness. The max load is rated at 267 lbs (120 kg), making it accessible to a wide range of riders.
Now, let's talk about the trucks. The Zephyr is equipped with Linnpower's own forged Double Kingpin (DKP) trucks. These aren't your standard cast trucks; they are 5-axis CNC-machined for precision and strength. The result is a truck that feels incredibly responsive and carvy. Leaning into turns feels intuitive and fluid, making it a joy to navigate winding paths. While some DKP trucks can feel unstable at high speeds, I found the Zephyr's setup, which includes 99a bushings, to be surprisingly stable, even when pushing the limits. The company has also developed a custom pivot cup that contributes to a smoother and more stable ride.
Power and Performance: Standard vs. Pro
This is where the two models really diverge. The Standard Zephyr comes with dual 5250, 170kv motors, putting out a total of 2000W. This setup provides plenty of power for most riders. The acceleration is smooth and predictable, thanks to the JECNN 14S FOC ESC. It's not going to snap your head back, but it gets up to speed quickly and handles hills with respectable authority.
The Zephyr Pro, on the other hand, is a different beast entirely. It's equipped with dual 6358, 170kv motors, boasting a total of 3800W. The difference in acceleration is immediately noticeable. The Pro has a much more aggressive and thrilling kick to it. It's the kind of power that will put a grin on your face every time you punch the throttle. The top speed on the Standard is a respectable 32.3 mph (52 km/h), while the Pro can reach up to 34.2 mph (55 km/h).
Wheels and Their Impact on the Ride
I had the opportunity to test both the 85mm urethane wheels and the 115mm rubber wheels, which come standard on the Pro.
The 85mm, 78a "Boosted Orange" wheels are fantastic for smooth pavement. They offer a ton of grip and a very direct connection to the road. Carving on these feels precise and controlled.
The 115mm rubber wheels on the Pro model are a game-changer for tackling rougher terrain. They do an excellent job of soaking up vibrations from cracks and uneven surfaces, providing a much more comfortable ride. The trade-off, as expected, is a reduction in range. I found that the larger wheels decreased the range by about 10 km (around 6 miles) compared to the urethane wheels. However, for my daily commute, which includes some less-than-perfect roads, the added comfort was well worth the sacrifice in distance.
Battery and Range
The Zephyr, in both its Standard and Pro configurations, is powered by a 14S2P battery pack with a capacity of 504Wh. The Standard version uses EVE 50E cells, while the Pro comes with Samsung 50S cells. In my testing, the official range claim of up to 31.1 miles (50 km) for the Standard model with the 85mm wheels is achievable under ideal conditions. With my 155 lbs (70 kg) weight and riding in the powerful S+ mode, I consistently got around 26 miles (42 km) of real-world range, which I find to be very good.
The battery enclosure is well-designed, made from a high-strength polymer that feels durable and is easy to disassemble if needed. The individual battery cells are housed in holders and mounted on a PCB board, which adds a layer of protection against impacts.
The Brains of the Operation: ESC and Remote
The JECNN 14S FOC ESC provides a smooth and intuitive riding experience. The acceleration and braking curves are well-tuned, and I never experienced any jarring or unpredictable behavior. The remote is a standout feature. It has a premium feel with its CNC aluminum alloy frame and scroll wheel. It's comfortable to hold and the controls are responsive.
The remote offers four speed modes, a reverse function, and cruise control. It also allows for some customization, such as adjusting the braking level. For those who like to tinker, you can access more detailed settings by pressing the function button eight times.
The Verdict
After putting the Linnpower Zephyr through its paces, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. It's a well-built, thoughtfully designed electric skateboard that offers a fantastic riding experience.
For the rider who wants a capable and fun board for cruising and carving on decent pavement, the Standard Zephyr at $599 is an incredible value. It offers a great balance of performance, range, and ride quality.
For the enthusiast who craves more power, wants to tackle a wider variety of terrain, and is willing to spend a bit more, the Zephyr Pro at $799 is the clear winner. The upgraded motors and larger rubber wheels provide a more thrilling and comfortable ride.
Ultimately, the choice between the Standard and the Pro comes down to your individual needs and budget. But regardless of which model you choose, you're getting a top-tier electric skateboard that delivers on its promises. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Linnpower Zephyr to anyone in the market for a new ride.
USE COUPON CODE: EVTECH to save more!
