Zephyr Base & Pro vs Zephyr Max: Which Model Is Right for You?
Choosing between Zephyr Base / Zephyr Pro and the Zephyr Max isn’t about which board is better — it’s about how and where you ride. All three belong to the same Zephyr family and share Linnpower’s core design philosophy: forged components, balanced performance, and long-term reliability. The difference lies in form factor, versatility, and riding style.
Design Philosophy: Compact Precision vs All‑Terrain Versatility
Zephyr Base & Pro were designed as compact, lightweight street boards. They prioritize agility, carving feel, and everyday usability — ideal for riders who want a nimble board that’s easy to carry, store, and ride on paved roads.
Zephyr Max, on the other hand, is not an upgrade but a new model created for riders who wanted a longer deck and true 2‑in‑1 capability. It keeps the same forged DNA and low-profile riding experience, while expanding the platform for greater stability, and terrain flexibility.
Deck & Ride Feel
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Base / Pro: Shorter deck, lighter weight, quick response. Perfect for tight carving, commuting, and urban riding.
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Max: +5.7 inches longer deck provides more foot room, better stability at speed, and improved comfort on longer rides.
If you enjoy playful, surfy carving, Base/Pro feel immediately familiar. If you value confidence at higher speeds or rougher terrain, Max delivers a more planted ride.
Wheels & Terrain
This is where the biggest difference shows.
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Zephyr Base: 85mm urethane wheels — optimized for smooth streets and carving.
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Zephyr Pro: Larger rubber street wheels for improved comfort and grip.
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Zephyr Max: A true 2‑in‑1 board, shipping with 85mm street wheels and 6‑inch pneumatic tires.
Zephyr Base & Pro supports wheels from 85mm to 125mm.
Zephyr Max supports wheels from 85mm up to 200mm, making it suitable for paved roads, rough streets, and light all‑terrain riding.
*Tip: When using 85mm street wheels on the Zephyr Max, switching from the stock drop mount to a top-mount setup can improve ground clearance—especially for heavier riders.
Power & Range
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Base: Efficient dual motors tuned for daily riding.
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Pro: Higher output esc & motors for stronger acceleration.
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Max: Larger motors paired with a 14S4P 1036Wh battery, delivering significantly more range.
All boards use Linnpower’s FlexVolt battery structure, allowing the deck to flex naturally while keeping the battery safe and secure.
Geardrive Option: Why Many Zephyr Pro Riders Choose It
Based on our ST geardrive sales data, nearly 90% of geardrive orders come from Zephyr Pro owners. This makes sense: Zephyr Pro is the most popular platform for riders who prioritize performance but want less ongoing maintenance.
If you don’t enjoy regular belt replacement or want a more durable drivetrain, the Zephyr Pro Geardrive is a solid alternative. It delivers consistent power, reduced maintenance, and a more refined riding experience—without changing the board’s core carving feel.
Weight & Portability
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Base / Pro: Lighter and easier to carry — ideal for riders who frequently pick up their board.
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Max: Heavier due to the larger battery and longer deck, but far more capable for long-distance and mixed-terrain riding.
For riders who value portability, Base/Pro make more sense. For riders who prioritize range and versatility, Max is the clear choice.
Compatibility
All Zephyr models use truly forged DKP trucks, CNC-machined mounts, and modular components. The Zephyr base & Pro supports the Linnpower ST geardrive, while the Zephyr Max also supports multiple Linnpower geardrive systems (ST/2IN1 3G), making it a flexible platform for future upgrades.
If you prefer more stability, we also offer a DKP-to-TKP conversion kit for the Zephyr series.
An added bonus: Zephyr Max shares the same battery pack structure as the EVO MK‑1, allowing battery packs to be swapped between platforms.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Zephyr Base or Pro if you want:
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A compact, lightweight street board
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Maximum carving agility
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Easy portability
Choose Zephyr Pro Geardrive if you want:
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A compact, lightweight street board
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Less maintenance compared to belt drives
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No frequent belt replacements
Choose Zephyr Max if you want:
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A true 2‑in‑1 electric skateboard
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Longer deck and greater comfort
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Bigger range and terrain flexibility
Final Thoughts
Zephyr Base, Pro, Pro Geardrive and Max are built on the same foundation — forged strength, balanced performance, and long-term reliability. The difference isn’t quality, it’s purpose. Whether you ride streets every day or want one board that does it all, there’s a Zephyr built exactly for that ride.
