Evolve GTR2 Bamboo Review
Street and All-Terrain: The Classic Evolve, Reviewed by Tech Hat and Esk8Unity
The Evolve GTR Series 2 Bamboo is one of our most popular models. This versatile, powerful board takes you from city streets to all-terrain adventures. Check out these two comprehensive reviews from passionate riders.
Whether you're into urban electric longboarding, love aggressive carving, or are a passionate all-terrain esk8 rider, discover what Tech Hat and Esk8Unity have to say. Find out if the GTR2 Bamboo matches your ride style.
Table of Contents
Review by Tech Hat
My take as a passionate rider after multiple street and all-terrain sessions.
A polished presentation
Right out of the box, you can tell Evolve puts care into their product. The GTR2 Bamboo comes with a hard carrying case, a 4A fast charger, the new CNC aluminum Phaze remote control, a multi-tool, cables, stickers, and even some spare parts.
The bamboo and fiberglass deck immediately catches your eye: it's concave, flexible, and built for carving. The Super Carve double kingpin trucks are massive, a clear sign of precision in turns. This is undeniably a high-end electric longboard.
6.000 W of power
The GTR2 features two 3.000 W 6368 brushless motors, delivering a total of 6.000 W of power. Its 14 Ah / 504 Wh Power Flex lithium-ion battery provides a 50 km street range and 30 km all-terrain range.
- Weight: 11.5 kg (street) / 12 kg (AT)
- 4 modes: Eco, Sport, GTR, and Custom
- Non-removable battery, 4A fast charger.
- Super Carve double kingpin trucks.
A true electric mountainboard
Equipped with 7-inch tires, the GTR2 transforms into a genuine electric mountainboard. Whether you're on grass, dirt trails, gravel, or rough terrain, the stability remains astonishing. The double kingpin trucks provide surprising maneuverability, even on uneven ground.
You can maintain control while linking wide turns, throwing some slides, and attacking climbs without any power loss.
Surfing the asphalt
In street configuration with 97 mm wheels, the GTR2 completely changes character. The top speed climbs to 43 km/h, and acceleration is sharper. The flex of the bamboo deck absorbs vibrations. It's a fluid, comfortable, and incredibly playful ride.
Carving is its major strength: turns are fluid, and acceleration out of turns feels natural. It delivers a sensation close to surfing or snowboarding. Few electric skateboards combine these two worlds so well.
50 km in street mode
Tech Hat's tests show nearly 50 km in street mode at a moderate pace, and around 30 km off-road. Evolve's advertised figures are spot on. Even with a low battery, performance stays consistent.
The charge time is approximately 4 to 5 hours. This is exactly what you'd expect for a battery of this capacity.
Phaze Remote: a true leap forward
The new Phaze Remote feels solid, intuitive, and comfortable in your hand. It features two progressive triggers for acceleration and braking. An LCD screen displays your speed, range, distance, and temperature.
The Evolve app takes your ride experience to the next level. It offers custom settings, ride tracking, statistics, and Prism LED management.
A complete skateboard
Strengths
- Power: two 3.000 W motors
- True versatility: street and all-terrain
- Smooth and precise carving
- High range (50 km max)
- Solid Phaze remote control
- Comprehensive Evolve app
To note
- Non-removable battery
- Charge time 4 to 5 hours
- Weight: 11.5 to 12 kg
Tested by Esk8Unity
GTR2 vs GTR1: a true evolution in every aspect
A major evolution
The biggest upgrade is the motors, which jump from 1.500 W on the GTR1 to 3.000 W each on the GTR2, delivering a combined 6.000 W of power. The ESC has also been redesigned. It offers better thermal management, progressive braking, and increased stability.
While the GTR1 quickly heated up, the GTR2 handles several hours of ride time without an issue. The motors are quiet, powerful, and progressive.
It's an electric mountainboard on the weekend, and an urban longboard during the week.
The GTR2 goes everywhere
In AT mode, the GTR2 conquers any terrain: grass, trails, and gravel. Unlike the GTR1, it won't overheat even after hours of riding. When carving on uneven terrain, the skateboard remains playful and precise.
Real-world range is approximately 30 km off-road, and even more in urban riding. Power remains constant, even with a low battery.
43 km/h in the city
In street configuration with 97 mm wheels, the top speed climbs to 43 to 44 km/h. Acceleration is responsive yet progressive. In the city, carving is fluid and impressive. You'll truly feel like you're surfing the asphalt.
Phaze Remote: a leap forward
The new Phaze Remote is a massive upgrade from the GTR1. It features a full-color screen displaying your speed, range, temperature, and distance. You can also customize settings for acceleration, braking, the Dead Man Switch, and Prism LEDs.
The Evolve app takes your ride experience further with diagnostics, ride tracking, and firmware updates.
Confirmed Strengths
Strengths
- Double the power compared to the GTR1
- Progressive and secure braking
- Ideal deck flex for carving
- Maneuverable double kingpin trucks
- Robust and comprehensive Phaze Remote
- Street and all-terrain versatility
Esk8Unity Conclusion
The GTR2 Bamboo fixes every weakness of the GTR1. Where the old model quickly overheated and braked abruptly, the GTR2 is smooth, powerful, and reliable. This is the ultimate versatile eskate.
Frequently Asked Questions about the GTR2 Bamboo
What is the top speed?
Approximately 44 km/h on street (97 mm wheels) and 38 km/h all-terrain (7-inch tires). A restricted version is available for legal road use.
What range does the GTR2 offer?
You'll get up to 50 km on street and 30 km off-road with the Power Flex 14 Ah (504 Wh) battery. Your range will vary depending on terrain, rider weight, and the mode you use.
What power do the motors produce?
Two 3.000 W 6368 brushless motors deliver a combined 6.000 W. Expect rapid acceleration and excellent hill-climbing capability.
What ride feel does the bamboo deck provide?
The bamboo and fiberglass deck offers natural, comfortable flex that absorbs vibrations. It's ideal for carving, with a ride feel close to a classic skateboard.
Which remote control comes with this electric longboard?
The Phaze Remote is made of CNC aluminum with two triggers and an LCD screen. It connects to the Evolve app, letting you customize settings and track your ride data.
Where is after-sales support provided?
Evolve after-sales support is based in France (Pornichet), with all spare parts readily available. Repairs and maintenance are handled on-site for quick service.
The unbeatable classic
The Evolve GTR2 Bamboo is one of the most complete electric longboards on the market. Its versatility, smooth carving, and solid range make it a reliable choice. We recommend it for experienced riders and those looking to progress with a premium model.
