Introduction and first wheel advice.

[bigwave]

Hello All,

I'm new to the forum and new to the world of EUC. A little background. 60yrs old, 6'0" 210 lbs, very athletic all my life. Currently my main sport is Kitesurfing (20yrs)both water and snow. I've been kite Hydrofoiling for the last 6 yrs as well. Currently ride a Onewheel Pint as well . Played Hockey, Raced Motocross ,Wing Suit(just kidding, NO Wing Suit...lol)  Blah Blah Blah....

Honestly ,I had no idea EUC existed a month ago. Since my discovery, I have been obsessed with watching videos and reading the forum here. My need for a EUC is strictly for fun. I don't need one for a commute. Just riding around, carving ,probably mostly on road but not ruling out some off road stuff. I really am so interested in learning how to do it. The challenge of learning how to ride will be very satisfying. 

So, the wheels I have been very interested in are the Kingsong 16x and the Gotway Nikola Plus. To the experienced riders here on the forum, would these be suitable? Should there be other wheels I should consider? 

Looking forward to hearing your advice! Thank You

[Unventor]

First of my main experience is with the wheels on my profile and tested the Z10 a few times. You will see most advice here goes back to personal preference, not always from the member asking for advice. There are a few things I would share that is my personal opinion. 

• The first wheel is going to get banged up for most people learning. So do ypu want to buy top price wheel or get a learner unit you can use as backup later or resell to get your real wheel.
• Weight of rider is something you cannot ignore.
• If you buy a new wheel, I would recommend around 1k wh battery or higher and a 1200W motor or higher.
• You might not need a trolley handle, but if you get a good trolley, then you find you can take wheel with you much easier than to carry it.
• A cutoff switch/system is a very nice function. 

Standard model tip: (I don’t mention Gotway, as my experience is none, but what I read).

If you do not know what to get and how you use it, my personal opinion is the KS18L is a great first wheel it is a balance of all, not a master but not handicapped in anyway either. You can argue if the KS18XL is a better choice (yes long term) but it comes down to price/weight for a first wheel. If you want to save cost I found the V10f sold now impressed me a lot at the price I bought it for (at 11.11 1250€).

Now the V10f have had pedal issues but should be stronger now. But keep it in mind when riding off curbs.

Despite that you can buy it, I would not recommend KS16X as a first wheel

Notice on speed. 

Also some love speed, but I recommend you ride 1000miles first, it is to build up body reaction to bumps, balance reaction. In my case I can say it took me 2500km to get to a point where if I hit something that surprised me, bump or traffic situations, I can deal with this much better now. The way I found this to be the case is last summer whenI hit a "hidden" double speed bum at 25 kmh. That time my legs, back and angels had the needed suspension not to soft nor too hard to deal with it. this first bump wasn't the issue, the second was the real challenge. When hitting it at slightly out of balance still trying to recover. They were about 1-1.5 meters; terrain difference about 4" high, apart under a bridge so I didn't see them in the shadows..

I used to ride at 40-45 kmh, I don't anymore. Now I ride at 30-35 kmh, it makes a hude difference in reaction times and energy you need to dead with. The bumps I mentioned above, I would not be able to do those at 30kmh even today. I have around 4000km in the 2 years I have been riding. 

Also recommend to look at this. Model wise I do think a little different, but the question on how to pick are solid. 

 

 

Edited January 26, 2020 by Unventor
Added a bit more

[mrelwood]

The 16X and Nikola are both great wheels, and both should absolutely bring a wide grin on your face for a long time.

That said, if you’ll take the habit of riding fast (which your past activities do hint for), the 16X falls short. It’s not a safe wheel for your weight at speeds over 40km/h. The Nikola on the other hand is a very fast wheel, and if you lack self-control, you can find yourself at very unsafe speeds very soon. But if you have enough self control not to remove the top speed limit (48km/h), the wheel should practically be as safe as any.

As @Unventor mentioned, we often have differing opinions and experiences. Learner wheel or not is one of them. For me a learner wheel wouldn’t have been worthwhile, since I was a careful learner. I don’t think I even covered my wheel, and it only tumbled slowly a few times. OTOH I’ve seen a lot of YT videos where the rider tries to go all in, and tries to learn the hard way. Fly or die. They sure scratch their wheels, even if padded.

If you decide to get a learner wheel first, prepare for being done with it in a week. And at your weight you should too, they can’t carry you over bumps or at speed. If you get a mid-class wheel, you’d probably start looking for the top wheels in a month or two anyway, since you might be asking from them a bit more than they are capable. If you have the budget for both a learner and a top wheel, then by all means, buy both. Otherwise I’d stick to your plan of getting a top wheel right away. Pad it up well for a few weeks, and learn with concentration and you are golden.

Personally, due to the 16X’s questionable power headroom at higher speeds, I’d choose the Nikola for myself. 16X is more comfortable and a bit more practical, but I do like to ride pretty fast, and I weigh the same as you.

[Unventor]

ahh you posted just as I hit save on my edit  And yes if you want speed, don't bother with KS16X that isn't what it is build but no matter what specifications says on paper. 

I would also say most members comming here asked save questions, but ended up with a few wheels as no wheeel do it all. 

[Espen R]

@bigwave , considering your height/weight, I would also look at the Gotway MSX, V2 coming soon, and the Kingsong 18XL, because they are a bit more versatile with the larger wheel diameter, especially off-road. I agree with @mrelwood, a beginner wheel wouldn't satisfy your need for very long. I'm 6"2,5 and 242 lbs, and I ordered the KS-18XL after just a few days on the KS-16S.

[null]

An other skip the beginner wheel from me, or get a second hand if unsure. Seems you would like EUCs though, you could get a powerful one right away and protect it while learning. Some scratches are inevitable anyway.

[bigwave]

I appreciate the reply's. 

@Unventor , The video was very good. It was one I did not see. You and @mrelwood brought up some excellent points about speed. Being a newbie, I'm not sure what I will be comfortable with. I have a fairly good perception of speed from my Hydrofoiling. I'm a free ride foiler ,typically going 25-35 kmh ,carving ,riding waves etc.(racing hydrofoils go over 50kmh) My PEV experience is limited to my OneWheel Pint. I'm new at it as well but I'm pretty good on it ,carving ,riding both ways ( Very experienced on a snowboard, both soft and hard boots). I experienced push back on my first day ,25 kmh. I didn't even feel I was going that fast. My rides since then (only 6 times, winter here) I'm very aware of the speed I'm going and have not had a push back since.I'm pretty happy going around 20 kmh on the Pint. Your advice is well taken about the possible speed I will want to ride regarding wheel choice. I can't imagine wanting to go much more than 35 kmh but I bet everyone has said that...lol

@Espen R thanks for the heads up about the new Gotway MSX V2. I have looked at the Kingsong 18XL videos and its definitely one to consider. For what ever reason , I have my self convinced I need a wheel that has a 3" wide tire. Every review says its more stable. Perhaps someone who has experience on both can let me know the pros and cons.

In some videos I've watched regarding the 16x , @Mike Sacristan says its a very different ride compared to other wheels. I would think not being able to ride (Me) This would not be an issue? 

[Espen R]

44 minutes ago, null said:

An other skip the beginner wheel from me, or get a second hand if unsure. Seems you would like EUCs though, you could get a powerful one right away and protect it while learning. Some scratches are inevitable anyway.

I agree. Not really sure what a beginner wheel is? Most of the tall or strong-ish people I've taught prefers the KS-18XL, because they feel it is more stable. Shorter people prefer the V10F, because it is lighter. Nobody likes the KS-16S, at least not before they have gained some skills.

[travsformation]

1 hour ago, Espen R said:

I agree. Not really sure what a beginner wheel is? Most of the tall or strong-ish people I've taught prefers the KS-18XL, because they feel it is more stable. Shorter people prefer the V10F, because it is lighter. Nobody likes the KS-16S, at least not before they have gained some skills.

As a light-ish rider I find that lighter wheels are easier to learn on, even if they aren't as stable. I weigh 74 kg and learned on and InMotion V8 and found it to be the perfect wheel to learn on. A heavier wheel would have made free mounting much more difficult. On the other hand, looking back, I wish I'd gone straight for the KS18XL instead of spending money on a beginner wheel that I outgrew very fast.

@bigwave For a new rider looking for a wheel that he won't outgrow anytime soon, I think the 16" diameter, 3"-wide tire is the perfect form factor with a great balance between power, stability and maneuverability. The Nikola and KS16X are both excellent wheels. Many users find that KingSongs are overall more refined and more comfortable to ride. KingSongs have historically also had a better safety track record, but in recent times that's no longer the case. From my brief experience with it, I think the KS16X is the perfect all-rounder if you don't plan on riding faster than 40 km/h, but due to the questionable safety of torque delivery above 40 km/h, it saddens me to say that I wouldn't recommend it as a first wheel for a new rider. I'm not saying it's an unsafe wheel, just that it might not be the best wheel for a new rider. I think you'd be much better off with the Nikola (if you like it) as long as you don't disable tiltback.

18" wheels such as the KS18XL or the MSX are also excellent wheels at the expense of the little maneuverability. It also depends on what kind of riding you plan on doing...

Edited January 26, 2020 by travsformation

[Espen R]

55 minutes ago, bigwave said:

@Espen R thanks for the heads up about the new Gotway MSX V2. I have looked at the Kingsong 18XL videos and its definitely one to consider. For what ever reason, I have my self convinced I need a wheel that has a 3" wide tire. Every review says its more stable. Perhaps someone who has experience on both can let me know the pros and cons.

I'm not sure about the 3" tires. You gain high speed stability, but loose agility. For me the fun part of EUC's is on off-road trails, high speed on tarmac doesn't really rock my boat, it's almost a bit boring. Like you I've done high speed sports, but speed was never the motivation. 20-30 km/h on a narrow trail with roots and stones is where I find joy riding EUC's, it's about flow and being one with the terrain. I wouldn't trade a 2.5" wheel for a 3" one, because of agility and the physics of rotating mass, making it harder to break down the wheel at speeds over 20 km/h with a wider tire, and I have never felt I lacked high speed stability with the 2.5”. I have been looking at an MSX for winter use, because I could more easily fit a winter tire with studs on it, but I use the wheel for my grocery shopping and need a good stable trolley handle, which the MSX doesn't have. 

I used to have a Onewheel+ and have been drewling over the Pint a while. Still think the range is to low though.

[Unventor]

35 minutes ago, Espen R said:

I agree. Not really sure what a beginner wheel is? Most of the tall or strong-ish people I've taught prefers the KS-18XL, because they feel it is more stable. Shorter people prefer the V10F, because it is lighter. Nobody likes the KS-16S, at least not before they have gained some skills.

I think you mean KS16X. 

So the KS16X can be used as a first wheel, almost any wheel can. But it is all about learning curve and intuitive behaviour of the wheel. That is part reason why it feel fun, you need to get the hand of the high speed behaviour. 

As for 3" wide wheels, some say that is a must, but I seriously doubt that as first wheel. Now sine you already have a one wheel, I would imagine you get the EUC part fairly fast. 

It you will find why some prefer one wheel and others prefer EUC. Despite "similar" they are yet very different and I am pretty sure you will find an EUC more versatile on how you can use it. Now you could choose a MSX too, but from what I gather most find a KS18XL/L more comfortable especially with xl/Jason pedals. If you get a newer batch it will have digital lift sensor same as KS16X, and it works spot on. 

The Nikola might be a option too, but I think the KS18XL beats it as a more practical build. The only thing is speed that GW is having high focus on, where KS built with speed as a 3rd or 4th focus area. 

If you are on android you got great support for KS with @Seba new EUC.WOULD app. It works with other brands too. But now it got full KS support. If you can go to a local meet up and talk to people. Talk all in and stir the pot. But be mindfil that people will lean towards their choice.

I would say this though. The V10f is in my opinion a great modern learner wheel. And yes it comes down to how it rides and investment costs. Yet with your one wheel experience I would go for KS18XL. I think there are a Canadian seller or ewheels ship to Canada too. 

[bigwave]

@Unventor , @Espen R , @travsformation , This is the exact information I was hoping for when  I asked my original question. Many Thanks! 

Speed is about 4th on my list of must haves. In no particular order ,Stability, Predicability and Reliability are what I'm looking for. Your positive experiences with the KS18XL is good enough for me!

I will most likely buy my wheel from ewheels in the US. They seem to be the leader in North America. They have support and I have not heard a bad review of them.

[alcatraz]

Like speedyfeet said in a video, something along these lines. "We often get this phonecall - I don't really know if I'm going to like it so I don't want bla bla... Honestly speaking, everyone likes it, so don't use that argument to decide what to buy."

At 210lbs get a powerful wheel with wider tires.

If offroad is on your radar then go MsX or 16X or Nikola for the tire width. Ironically the 19 inch MsX is the lighter of the three while still being larger. Win-win.

If you want to ride something more consumer oriented then maybe go Kingsong or Inmotion, like V10f or 18XL. I put in a ton of km on an inmotion. I was never attracted by the gotways thinking they were unsafe. Now I kind of lean towards having more power than needed in order to be safe. That means gotways are safer in a way because they have a bit more power and would self sacrifice themselves before cutting off power and crashing a rider. They get a bad reputation by all the crazy riders choosing them.

Gotways have weaker shells (maybe not the nikola) so make sure you put lots of padding on the new and shiny EUC before you set off learning how to ride. You'll have 100 drops in the first 100km and maybe one each 5000km after a while.

[travsformation]

9 hours ago, Espen R said:

I'm not sure about the 3" tires. You gain high speed stability, but loose agility. For me the fun part of EUC's is on off-road trails, high speed on tarmac doesn't really rock my boat, it's almost a bit boring. Like you I've done high speed sports, but speed was never the motivation. 20-30 km/h on a narrow trail with roots and stones is where I find joy riding EUC's, it's about flow and being one with the terrain. I wouldn't trade a 2.5" wheel for a 3" one, because of agility and the physics of rotating mass, making it harder to break down the wheel at speeds over 20 km/h with a wider tire, and I have never felt I lacked high speed stability with the 2.5”. 

I do most of my riding off-road, and like you, speed isn't my main concern, but rather the thrill of navigating through rough and challenging terrain. I've enjoyed myself enormously on the 18XL, which is an excellent wheel for off-roading (even more so since torque was increased with firmware update 2.0)

When I first hopped on the 16X, I was VERY impressed at how agile and nimble it is... Makes the 18XL feel like a tank in comparison...

I started with the V8, and have to admit I found there was a considerable learning curve when I upgraded to the 18XL. I don't think it would have been nearly as pronounced going from the V8 to the 16X. The tire width increases stability but seems to hit the perfect sweet spot where it doesn't compromise agility. 

If I were to keep only one of the wheels I own, I think it would be the 16X... 

[mrelwood]

While the question of ”which wheel should I get” gets asked constanty, I think so far this thread has perhaps the best value per post. Excellents points and replies from everyone! Yet, there is not or will not be a single model to point to. After gaining experience you might as well prefer the MSX, Nikola, 16X, or 18XL. All marvellous wheels! And each with it’s own quirks.

Actually, the quirks might be the most important point when choosing a wheel; which quirks can you live with? A lousy trolley, discomfort, slow to react, having to replace small pedals, requiring DIY, lacking in speed...?

(Although, this method will always choose the 18XL...  )

Quote

I'm not sure about the 3" tires. You gain high speed stability, but loose agility. For me the fun part of EUC's is on off-road trails, high speed on tarmac doesn't really rock my boat, it's almost a bit boring.

And to confuse the OP... For me as well, I absolutely get the best tickles from off-roading! Both very technical (and slow) as well as faster paths. And I would be extremely disappointed if I had to do it on a 2.5” tire! Due to my technique of using more tilt than twist, I’m able to turn in a much tighter radius on a 3” tire, as well as allowing me to ride slower with more precision.

Tire width: Purely personal choice. Check!

 

Quote

I wouldn't trade a 2.5" wheel for a 3" one, because of agility and the physics of rotating mass, making it harder to break down the wheel at speeds over 20 km/h with a wider tire

While irrelevant for the point, I think more than the difference in mass it’s the larger diameter of the wider tire that slows down the wheel’s behaviour.

 

Quote

I have been looking at an MSX for winter use, because I could more easily fit a winter tire with studs on it

You should consider a 2.50-14 Minicross tire for your 18XL, fitted with 4x9mm screw-in studs!

Edited January 27, 2020 by mrelwood

[alcatraz]

Also remember. Nothing prevents a rider from mounting a narrower tire on a wider wheel. 

Also considering the OP would learn riding on the wider tire he'd probably not feel weird.

Also I've noticed the kind of tire used can make a big difference. I'm sure there are 3inch tires out there that can make tight turns (shaped in a certain way).

Another thing to consider is rider size when comparing feel. A smaller rider on a 2.125 inch wheel is going to experience what a larger rider feels on a wider tire.

[bigwave]

1 hour ago, alcatraz said:

Like speedyfeet said in a video, something along these lines. "We often get this phonecall - I don't really know if I'm going to like it so I don't want bla bla... Honestly speaking, everyone likes it, so don't use that argument to decide what to buy."

At 210lbs get a powerful wheel with wider tires.

If offroad is on your radar then go MsX or 16X or Nikola for the tire width. Ironically the 19 inch MsX is the lighter of the three while still being larger. Win-win.

If you want to ride something more consumer oriented then maybe go Kingsong or Inmotion, like V10f or 18XL. I put in a ton of km on an inmotion. I was never attracted by the gotways thinking they were unsafe. Now I kind of lean towards having more power than needed in order to be safe. That means gotways are safer in a way because they have a bit more power and would self sacrifice themselves before cutting off power and crashing a rider. They get a bad reputation by all the crazy riders choosing them.

Gotways have weaker shells (maybe not the nikola) so make sure you put lots of padding on the new and shiny EUC before you set off learning how to ride. You'll have 100 drops in the first 100km and maybe one each 5000km after a while.

You are right, I'm 100% sure I will be really liking riding a EUC. Offroad is on my radar for sure but ,realistically I picture myself more on the road. I honestly can't really think of any cool trails around where I would ride that would be suitable for a EUC. Thats why I had originally thought the 16x or Nikola would be something that would be a good first choice given my weight.Each of those wheels seems to have good on/off road capabilities. The guys have also praised the KS18XL which I have watched several video's. 

What ever wheel I choose I'm sure it will do everything I want it to do. I have a saying, pick a sport (we'll use EUC) "That wheel (Insert Favourite ) will be better than I will ever be". Meaning I will never explore the performance limits of what ever wheel I will pick, I just want ride around having fun and being safe. But,  picking the best one based on my needs is why I posted originally .

Thank you for the excellent advice !

[Unventor]

I suggest that once you have selected a wheel make a new thread and tell us how you are getting on, that way you can get tips and encouragement from us. If you want a few laugh go to YouTube and have a look at my early training videos. That will make you feel less lonely in the beginning.

If you can make recording and review these and take breaks in between. This will help your brain to process what you are trying to get a new feel for. Also it will help you spot the process in the beginning as it can be frustration.

Like these...

 

Edited January 27, 2020 by Unventor

[Espen R]

6 hours ago, travsformation said:

I do most of my riding off-road, and like you, speed isn't my main concern, but rather the thrill of navigating through rough and challenging terrain. I've enjoyed myself enormously on the 18XL, which is an excellent wheel for off-roading (even more so since torque was increased with firmware update 2.0)

When I first hopped on the 16X, I was VERY impressed at how agile and nimble it is... Makes the 18XL feel like a tank in comparison...

I started with the V8, and have to admit I found there was a considerable learning curve when I upgraded to the 18XL. I don't think it would have been nearly as pronounced going from the V8 to the 16X. The tire width increases stability but seems to hit the perfect sweet spot where it doesn't compromise agility. 

If I were to keep only one of the wheels I own, I think it would be the 16X... 

It is really interesting to read that tire dimension has more effect on the law of rotating mass than the with. My experience from this is comparing the KS-18XL to the MSX, where the MSX, though still a great wheel, felt more like a train/tank than the XL. I ride under fairly rough off-road conditions, you wouldn't be able to ride an off-road bike on some of the trails because of how the rocks are positioned, so my question is: How would you compare the XL to the 16X when you have to ride up curb sized rocks? The other question I have is: How does the 16X feel when you ride with high-ish tire pressure? Is it bouncier than the XL?

5 hours ago, mrelwood said:

While the question of ”which wheel should I get” gets asked constanty, I think so far this thread has perhaps the best value per post. Excellents points and replies from everyone! Yet, there is not or will not be a single model to point to. After gaining experience you might as well prefer the MSX, Nikola, 16X, or 18XL. All marvellous wheels! And each with it’s own quirks.

Actually, the quirks might be the most important point when choosing a wheel; which quirks can you live with? A lousy trolley, discomfort, slow to react, having to replace small pedals, requiring DIY, lacking in speed...?

(Although, this method will always choose the 18XL...  )

And to confuse the OP... For me as well, I absolutely get the best tickles from off-roading! Both very technical (and slow) as well as faster paths. And I would be extremely disappointed if I had to do it on a 2.5” tire! Due to my technique of using more tilt than twist, I’m able to turn in a much tighter radius on a 3” tire, as well as allowing me to ride slower with more precision.

Tire width: Purely personal choice. Check!

 

While irrelevant for the point, I think more than the difference in mass it’s the larger diameter of the wider tire that slows down the wheel’s behaviour.

 

You should consider a 2.50-14 Minicross tire for your 18XL, fitted with 4x9mm screw-in studs!

Again, very interesting. This is probably the best thread on this subject I have read. As I said above, I have only tested the MSX against the XL, before the 2.0 update, and in the terrain I ride, it felt more like a train than the XL, but not necessarily in a bad way. Better going over obstacles, stiffer slaloming between rocks, and the ergonomics didn't feel natural. Still a wheel I'm considering buying though, or more like playing with the idea while I wait for a 18-22" wheel that really fits the bill. I would fit a cross tire to and use it for brute force off-roading and as a winter wheel with studs. It would be hard do embrace some of GW’s design flaws and issues though:) As your wrote, on a pros and cons list, the XL always wins by a mile.

As for winter tire on the XL, I've tried 3 different tires, and one of them was a 2.50-14 cross tire. I had to do a lot of trimming in order for it to fit. Great off-road, but killed all the little fun there is riding on tarmac, and almost dangerous above 30 km/h. An in-between cross/road tire with deeper threads is the dream. The threads on the GW Monster tire looks about perfect to me.

[Tazarinho]

I'm exactly the same height and weight as you are and I love my 16X.

I prefer riding off-road but my daily commute also has a fair bit of road. If you're happy limiting the speed to 40 km/h I think you can't go wrong with the 16X. I think the case will also hold up to learning crashes better. It also has the better trolley handle.

If you prefer high speeds and mostly roads, I think the Nikola Plus is probably the better choice.Also if you plan to ride in the rain a lot, as it resists better than the 16X.

As for learner wheels. When I teach people to ride, I use both my V8 and the 16X. Everyone finds the 16X easier to learn on. I agree it's an easier wheel to ride, but I think doing near 5000 km on the V8, at my weight, made me a better rider and gave me a lot more awareness of what the limitations, dangers and pitfalls are of EUC's when pushing them. On the 16X it can feel like a flying carpet where I can almost dream off, whereas on the V8 I had to constantly be vigilant of every little thing. In a way this actually makes the 16X a more dangerous wheel for me to ride.

Edited January 27, 2020 by Tazarinho

[mrelwood]

1 hour ago, Espen R said:

It is really interesting to read that tire dimension has more effect on the law of rotating mass than the with. My experience from this is comparing the KS-18XL to the MSX, where the MSX, though still a great wheel, felt more like a train/tank than the XL.

It sure does. But they are very different wheels in several key aspects. The laws of rotating mass of course don’t change, the difference it does for braking is just so extremely minute. If you lift up the MSX, it can accelerate to 78km/h (84V) effortlessly in about half a second. We are using about 1% of that even when pushing it. Then the tire weight is perhaps 10% of the motor itself. And tire weight difference is perhaps 25% of that. That would make roughly a 0.05% difference in acceleration... The difference in tire diameter is about 5%. And firmware behaviour, 100%. 

 

24 minutes ago, Tazarinho said:

I think doing near 5000 km on the V8, at my weight, made me a better rider and gave me a lot more awareness of what the limitations, dangers and pitfalls are of EUC's when pushing them.

That is a great point! I started with a 500W Lhotz, but the MSX has made me so much more relaxed, and unfornately a bit careless. It really does steam-roll over almost everything! I am worried about the ”almost” though, since with these speeds and power, it would likely be pretty bad news.

[Tazarinho]

5 minutes ago, mrelwood said:

That is a great point! I started with a 500W Lhotz, but the MSX has made me so much more relaxed, and unfornately a bit careless. It really does steam-roll over almost everything! I am worried about the ”almost” though, since with these speeds and power, it would likely be pretty bad news.

Exactly! That's what I meant but with the V8 and 16X, though I wasn't able to word it as well.

Edited January 27, 2020 by Tazarinho

[Harvey Pooka]

Where in Canada are you? If you happen to be in Vancouver, I'm happy to meet up and let you learn on my KS14D. It'll be really tiny for you, but you can crash it all you like. 

[Mike Sacristan]

22 hours ago, bigwave said:

In some videos I've watched regarding the 16x , @Mike Sacristan says its a very different ride compared to other wheels. I would think not being able to ride (Me) This would not be an issue? 

I bought the 16X to replace my Onewheel+ XR because I liked the wobbly feel. What makes it most wobbly though is the CX tyre and only first batch shipped with that tyre. But also the shape which makes it feel like a free feeling wheel (you are not locked in). People who learn on the 16X don't have to readjust/unlearn what they learned on other wheels.

Yesterday I went for a ride with my wife Monika and my friend Kenny. He has a Nikola+. I was on the 16X with higher than normal tyre pressure and Monika was on the MSX.
We did some hill climbing, some speeding, some off-road and just general cruising. As usual we swapped wheels as well.

If I were to rank the wheels:

18XL - "A very nice feeling wheel". Everybody likes it. It does everything it should. The 2200W version should be avoided.
Nikola - A bit wide with the pads. Behaves like a mix between the 16X and MSX. The 1845Wh with the 18650 cells is the one to get.
MSX - An uncomfortable steamroller. It goes through everything and is potentially fast at the cost of safety in the 84v version and very fast in the 100v version.
16X - The most fun wheel with the best feel. Also a very problematic wheel for most.

Monika really liked the Nikola and that was even a 29kg version with 2664Wh battery.
When we climbed some small hills she couldn't get the MSX up but she got the 16X and Nikola up.
The 16X is the most agile of the bunch, then the 18XL. The MSX the least agile.
The Nikola tyre makes it a very cushy ride and it behaved well off-road and on bad asphalt.

If you want to feel freedom then the 18XL or 16X. I don't like being forced into side pads.
And for your weight I would go for the 18XL.

Kenny was riding my 16X yesterday and he loooooved it.
Monika didn't want to ride the 16X because of the PSI but she loooooved the Nikola.

The 16X is the blonde of the bunch. I am having trouble deciding which new wheel to buy because I love the feel of the 16X so much... but it will most probably be a Nikola. The 18" wheels are beginning to feel useless to me because of how badly they climb. And no matter which wheel I ride I will always be thinking of the blonde.

My first generic recommendation to everyone though is the 18XL with the large pedals. Anything else is a matter of specific needs.
 

[Unventor]

I like that ranking you have done a lot. Some might have different opinions but I cannot argue against that list in any way.

I think it is the easiest list to sum up things fast between the most sold wheels for the time being.

However just like you say, you can't buy a car on papers only, it is about test ride/feel vs the plan of use.