Comparison North Switchblade vs HIPE H8 2020

The recommended height is the optimal rider height for which the scooter is designed. The more closely the rider's actual height matches the recommended height, the more convenient and safer it will be to use the scooter. Usually, the recommended height is indicated by a certain range of values. It is perfectly acceptable to order a scooter for height, but the difference between the actual and recommended height should be minimal. When choosing a scooter, you should be guided by other parameters, such as age group, rider weight and other characteristics.

— 2 bolts. 2-bolt clamp — such clamps are typical for entry-class scooters. A 2-bolt clamp usually connects steering elements in city scooters. M8 threaded fasteners are most often used as bolts. The 2-bolt connection is ill-suited to resist loose fasteners.

— 3 bolts. Clamp for 3 bolts — this clamp allows you to more or less securely fix the steering elements. Scooters with a 3-bolt clamp are usually considered stunt scooters but belong to the entry-level class. The 3-bolt fastening allows the clamp to prevent loosening in the connection.

— 4 bolts. 4 bolt clamp — this category of clamps is typical for good stunt scooters. Such a connection allows you to securely fix the steering elements. The presence of 4 fixation points allows the connection to resist loosening well, and the bolts in such clamps are slightly subject to self-loosening.

— 5 bolts. The 5-bolt clamp is a quality clamping solution found on advanced stunt scooters. The presence of 5 fixation points allows you to securely fix the steering wheel in the desired position. The 5-bolt clamp will not allow play to appear in the connection. Such clamps can maintain the degree of tightening of fasteners even under high-vibration loads.

Compression is a special device that connects the fork to the steering speaker. Thanks to the compression, the rigidity and reliability of the connection of the steering speaker to the fork are ensured.

— IHC. Suitable for scooters with standard diameter handlebars: 31.8mm or 1¼". This type of compression is simple in design and highly reliable. The IHC system consists of a tie bolt and an anchor. The steering wheel is connected to the compression with a clamp.

— HIC(Hidden Compression System) — this type of compression is found in scooters with a handlebar of increased diameter: 34.9 mm or 1⅜". HIC compression is widely used due to the reliability and simplicity of the design solution. The steering speaker is used with a kerf Steering clamp is applied to the steering speaker HIC compression is identical to the IHC design The only difference between the two is the rudder diameter HIC is designed for 34.9mm headsets while IHC applies to headsets 31.8 mm in diameter.

— SCS(Standart Compression System) — advanced class compression. To use the SCS, you need a scooter with a non-kerf steering speaker. A distinctive feature of the SCS compression is the use of a 4-bolt tie-down collar. The compression pinch bolt is screwed in from top to bottom. The steering speaker is put on from above. SCS compression is created under the handlebars of di...fferent diameters: 34.9 or 31.8 mm. Structurally, SCS compression is similar to HIC. The key difference between these types of compression is for the most part only in the cut on the steering speaker. The SCS does not have a kerf, but the HIC does.

— ICS(Inverted Compression System) — simple and reliable compression. The system is represented by a coupling bolt, which is screwed in from the bottom up, through the front wheels. The anchor is usually built into the fork at the factory. But in some cases, the anchor must be hammered into the fork yourself. When working with compression, there are usually several difficulties. The first is that you need a special long key to work with fasteners. The second trick is expressed in the need to remove the front wheels every time the compression is tightened.

— Tread. Threading is the simplest method of connecting a steering speaker to a fork. This type of compression is typical for entry-level scooters. Scooters with threaded compression are positioned as urban models. Such scooters are not physically adapted to the impact of high mechanical loads.

The diameter of the front wheel(s) of the scooter.

This parameter is selected by the manufacturer depending on the type, age category and general purpose of the scooter. If we compare similar models with different wheel diameters, then it is worth considering that the larger the wheels, the better they work on the bumps in the road, and the higher the cross-country ability. And small wheels, in turn, are great for smooth asphalt and dynamic driving, they easily accelerate and allow you to make sharp turns.

The diameter of the rear wheel(s) of the scooter. See "Front wheel diameter" for details on the value of this parameter.

The maximum height to which the height-adjustable handlebar can be set (or just the height of the handlebar in the working position, if height adjustment is not provided).

The height of the handlebars should be such that the rider can stand on the deck straight, without bending his back, and hold on to the handles with slightly bent arms. At the same time, there is no unambiguous relationship between this parameter and the height of the rider. So the perfect option to determine the optimal height is to try it yourself, and then choose a scooter based on the result.

Scooter deck size. This item can indicate both the length and width or only one size — most often this is the length.

In general, this parameter is secondary: manufacturers choose the size of the deck depending on the type, age category, general specialization and other features of the scooter. Legroom, usually, is guaranteed to be enough on the deck. We only note that shorter decks are more agile, and longer ones are stable on the course.

This term refers to the useful area of the deck on which you can put your foot. It is size without taking into account the folding mechanism, wheel fastening and other elements that are not intended for the leg.

The total weight of the scooter; for electric models it is the total operating weight is indicated, with batteries installed.

This option has two meanings. Thus, lighter scooters accelerate and manoeuvre better and require less effort from the user. In turn, more massive models maintain speed longer and are more stable on the course. In addition, note that less weight, other things being equal, means either less strength or more cost.

The lightest modern scooters weigh less than 2 kg — these are mostly relatively inexpensive classic models and kickboards (see "Type"). Sports models already have a weight of 2.5 kg, and often more. The most massive among non-self-propelled models are scooters — from 5 kg. And electric scooters inevitably turn out to be heavy due to motors and batteries, their mass can reach 10 kg or even more.