Evolve Carbon GT Vs Water (Vs Other Brands)

I've been told by Evolve not to ride their boards in the rain or in the wet, even if it's just slightly wet.
These boards have obviously been designed in a part of the world that sees more sun than rain. Unfortunately in Scotland (and the rest of the UK) that's not the case.

Have you guys used your boards in the wet and rain? How does it fare?
I'm not talking about intentionally riding through puddles etc but at a time when it's a little wet, maybe there's been some rain and the pavements are still wet ... a time when you'd maybe use a traditional skateboard but'd still be borderline.

I'm in the market for a board.
The Mellow Drive would get mounted on a traditional skateboard and I could use it rain, hail or shine and even through mud it seems but would only really be a pavement/smooth road machine.
The Evolve on the other hand could be used on and off road and could cope with hellish pavements, lumps and bumps that'd normally throw you from a traditional board and wheel size. Can only us in the DRY - or can you!?
The So-Flow LOU caught my eye the other night but there's not much proof it lives up to its claims.

I can't help but think that surely the next model to come from Evolve HAS to be waterproofed as all other brands seem to be going this way. It only makes sense.

 

I believe the lou board is just made in china by winboard.

winboard gtm7 - Google Search

 

You can find videos about waterproofing the carbon gt on youtube. I did the silicone mod to my deck and have ridden in the rain several times. I have not had any problems thus far. I've also ridden my boosted board in the rain several times and also have had no issues.

I imagine riding in the water often enough, something is bound to break. I am willing to risk the repair bill in order to use the board year round.

 

I waterproofed my bamboo gt following this video. I've rode through some pretty wet roads, avoiding major puddles. worked like a charm!
I did add some extra tack around the perimeter where there were larger gaps, not the prettiest in the world but i figured better safe than sorry.

I used black industrial strength tack.


0.5m Industrial Strength Black Tac Putty

 

Cheers guys, I watched the videos on waterproofing and it looks like a good thing to do regardless.
Surely Evolve have to make their next series waterproof. They might not get much rain down under in Australia but we certainly get our fair share in Europe!

 

I bought the board as a way of commuting to the train station from mine and have used it in some less than ideal weather, I used a few techniques on this forum and so far it has been ideal - First thing I did before riding it was take the top lid off check the connections and coat the electronics in ACF50 - I have used this on most of the motorbikes I have owned and it works a charm - smells a bit and can leave things looking a little greasy but it has done the job so far. just spray it onto a soft brush or soft cloth and gently dab the circuit boards making sure not to scratch or damage it. Then the second thing I did was get a rubber o ring and lay it around the edge of the board lid opening pushing to the edge so as not to obstruct the screws - used superglue and that has worked perfectly *touch wood*. The last thing I did was get some sugru and plug the gaps around the power button and engine cables. So far that has worked well - remember though anything you do will probably void the warranty.

It would also be wise to invest in some of the mud guards one of the guys on here made them as the one major issue I found is the water spray from the wheels completely soaks you and the board - and in my case suaully ends up pooling on top of the board - so far y waterproofing has held out but i don't want to push it!

 

I've used mine on the beach in the rain since last year with no issues at all. Sealing the edge with silicone is a waste of time and not a good idea as some people suggest. You need air flow which in fact helps keep the board dry. If you seal it up and just a little water gets in it will never dry out and will do more damage. Just avoid puddles and dry it off. In fact with the all terrain wheels most water sprays up on your legs than under the board. (See photo from last week)

 

you can get some mudguards to stop those splashes

 

I have a Onewheel+ (and Carbon GT). I ride the Onewheel when it is raining, I hose it down when it gets muddy .It is very water resistant, the big soft wheel grips well when the surface is wet.

 

The airflow you mention assumes there is water inside to dry out......if you seal correctly then there is no need for the drying airflow.....and you reduce the risk of water touching the motor controller.

Believe me, if water gets onto the motor controller you will have serious problems, if lucky it will work again when dry - if unlucky it will blow some sensitive components.

I would recommend silicon around the edges and double defence of waterproof duct tape also on top. The leakage at the back is the most dangerous with street wheels, and also water wicking down the cable sheath....this shorts out the power connectors.

Better safe than sorry as when the board flexes it opens gaps along the battery compartment and the deck......

 

I also agree with feannorr. I have a carbon GT and I have ridden in wet weather several times (mostly light rain). When I first rode in heavy rain, water pooled in through the top. I got back home fine. On cleaning up the board and on checking if it would turn on again, found out it was dead.

Opened it up and saw that a lot of water had seeped in, soaking underneath the battery and on the motorcontroller.
Tried several methods drying the inside and cleaning it out (teatowels, blowdryer, then dumped rice).

A few hours later and it worked again.

This scared the **** out me so I have since bought some silicone and corrosion X. I sealed all the entrances and edges including the inside edges of the heatsink and used corrosion X on the electronic parts. Replaced the bearings and I now use corrosion X on all the bearings and it helps prevent rust and repel water. I spray a little on the bearings and into the motor gaps to help prevent rust.

Initially i thought also that I might be preventing airflow and it might affect the battery etc but so far it works fine. The heatsink works to dissipate internal heat pretty well (checked with a temperature gun). I have ridden multiple times now through heavy rain. All wheels spin fine so i'm assuming the Corrosion X and silicone helps.

Checked recently after a ride and a slight amount of water still manages to get in (maybe a half a thimble in the front corners) so still working on how to get it more waterproof.

Have a Bamboo GT also and the design is better against water (ie only a tiny amount of water can only splash slightly into the gaps at the back whereas the with the Carbon GT, more water leaks in from the top and collects there). Still i would advise sealing the gaps with silicone or black tack (if you open it up for inspection alot - with silicone you have to remove and reapply). And also using CorrosionX to help prevent rust.