OMW Gladius electric skateboard positions itself right between a traditional longboard and a mini board, and that’s exactly where it shines. Designed to blend portability, comfort, stability, and performance, the Gladius targets riders who want a versatile daily board without major compromises.
Here is the deep dive into the OMW Gladius from @KAMiJUINs.
Design & Deck: The Only Flexible Board in Its Class
The Gladius features a composite carbon deck, a proprietary OMW design also used on other OMW Boards. This deck stands out for several reasons:
- Moisture- and damage-resistant carbon construction
- Wood-like elasticity, delivering true flex and comfort
- Unique dented concave design that naturally locks your feet into position
- Chain-Whip™ battery enclosure allows natural deck flex and provides the necessary structural rigidity, protecting battery cells from impact.
Thanks to this construction, the Gladius is the only portable board in its category with a truly flexible deck, offering a smoother ride across rough urban pavement while maintaining structural rigidity.
Trucks & Steering: RKP Stability With DKP-Like Turning
One of the most impressive aspects of the Gladius is its Versa™ 8.5" Wide CNC RKP trucks.
Truck Setup:
- Wider-than-standard RKP design
- 90A tall barrel bushings (front)
- 95A tall barrel bushings (rear)
- Replaceable 8mm axles
By combining tall barrel bushings with an RKP geometry, the hanger achieves a larger operating range, resulting in:
- Exceptionally tight turning radius (comparable to DKP trucks)
- Retained high-speed stability typical of RKP trucks
- Enhanced steering feel when paired with the flexible deck
The result is steering that feels precise, responsive, and confidence-inspiring, even in tight urban environments.
Ride Comfort: Flexible Deck + MAD 105mm Wheels
Ride comfort is one of the Gladius’s strongest advantages.
- Flexible carbon deck absorbs road vibrations
- MAD 105mm wheels provide excellent shock absorption
- Well-designed shock-resistant structure
Even on longer rides or rougher surfaces, the Gladius remains comfortable and fatigue-free. It's an uncommon trait for boards of this size.
Power System, Battery & Real-World Performance
The Gladius delivers a well-rounded power and energy system that prioritizes smooth control, reliable torque, and practical range, making it equally approachable for beginners and satisfying for experienced riders.
Motors, ESC & Power Delivery
The board is powered by dual Hobbywing 4235 motors (5255-spec, 155Kv), paired with a 14S Hobbywing 9028 ESC. This setup supports app connectivity and Smart ON/OFF, with a 30A bus current and 56A phase current, ensuring consistent output and system efficiency.
Acceleration is intentionally tuned to be smooth and beginner-friendly, reflecting Hobbywing’s conservative acceleration curve. Despite this gentle initial delivery, the Gladius never feels under-powered:
- Re-acceleration is strong and responsive
- Hill-climbing performance is more than sufficient for daily riding
- Power delivery remains controlled and confidence-inspiring
Top speed was measured at 29.9 mph (48.2 km/h) with 80% battery remaining (GPS-tested). Braking performance stands out as well, feeling slightly stronger than acceleration torque and providing stable, predictable stopping power.
Overall, the power system strikes an excellent balance between accessibility for new riders and performance headroom for experienced users.
Battery, Range & Charging
Energy comes from a Samsung 21700 50S battery pack in a 14S2P configuration, rated at 10Ah / 504Wh.
In real-world testing under cold conditions, the Gladius achieved a range of approximately 18.5 miles (30 km). Based on seasonal experience, at least a 15–20% improvement in range can be expected in warmer weather.
Charging is handled by a 58.8V / 4A fast charger, bringing the battery from empty to full in roughly 2.5 hours, which is notably quick for a 14S system.
Waterproofing, Smart Features & Portability
The Gladius is designed with daily usability in mind, combining basic environmental protection, smart controls, and commuter-friendly portability.
Waterproof Rating
The board carries an IP55 rating, offering resistance to dust and light splashes encountered during everyday riding. While it can handle incidental moisture, the Gladius is not recommended for riding in rainy or wet conditions, ensuring the long-term reliability of electronic components.
Lights, Remote & Smart Features
The Gladius features a thoughtfully integrated lighting system that enhances both safety and aesthetics:
- Rear brake lights flash clearly when braking, remaining visible from a distance
- Optional front lights provide sufficient illumination for reading road conditions at night
- Optional side LED strap lights offer adjustable colors for added visibility and personalization
Controls are intuitive and rider-friendly:
- Double-press the remote power button to turn the lights on
- Pull the brake throttle three times to change the LED strap light color
In addition, OMW Gladius supports app-based tuning through the Tuya Smart App (iOS & Android). This level of customization allows riders to tailor the board’s behavior to their skill level and riding style, adding meaningful value to the overall riding experience.
Kicktail & Portability
The integrated kicktail-handle serves a dual purpose. As a kicktail, it can feel slightly awkward due to the Gladius’s in-between size. However, as a handle, it offers excellent grip and balance, making the board noticeably easier to carry than traditional e longboards. For commuters and urban riders, this design significantly improves portability without compromising ride stability.
Final Verdict: Who Is the Gladius For?
The OMW Gladius is a standout option for riders who want:
- Mini-board agility with longboard stability
- A truly flexible deck for comfort
- Excellent steering without sacrificing confidence at speed
- Solid power with beginner-friendly tuning
- Easy carrying for daily use
At a pre-sale price of $699 USD, the Gladius delivers impressive component quality, ride comfort, and thoughtful design choices. With four theme options available, riders can also choose a style that fits their personality.
