Hey man, I am a newcomer as well. I would definitely advise you to look around the other builds and just skim all the info in those threads. I have learned the most there. Also, get in contact with the vendors, old-timers, and big shots around here. @onloop @torqueboards @chaka etc… They all have a huge wealth of information and sell great products. torqueboards especially has been a huge help for me. You can see the things we have went over in my thread as well if you’d like.
http://www.electric-skateboard.builders/t/the-minnesota-monster-dual-hub-motor-build-carvon-duals-dexters-12s-pack-vesc-x2-diy-mini-controller-psychotiller-enclosure-deck-undecided-still/1774/30
I recommend at least looking into hub motors. There is a bit of back and forth here, and I can’t say what’s better hands-down if there even is a clear winner because my build is incomplete and I just don’t have the experience working with both…It seems very few even here do. Anyways, they seem to be exactly what I was looking for and may entice you as well. Low profile, light, high torque, easy to hookup/install, they take up less space, and especially the smooth roll/coast with little to no drag when the motor isn’t engaged, that was huge in my decision. I decided to go with Carvon’s hub motor and truck setup.
Also, as mentioned above, an all in one battery solution is probably the way to go. Look at it this way. You save some money on Lipo’s but then you will need to wire in a bunch of other stuff ( power toggle, BMS, fuses etc…) and pay for that as well. The minimal increase in pricing the two out far outweighs the extra work, wiring, and space taken up on the build in my opinion. I just got @torqueboards 12s3p pack off diyelectricskateboards.com and I have a feeling I am going to be super pleased with the performance. S.P.A.C.E Cell also looks like a nice option, but didn’t have the 12s option that I wanted. As far as mattdig’s Lipo recomendation I would look into the Nano-tech line from Turnigy. Again, I am not that experienced, but they looked to be high quality, good price, and had rave reviews…plus everyone in RC and here seems to use Turnigy. Whereas I have heard a lot of shitting on the Multistar line for being cheap and having consistently poor performance and dead cells.
On the controller, look into either the Badwolf v2 enclosure for a GT2B mod, or just buy the mini controller from Dexter @ diyelectricskateboards.com if you want something simple that just works well for a good price (~$50). If you need cruise control fanciness there are options from Enertion, Carvon, and others that all appear to be about the same deal, and about $100.
Get a flat deck with little to no flex, usually downhill decks are best for this. If you go with belt driven motors don’t get a drop through expecting to use it that way…It seems most have to top mount for clearance.
Hopefully some nugget of information here helps you out. I haven’t gotten a ton of traction on my thread yet, but it seems like once you get going, posting pictures (and spending $$$) people start to take notice. Most everyone here has been super helpful to me whenever I asked for it so just keep surfing through and posting. I am figuring it out right with you so if you have any questions I’ll do my best to help or call on someone who can. Good luck man, and welcome!