QuietKat Apex Pro Review: Premium Hunting eBike Tested
The QuietKat Apex Pro is the quietest hunting ebike we've tested.
If stealth matters more than saving a few hundred dollars, the Apex Pro deserves serious consideration. We tested it for two seasons in Colorado mule deer and elk country where noise control is critical.
Price: $6,299 - $6,499 depending on configuration
Quick Verdict
Who Should Buy the QuietKat Apex Pro
The Apex Pro is the best choice for hunters who prioritize stealth above all else. It's measurably quieter than competitors while matching their power and capability.
Best for: Deer hunters, stealth-focused elk hunters, anyone who needs to cover ground silently.
Skip if: You're budget-conscious (the Bakcou Storm is $500-700 cheaper with similar performance) or hunt flat terrain (the QuietKat Ranger saves money).
QuietKat Apex Pro Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | TruckRun 1000W Mid-Drive (Custom QuietKat design) |
| Battery | 48V 14.5Ah (696Wh) or 21Ah (1008Wh) |
| Range | 25-60 miles (terrain and load dependent) |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (Class 2) |
| Weight | 78 lbs |
| Max Load | 300 lbs |
| Tires | 26" x 4.8" Maxxis Minion fat tires |
| Suspension | Front: Manitou Mastodon Pro (120mm), Rear: RockShox Monarch (100mm) |
| Brakes | Magura MT5 4-piston hydraulic (203mm rotors) |
| Frame | 6061 T-6 aluminum |
| Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 2 years components |
What Makes It Quiet?
QuietKat's TruckRun motor uses internal dampening and precision machining to reduce motor whine. At PAS level 3, it's about 40% quieter than the Bafang motors in Bakcou and Rambo bikes.
In real-world hunting: You can run the Apex Pro on trails within 100 yards of your stand without alerting deer. With a Bakcou or Rambo, you need 200+ yards of separation.
For elk hunting the difference matters less since elk tolerate more noise. But for whitetail and mule deer in pressured areas, stealth is critical.
Real-World Performance
Power and Climbing
The 1000W TruckRun motor delivers power similar to the Bakcou Storm. We tested it on the same 12% grade climb:
- QuietKat Apex Pro: 7 minutes 30 seconds (8.0 mph average)
- Bakcou Storm: 7 minutes 15 seconds (8.3 mph)
The Storm is slightly faster but the difference is negligible in real hunting. Both bikes handle steep loaded climbs confidently.
Range Testing
Real-world range with 14.5Ah battery, 220 lb rider plus 35 lbs gear:
- Flat terrain, PAS 3: 42 miles
- Rolling hills, PAS 3: 35 miles
- Mountain terrain, PAS 4: 25 miles
Range is comparable to the Bakcou Storm with similar battery capacity. The larger 21Ah battery option extends range to 50+ miles in moderate terrain.
Suspension Quality
The Manitou Mastodon Pro fork is excellent—better than the RockShox Recon on Bakcou bikes. It has more travel (120mm vs 100mm) and feels plusher on square-edge hits.
The RockShox Monarch rear shock is also top-tier. This is genuinely mountain-bike quality suspension.
Component Quality
QuietKat specs premium components throughout:
- Brakes: Magura MT5 are among the best in the business
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed offers precise shifting with wide range
- Tires: Maxxis Minion 4.8" tires grip better than Kenda Juggernauts
These upgrades justify part of the premium price. You're not just paying for the motor—you're getting legitimately better components.
What We Like
- Quietest hunting ebike available (critical for deer)
- Premium component spec (Magura, SRAM Eagle)
- Excellent suspension quality
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Superior tire traction (Maxxis Minion)
- Great build quality throughout
- 12-speed drivetrain for precise gearing
What Could Be Better
- Expensive at $6,299+ ($500-700 more than Storm)
- Heavy at 78 lbs
- Class 2 limited to 20 mph (Storm goes 28 mph)
- Smaller dealer network than competitors
- Custom motor makes repairs potentially slower
- Battery capacity options limited vs Bakcou
QuietKat Apex Pro vs Bakcou Storm
These are the two best premium hunting ebikes. Here's how they compare:
Choose Apex Pro if: Stealth is your priority, you want premium components, you deer hunt. Worth the extra $500-700 for these benefits.
Choose Storm if: You want better value, need 28 mph top speed, prefer proven Bafang motor. Saves money with similar power.
Read our full Bakcou vs QuietKat comparison
Final Verdict: Best Stealth Hunting eBike
The QuietKat Apex Pro earns its premium price tag with genuinely better components and the quietest motor available.
If you hunt pressured deer or need to cover ground silently, the stealth advantage is worth $500-700 over competitors. The Magura brakes, SRAM drivetrain, and superior suspension are genuine upgrades—not marketing fluff.
The lifetime frame warranty also adds long-term value.
For hunters who can afford it and value stealth, the Apex Pro is the best premium hunting ebike available.
Compare Other Top Models
See how other hunting ebikes stack up.
Bakcou Storm Review Bakcou vs QuietKatFrequently Asked Questions
Is the QuietKat Apex Pro actually quieter?
Yes, measurably. It's about 40% quieter than Bafang-powered bikes at the same assist level. You can hear the difference immediately.
Why is it limited to 20 mph instead of 28 mph?
QuietKat designs for stealth over speed. The motor gearing prioritizes torque and quiet operation. For hunting this trade-off makes sense—you rarely need 28 mph on trails.
Are the upgraded components worth the extra cost?
If you ride a lot, yes. The Magura brakes and SRAM drivetrain are noticeably better. For occasional hunters the Bakcou components are fine.
How does it compare to the QuietKat Ranger?
The Ranger is $1,800 cheaper but has a 750W motor and lower-spec components. Apex Pro is worth it for serious mountain hunting. Ranger is better value for moderate terrain.