In our previous review, we broke down the i-Series (i105, i206 AWD, i215). Those are fantastic “Consumer Class” robots designed for typical suburban lawns.
But what if your lawn is huge? What if you have thick St. Augustine grass that chokes smaller robots?
Enter the Segway H-Series (Heavy Duty). Right now, we are seeing a strange phenomenon on Amazon. The commercial-grade H1500N-VF has dropped to $999. That is the same price as the plastic, entry-level i105N!
This creates a massive dilemma: Do you buy the discounted “Old Flagship” (H1) today, or do you wait for the futuristic “New Flagship” (H2)?
The H1 Series: The $999 Beast (H1500N-VF)
Status: The “Fire Sale” Opportunity.
While the official site talks about the H800, Amazon tells a different story. The main models available are the H1500N-VF ($999) and the massive H3000N-VF ($1299).
Why is the H1500N at $999 a big deal?
- Hub Motors: Unlike the i-Series (gearbox motors), the H-Series uses In-Wheel Hub Motors. They are quieter, stronger, and last longer.
- Battery: The H1500N covers 0.37 acres (1500m²). That is nearly double the capacity of the similarly priced i105.
- The Trade-off: It feels like a machine from 2023. You have to plug a separate “VisionFence” camera tower onto its back, and it lacks the slick AI app features of the i-Series.
The H2 Series: The “Perfect” Hybrid (Preview)
Status: The Innovation King.
The upcoming H2 Series is not just a facelift. It is an attempt to fuse the Brain of the i-Series with the Brawn of the H-Series.
3 Key Upgrades expected in H2:
- Integrated AI Vision (No More Tower): The H1 requires an ugly add-on tower for vision. The H2 integrates the 140° HD Camera directly into the bumper (like the i-Series). This means better protection from rain and a wider field of view for obstacle avoidance.
- “Edge-to-Edge” Cutting Deck: The biggest complaint about the H1 is that it leaves a 15cm strip of uncut grass against walls. The H2 adopts the Offset Blade Design from the i-Series, pushing the blade to the far right to cut closer to the edge.
- Rugged AWD / RWD+ Traction: While the H1 struggles on wet slopes, the H2 features aggressive off-road treads (similar to the i206 AWD). It is designed to fight the Mammotion Luba on steep hills.
Ultimate Showdown: i-Series vs. H1 vs. H2
This is the most important chart for your decision.
- Green: i-Series (Smart & Small)
- Blue: H1 Series (Heavy & Cheap)
- Gold: H2 Series (The Future Flagship)
| Specs | i-Series (i105 / i215) |
H1 Series (H1500N-VF) |
H2 Series (Next Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Current Price | $999 – $1499 |
DEAL $999 (Was $1599) |
Est. $2000+ |
| 2. Motor Type | Gearbox Standard | Hub Motor High Torque / Quiet | Hub Motor V2 Max Torque |
| 3. Max Coverage | 0.12 – 0.25 Acre | 0.37 – 0.75 Acre | 1.5+ Acres |
| 4. Cutting Width | 18 cm | 21 cm | 22-24 cm |
| 5. Edge Cutting | Excellent Offset Blade | Poor Centered Blade | Excellent Offset Blade |
| 6. Vision AI | Integrated Cam | Plug-in Tower | Dual-Camera AI |
| 7. Max Slope | 30% – 50% | 45% (24°) | 60%+ (AWD?) |
| 8. GPS Signal | RTK + Vision | RTK Only | RTK + Vision 2.0 |
| 9. Cut Height | 2.0 – 3.6 in | 1.2 – 2.4 in | 1.2 – 4.0 in |
| 10. Build | Plastic / Light | Heavy Duty | Armored / Pro |
The Critical Warning: H1 vs. Grass Type
This is the detail most reviews miss. Look at the Cutting Height in the table above.
- H1 Series: Max height is 2.4 inches (60mm).
- i-Series / H2: Max height is 3.6 – 4.0 inches.
Do not buy the H1500N if you have St. Augustine, Fescue, or typical American cool-season grass that needs to be cut high (3-4 inches). The H1 was designed for European golf-course style lawns (short grass). If you buy the H1 for tall grass, it will scalp your lawn. Wait for the H2 or buy the i-Series.
Final Verdict: The $999 Deal vs. The Future
Option A: Buy the H1500N-VF ($999) IF:
- You have a large (0.3+ acre), flat lawn.
- You keep your grass short (under 2.4 inches).
- You want a motor that will last 5+ years and don’t mind the “Add-on” camera tower.
Option B: Wait for the H2 Series IF:
- You have tall grass (need >3 inch cut).
- You care about edge cutting (don’t want to use a string trimmer).
- You want the latest integrated AI tech and rugged design.