Star EV J Model 4+2 vs. Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2)
By The Smith Family, reviewed by Brad · Independent, no paid placement · Last verified Aug 31, 2026
Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) takes it. It wins on the better range and warranty. These sit in different divisions (value vs. luxury), so weigh the price gap accordingly. The full side-by-side of verified specs is below — every figure carries a source and a verification date.
Key takeaways
- The Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) beats the Star EV J Model 4+2 on the better range and warranty. They sit in different divisions (value vs luxury), so weigh the price gap.
- Range: the Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) goes up to 40 mi per charge vs the Star EV J Model 4+2's 31 mi.
- Vehicle warranty: the Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) carries 5 years vs the Star EV J Model 4+2's 2.
- Florida out-the-door (6% state sales tax + ~1% county surtax on the first $5,000, FLHSMV title + initial registration): the Star EV J Model 4+2 lands about $15,717 and the Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) about $27,593, base build before kits and dealer-quoted delivery.
- Both the Star EV J Model 4+2 and the Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) are factory-certified LSVs, confirmed against the NHTSA vPIC registry.
Head to head · Tampa Bay Edition
Star EV J Model 4+2 vs. Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2)
LAST VERIFIED 08/31/2026
| Star EVJ Model 4+2 | TomberlinE-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2)Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP range | $14,495 | $25,699 |
| Top speed | 25 mph†1 | — |
| Range (low) | 31 mi†1 | — |
| Range (high) | 31 mi†1 | 40 mi✓†2 |
| Battery type | lithium†1 | lead-acid†2 |
| Battery capacity | 105 Ah†1 | — |
| System voltage | 48 V†1 | 48 V†2 |
| Seats | 6†1 | 6†2 |
| Length | 134 in†1 | — |
| Width | 47 in†1 | — |
| Height | 75 in†1 | — |
| Curb weight | 1,345 lb†1 | — |
| Motor power | 5 kW†1 | 5 kW†2 |
| Motor power (hp) | — | 17 hp†2 |
| Brakes | Front disc, rear drum†1 | — |
| Suspension | McPherson coil spring†1 | — |
| Display size | 7 in†1 | 7 in†2 |
| Warranty | 2 yr†1 | 5 yr✓†2 |
| Battery warranty | 6.5 yr†1 | — |
| LSV certified (street-legal capable) | Yes†3 | Yes†2 |
| Ground clearance | 4 in†1 | — |
| Turning radius | 15 ft†1 | — |
| Range, normalized◆ computed | ~40 mi | — |
◆ Range, normalized is our figure, not the maker's: each pack's energy at a standard 0.125 kWh/mile, the same on every cart — an apples-to-apples check on the “up to” range claims above, which are usually measured at 19 mph on the largest optional pack.
◆ The verdict
It wins on the better range and warranty. These sit in different divisions (value vs. luxury), so weigh the price gap accordingly.
Why it won
◆ Price the fight — Florida out-the-door
Florida out-the-door estimates (6% state sales tax + ~1% county surtax on the first $5,000, FLHSMV title + initial registration): the Star EV J Model 4+2 lands at about $15,717 and the Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) at about $27,593, base build, before kits and dealer-quoted delivery.
Star EV J Model 4+2base build · FL out-the-door
est. $251.95/mo — 20% down, 7.5% APR, 60 mo. Confirm real rates with the lender.
Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2)base build · FL out-the-door
est. $442.33/mo — 20% down, 7.5% APR, 60 mo. Confirm real rates with the lender.
METHODOLOGY — what's verified, what's estimated
Green ✓ marks the better verified figure where the two differ. Verdict scored on the verified specs above — factory-LSV status gates the win.
Rather skip the configurator? Get a dealer quote on either cart:
Frequently asked
- Is the Star EV J Model 4+2 or the Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) better?
- Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) takes it. It wins on the better range and warranty. These sit in different divisions (value vs. luxury), so weigh the price gap accordingly.
- What do the J Model 4+2 and E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) cost out the door in Florida?
- Florida out-the-door estimates (6% state sales tax + ~1% county surtax on the first $5,000, FLHSMV title + initial registration): the Star EV J Model 4+2 lands at about $15,717 and the Tomberlin E-Merge Shadowhawk (E4+2) at about $27,593, base build, before kits and dealer-quoted delivery. MSRPs are verified and sourced; taxes and fees are labeled estimates with the method disclosed. Configure both carts with kits at golfcartshowdown.com/build/compare.