Performance eFoil systems
What’s an eFoil?
Before we talk about our Performance eFoil systems, let’s clear something up. eFoil is another term for electric hydrofoil, which is the whole craft, from the top of the board down to the tip of the stabiliser. However (slightly confusingly) eFoil can also refer to the configuration underneath the water containing the mast, fuselage, propulsion system and wing. But the long name for this is actually ‘Performance eFoil system’, referring to this underwater part of the craft and what this article is about.
There are 2 regular eFoil systems and 3 Performance Efoil systems in the Flite range
- Dual Drive aluminium eFoil 60cm / 24” mast with 62mm fuselage diameter.
- Dual Drive aluminium eFoil 75cm / 29" mast with 62mm fuselage diameter.
- Performance Dual Drive C aluminium eFoil: 80cm / 31.5"mast with 62mm fuselage diameter.
- Marc Newson Carbon Wave C eFoil: 82cm / 32" mast with 62mm fuselage diameter.
- Marc Newson Carbon Wave C eFoil: 82cm / 32" mast with 46mm fuselage diameter.
What constitutes a ‘performance’ eFoil system?
The longer mast lengths of 80cm / 31.5" & 82cm / 32" distinguish our performance eFoil systems from the shorter, standard ones (60cm / 24” & 75cm / 29" ). All masts use varying construction and propulsion configurations, to suit different rider preferences.
Why does mast length matter?
The longer the mast the higher the eFoil will fly above the water. Longer masts facilitate harder and tighter carved turns as they allow for a lower angle before the board touches the water. As well as providing a thrilling sense of freedom, longer masts are preferable in rougher conditions as there is more height to fly above the chop. So these Performance eFoil systems allow you to push your ride to the limit, whatever the conditions.
What makes our performance eFoil system a cut above?
Our relentless pursuit of perfection has helped us excel in 3 main areas of design.
Stability
On every Flite eFoil the wings and motor are on a single axis so thrust and lift are aligned. This creates greater stability and hydrodynamic efficiency which is exacerbated the harder and faster you fly.
Conical Wings
Our performance eFoil systems pair with our lowest drag performance Conical Wing range via a universal titanium interface. Secured by just two, low profile universal bolts, any wing from this range can be switched out in seconds to match the conditions or your preferred riding style.
Read more on our conical wing range.
Materials
All Flite eFoil systems are made from either a single block of aero grade aluminium, precision machined in a 14hr process, or an unbroken sheet of the finest grade, Japanese, high modular pre-preg carbon fibre. Both create a monobloc construction that seamlessly connects mast, fuselage and tail, without joints or bolts for optimal performance and hydrodynamic efficiency.
Read more on Unibody fuselage.
Why aluminium?
As well as being strong, light and corrosion resistant after its anodisation process, aluminium is an efficient heat conductor. This turns the eFoil mast into an ingenious heat sink removing the need for any internal water cooling systems, reducing weight and risk of failure. Aluminium is also stiffer than the forged carbon that some manufacturers use in their eFoils, providing a more stable ride at higher loads, for a more accessible price.
Why HMPP carbon?
HMPP carbon is the highest quality carbon fibre available, pioneered in the aerospace and elite motorsport industries because of its incredible strength to weight ratio. On an MN eFoil these properties allow for a thinner and more streamlined mast for improved handling, ride time and hydrodynamic efficiency. HMPP carbon fibre / fiber is both lighter and stiffer than aluminium with a more premium price point and although it is not an efficient heat conductor, all of our HMPP carbon fibre masts have an aluminium core to quickly and cleverly wick heat away from the electronics, again removing the need for any internal cooling systems.
Flite x Marc Newson
A 3 year collaboration between Flite and world renowned designer Marc Newson has pushed the boundaries of design, innovation and performance. Each MN eFoil is seamlessly formed in a single sheet of HMPP carbon fibre to create an impossibly sleek, light and strong eFoil system that slices through the water incredibly efficiently.
Read more on Flite x Marc Newson.
Which propulsion system is right for me?
All our eFoils support either Dual Drive or Flite Folding Prop. Dual Drive is an innovative, patented propulsion system that allows riders to swap between Flite Jet, Flite Propeller and True Glide Prop in seconds, giving you ultimate control over your riding style as the conditions or your vibe changes.
Flite Folding Prop has been specifically designed for advanced riders who prioritise powered-off wave or wake riding. As the name suggests the intelligent design automatically streamlines, folding flat like a fishtail when you release the Flite Controller throttle, reducing drag and ensuring maximum efficiency, for powering onto the wave then gliding down it as nature intended. Read more on the different propulsion systems.
Why the MN 46mm fuselage?
This is the world’s lightest and slimmest production performance eFoil system. Fitting neatly into the 46mm fuselage is the smallest lowest drag propulsion system on the market. You might assume when it comes to propulsion, smaller is less desirable, but underwater propulsion systems benefit from being as small as possible as this greatly improves hydrodynamic efficiency and consequently, lift and ride time. It pairs with Flite Folding Prop only, for advanced wave and wake riding and does not support Dual Drive.
Why the 62mm fuselage?
The 62mm fuselage houses a slightly larger motor that offers riders more thrust and the versatility of Dual Drive, but at the expense of more power and therefore less ride time. Suitable for all conditions, riding preferences and abilities it can be paired with Flite Jet, Flite Prop or True Glide Prop as the conditions or your riding style dictates.
We hope this has given you a better understanding of why Flite Performance eFoil systems are considered the world’s best. And has whet your appetite to find freedom & take Flite.