Hello,
Most comparative content I’ve found dates back to 2022 the latest
we are in 3rd quarter 2024, and I am looking to make a decision on flite or lift, around the $13k range, so I figured a lift4 pro 4’2" vs a flite ultra L…
what are the hidden pro’s and con’s of each?
for example, company longevity and support (specially with the number of foil companies going bankrupt lately)
eager to hear
thanks
In terms of innovation unfortunately lift is falling behind and it looks like they lost interest in efoil market and will just focus on regular foils? who knows… time will tell. meanwhile flite board and other brands like waydoo, sifly keep showing new models and innovating. It’s not clear where the industry will move next years so better to talk to local dealer and see what boards they offer you
I’m probably viewed as a Fliteboard fanboy here, which is fine; but keep in mind that I have zero affiliation to Flite, other than being a customer.
The level of innovation from Flite is unmatched - just within the last 12 months alone they launched:
Flite was acquired by Brunswick Marine, so they have plenty of capital and will likely be introducing a foil-based jetski or small boat (just my guess, based on what David, the founder, has alluded to).
Is the quality control perfect? No. But they have always stepped in and replaced or fixed the issue, and all my issues have been minor cosmetic issues. I have 770 km of riding in 2 years and have never had any mechanical or control issues.
If Lift were a lot less expensive than Flite, then it would make sense; but at the same price point, it doesn’t make any sense.
Hello. I only comment as a Fliteboard customer. Has been riding for 150+ hours and are happy. Very nibble even with the Explorer battery. Turn on a dime with Flow S 800 or Flow S 1300. I did start with the Flyer 900 wing which still is a absolute favorite. I did opt for the Fliteboard Pro. Again super agile and the extra inch is nice when you get up in choppy conditions or have a touch down in the Baltic sea. You just bounce right up. If you ride around 25-30km/h the Explorer battery will last you about 50 min (I am 90 kg). If you fall frequently time will decrease. A smaller battery will take away riding time unless you surf waves. I have tried the sport battery as well, and regarding agility of the board, if makes no difference. My view is this shaving away a few kilos makes little difference unless you ride big swell. It is all about the wing you choose. That is what will impact your riding experience. The rest not so much - unless you are a (big) wave rider. Small waves in the Baltic you can rip and surf well with a Explorer set-up. It is all about the technique buddy. You are up and running fast but it takes a lifetime to master (pitch, balance, trigger control, state of the ocean, your daily vibe and the music playing in your Shokz, the flow - it all adds up ). Good luck with your decision.
Lift and Flite are both Top-tier products with good support I own both a 5’ Lift and 5’ Flite. I have tried both the Lift 4’2" and Flite Ultra and in the mild ocean conditions in which I ride I prefer the ease of planing with a large board. I would like the try the Flite Ultra L2 which is a bit longer so reportedly planes more easily.
Each manufacturer has some engineering compromises.
Lift has the motor above the wing which reduces the usable length of the mast in choppy water. Flite motor is in line with the wing so less likely to breach. Flite remote has superior data logging and provides GPS tracks and a leaderboard. Lift remote has a longer trigger throw.
Lift wings can be used to kite or wing or prone or downwind foil.
Flite needs to be serviced as a service center every year or 100 hours for $150-$400.
My closest service center is 3 hours away one way and they need the gear for a full day even though the service itself if done in under an hour.
A quick update - based on facebook discussions and fotos, Lift is selling off old stock $4000 OFF and introducing their new innovative system with smaller improved battery and modular design without cables! The system looks like Waydoo / Awake inspired, similar handle to put the battery in without hatches. Lets see how it goes, no official specs yet they only showed on the trade show. I am excited to see Lift is finally catching up!! This seems like a great system and easy to use for waves without need for those annoying old-school cables.
The redesigned battery looks more robust and hopefully more reliable. No news on the remote yet.