Today Lift announced the new LIFT4. Is it really worthwhile a new model number?
I might be biased due to my history with Lift, but tried to keep it objective. I still think they are leading in wave riding, but the lack of innovation compared to others is frustrating in my opinion.
Any thoughts?
I think they are stuck with the old platform now for 4th time because if you change the platform, the new one will not be reverse compatible for the old clients.
They address the battery safety and redesigned the battery from what I see which is a great sign. I hoped they would introduce the jet option like other brands but maybe later… The lack of basic features like a good app, gps tracking of rides etc (that’s available now in many brands) is also disappointing. The fact that Lift4 uses the same huge controller box like version 1 which for sure adds a lot of unnessessary weight is also disappointing. However those things are impossible to change unless the whole platform is changed but that will not be reverse compatible and I think that limits Lift from progressing
Else it’s just like Iphone. the same iphone is re-released every year, it’s like a tradition now, I lost count and don’t even know or care what model my iphone is. they all look the same to me by now 
It is a pity to see the former market leader promoting the old stuff as new. If it needs a new platform, so what?
You can’t stand still in this industry. Just my 2 cents …
The innovation takes a lot of investments, we cant even imagine how much money companies like Fliteboard are investing in it. Changing the platform would also mean all the production process and machinery has to be redesigned to produce the new models, it’s a huge switch. I am sure they will come up with the new platform in future but it takes time. The industry is just starting so it’s still for anyone to grab the leadership!
I was hoping a new remote would have been introduced. Maybe it’s still coming soon for a upgrade option.
Lift4 Battery is a Real Problem for overheating and ride time. I’m seeing 30 minutes only – NOT 2.5 hours. And, when it overheats ~60c, the unit shuts down and won’t run. Swim time!! I have the 4.2 board with the 160 camber front and rear 38 surf. Lift replaced the mast/motor and ebox. Same results. They told me “buy larger fins and ride slower”. I’m super disappointed in Lift and think they have a design problem as I’m drawing 55amps when riding. If you do the math, that’s about 30 minutes with the 2.1kWh battery.
Anyone else seeing this?
No, and that’s not normal. Ours has never overheated. It’s water cooled, why would it overheat? Something bad with your motor I think. We get 80-100 minutes ride time. 3 y/o board/battery.
Fliteboard has patents which are blocking Lift from copying certain key features (such as the cooling system that doesn’t need water line hoses).