Foil Drive Buyer's Guide
The Foil Drive is one of the most accessible foil assist systems on the market today. You're able to cover surfing, downwinders, wing foiling, wake foiling, and more, all in a compact package.
Foil Drive Guide for Owners & Buyers
Learn the ins and outs of one of the hottest foil assist systems — Foil Drive. Expert tips and helpful guides from the MACkite eFoil Crew.
Assist MAX vs. Assist SLIM vs. Assist PLUS
Foil Drive Gen2 has two distinct assist options — the Assist MAX and the Assist Slim. (Assist Plus is no longer sold.) So, what are the differences between the two?
Foil Drive Rear Wing Comparison
The Foil Drive Assist MAX is going to be ideal for a universal setup. It's a solid option for multiple disciplines, beginners, and heavier riders. Between the two, it's going to give you the most runtime and thrust.
The Foil Drive Assist SLIM is the more compact and lighter version of the MAX. It's meant for experienced foilers who are looking for a little bit of boost without as much thrust. It also has a shorter runtime.
| Assist MAX +Motor & Pod |
Assist PLUS +Motor & Pod |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batteries | MAX Power | MAX Sport | MAX Travel | Slim Endurance | Slim Performance | Slim Travel |
| Total Install Weight | 5.8 kg | 4.8 kg | 5.6 kg | 4.25 kg | 3.75 kg | 3.95 kg |
| Dimensions (Box & Nose Cone) | L525 x W125 x H50mm | L415 x W125 x H50mm | L400 x W75 x H40mm | L510 x W125 x H35mm | L415 x W125 x H35mm | L410 x W75 x H21mm |
| Maximum Thrust | 27.5 kg | 27.5 kg | 27.5 kg | 25.5 kg | 25.5 kg | 25.5 kg |
| Thrust to Weight Ratio* | 4.7 | 5.7 | 4.91 | 6 | 6.8 | 6.46 |
| Max Boost | 24% | 24% | 24% | 24% | 24% | 24% |
Product data from Foil Drive. Thrust to Weight Ratio is calculated based on Installation Weight and Thrust.
Foil Drive Battery Specifications
Foil Drive batteries let you customize your runtime and performance level based on your needs. There are several options available, and the specifications below are for the Gen2 models. The Gen2 models have more energy density and durability compared to the previous Gen1 batteries.
| MAX Power | MAX Sport | MAX Travel | Slim Endurance | Slim Performance | Slim Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 40V | 40V | 40V | 28V | 40V | 40V |
| Battery Capacity | 498.69Wh | 332.64Wh | 356.40Wh | 241.92Wh | 166.32Wh | 179.20Wh |
| Dimensions (Box & Nose Cone) | L420 x W75 x H40mm | L290 x W75 x H40mm | L400 x W75 x H40mm | L410 x W75 x H21mm | L320 x W75 x H21mm | L410 x W75 x H21mm |
| Weight | 2.7 kg | 1.8 kg | 2.4 kg | 1.45 kg | 1.05 kg | 1.25 kg |
| Airline Compiant | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Fast Charger Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
| Water/Dust Resistance Rating | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
Product data from Foil Drive. Energy Density is the amount of energy per kilogram of each battery based on watter hour / battery weight.
Foil Drive Motor Specifications
Foil Drive currently has two setups for their motors — a motor within a board-compatible integrated mast or a universal externally-mounted motor. Both are valid options. The universal motor will first virtually onto any mast whereas the integrated mast is often brand-specific. The integrated mast option offers less drag and higher performance, but the universal option is more versatile.
With the purchase of a motor, you need to choose the appropriate cable length. This can vary based on brand and mast positioning needs, but general guidelines are:
- 70cm (27.5 in.) & 60cm (23.5 in.): Designed for Flatwater where the motor is placed near the fuselage. 60cm cable recommended for 70cm masts and 80+cm masts require the 70cm cable.
- 25cm (10 in.): In-between positioning. Good for beginners testing their heights, flatwater, small swells, and wake.
- 20cm (23.5 in.): All-around option. Good for surf, downwind, wake, winging, and flatwater pumping.
- 15cm (6 in.): Good for advanced riders for drag-free foiling, including downwind, surf, and winging.
- 12cm (4.7 in.): Good for advanced riders for drag-free foiling, mainly surf.
There are also some optional upgrades to consider in your purchase. First is deciding if you want the high powered motor, which gives you more runtime. The other is deciding between two or three propeller blades. Heavier riders or those with smaller foil or board setups will likely enjoy the 3-blade option more.
Next: Installation & Care | Back to top
Related Resources
Check out these helpful guides:
Foil Driver's Favorite Accessories | All About the Universal Mast Adaptor | Read all Foil Drive articles
Installation & Care
What comes included?
When you receive your Assist MAX or Assist Slim, you'll also receive the following:
- User guide
- Motor with propeller koozie
- Motor pod/mast adaptor
- Remote
- Accessories, including grease, stickers, track foam, and more.
Installation Guides
Foil Drive has created a plethora of helpful videos related to installation, assembly, and care for your investment.
Below are a few videos we find the most helpful for beginner Foil Drivers:
- Foil Drive Gen2 Install, Unboxing, & Assembly
- Battery, Nose Cone, & Test Controller
- Motor & Pod Mounting
Pro Tip: Make sure you install your Foil Drive in the correct order. It'll be more efficient. We recommend the following steps for installation:
- Put your box on your board
- Put your mast on your box
- Loosely put your pod on your mast so you can slide it up and down a bit
- Plug the motor into the pod without screwing it in
- Slide the pod up or down until you have the right amount of cable to run down the mast and plug into the box, then tighten the pod
- Remove the motor and screw in the motor plug
- Tape the cable to the mast
- Put the motor back in and secure it
Maintenance & Care
Properly taking care of your Foil Drive is critical to its longevity. In our Foil Drive maintenance video, we go over the basics. They are:
- Remove your battery as soon as you come off the water
- Rinse all components with clean, fresh water
- Pull the rotor off the mast pod and rinse inside and out
- Recharge your battery until half-full and keep it in a warm(ish) place — not the back of your car!
We also recommend you regularly check connections and motor plug components for any corrsion. If the grease has worn off, reapply with the Foil Drive-specific grease.
Pro Tip: Give your Foil Drive a deep clean! Every couple of weeks, completely disassemble your setup and clean the components in screws.
Next: Safety Tips | Back to top
Related Resources
Check out these helpful guides:
How to Charge Your Foil Drive | Read all performance mod articles | Read all maintenance articles
Safety Tips
To make sure you're getting the most on the water, you'll want to keep a few safety reminders in the back of your head. Below are some tips:
- Double-check all components before heading to the water to make sure they're in good condition
- Make sure the controller is not connected to the board until you're ready to use it
- Do NOT touch the motor or propeller if the controller is on — keep your digits safe!
- Do not foil around other people or animals
- Make sure you have the right charger for your battery — don't cross chargers!
- If you're a newer rider, avoid white water as it can be unpredictable
Reminder: You are responsible for keeping yourself and others safe on the water. Safety over performance!
Related Resources
Check out these helpful guides:
Sessions: Foil Drive in the Outer Banks | Sessions: Scoring Clear, Glassy Swells | Read all Foil Drive articles
Foil Drive Etiquette
When you're out on the water, there are unspoken (sometimes) rules that everyone needs to follow. It now only shows respect for others, but it encourages others to think of assisted foiling in a positive light. Foil Drive has a great guide on surf etiquette. We've broken down the main points below:
- If you're a newbie, stay clear of others.
- If someone is closer to the wave, it's theirs — don't try to drop in on it. Don't try to steal priority order, either.
- If you're paddling back, paddle back to the line-up of the outside, not where people are actively surfing.
- Wear a leg rope (unless you're a newbie and don't know how to fall safely yet).
If you're a newbie, here are some things to consider:
- Know what you're doing before you head out. Take a lesson or ride with a knowledgeable buddy.
- ALWAYS wear a life vest and helmet.
- Be aware of your surroundings for obstacles, low tides, etc.
- Start slow and focus on the smaller rollers.
And finally, remember that the Foil Drive systems are meant to assist you. It makes your entry significantly easier than someone who is using a standard board.
- Know your Foil Drive before going out to avoid unnecessary accidents.
- You have the ability to catch waves just about anywhere. Don't hog! Head out toward the harder-to-reach areas.
- As Foil Drive puts it, "Busy surf breaks are best left to surfers."
Also, never ever litter. Don't be that person.
Related Resources
Check out these helpful guides:
Foil Drive Tips for Beginners | Foil Drive Gen2 for Prone Foiling | Read all Foil Drive articles
Foil Drive FAQs
What's the Foil Drive warranty?
Foil Drive has a limited 1-year warranty, and their form is available on this page.
How fast can I learn to Foil Drive?
Our friend, Hunter, actually documented how long it took his friends and brother out to learn. In short, it took a few lessons to feel comfortable on the Foil Drive. Using this system, it definitely helps break the barrier to entry, but there's still some tricks to get it right.
Can I retrofit my foil setup? Does it work with any foil?
If you choose the universal mount, then yes. Foil mast tracks are universal, and that means the Gen2 system is compatible with any board. You might just need to use longer hardware to make it fit.
Is it safe?
What's life without some risks? In all seriousness though, Foil Drives are safe. You need to remember that you're adding a motorized system to your foil setup, which has inherent risks. Always remember:
- Wear a helmet and life vest
- Watch for water depth, other people, wind shifts, and obstacles
- Ease up on the throttle until you feel comfortable
Where can I learn more?
If you have any questions, you're welcome to reach out to our eFoil team. If you're interested in more reading, here are a few helpful links:
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