Foil Drive MAX+ Overview: 650Wh Battery and V3 Remote

Ryan has an exciting delivery from Foil Drive: the all-new Foil Drive Assist MAX+. He is unboxing it to see what's included, what everything looks like, and how things have changed with this new release.

The 43-Volt System

The Assist MAX+ is replacing the previous MAX version, but it has been upgraded to the 43-volt system that the Foil Drive Fusion has been using. It comes in a nice case that is similar to what they are putting the Fusion in, though it feels like it might be a little bit smaller.

Ryan takes the case for the Foil Drive Max Plus out of the shipping box.

In a mesh zippered pocket inside the lid of the case is your shoulder strap, manual, and stickers.

Inside the case, you have the electronics box. It looks similar in size to the current MAX. It features an anode, which is helpful if you are riding in saltwater. Be sure to take the unit off your board periodically and check your anode to see if it is corroding and needs to be replaced.

Ryan points out the anode on the Max Plus unit.

V3 Remote and Safety Features

The kit includes the V3 remote. It is an awesome remote with a lot of cool features. It now includes the tilt sensor and all the safety features that Fusion users have been enjoying, which you now have with the Assist MAX+ as well.

The remote comes in its own case which contains the wrist strap, a small trigger guard, and the remote's charger. These chargers are a little bit different than the V2 chargers in that they have more of a riser pad. This allows the remote to sit higher to allow for better contact because of the lip on the remote. If you have a V2 charger laying around and you upgrade to this system, you have to make sure the remote is laying flat on the charging pad.

The remote, charging pad, and wrist strap sit in a storage case.

Hardware and Accessories

The Assist MAX+ uses M7 bolts, the same as what you find in the Fusion. The box also features an extra storage compartment where you can keep a few extra things with your unit that you might be prone to forgetting.

The unit has a storage area with your bolts packed inside.

The system comes with a 43-volt charger. It features indicator lights on the side and a button for charging, discharging, or storage mode. You also receive track foam. While Ryan mentions he hasn't had to use track foam with the 43-volt Fusion because the signal has improved so much, it is included if you are running a dense carbon board or carbon tracks.

The charger is the new 43-volt system.

The included toolkit is well-packed and contains:

Spare gaskets and seals
Extra hardware for your cable
An extra anode
Nose cone shims
Dielectric battery grease for your connections
A hex tool and two torx tools
A pick tool to help get seals out
A microfiber cloth

The toolkit has many spare parts and accessories.

Motor and Cable Compatibility

The motor and cable are the same V2 motors with the removable cable. You can run any of the existing motors with this unit, and they are going to connect and work well. Ryan plans to pull the motor off a previous MAX or Fusion to add to this setup.

The Fusion/MAX+ 650Wh Battery

The battery comes in its own carrying case and is a 650Wh, 43-volt battery. It is a coated, nicely finished product. A major change is that the nose cone is now attached to the battery, which is great because it means no more forgetting your nose cone.

The Max Plus battery in its own case.

This nose cone appears to be about the same length as what was used previously with the Max high-power battery. The battery itself is a little bit heavier than the previous MAX battery, but you are gaining higher power and longer battery life for extra runtime.

The battery is labeled as a Fusion/MAX+ battery, which means you can use it in the Fusion as well. If you have been running the Fusion and want to downsize your battery to drop some weight as you get more efficient at riding on foil, this is now an option for you.

The battery is labeled for the Foil Drive Fusion or Max Plus.

App Connection

The battery connects to the app just like the Fusion batteries do. Straight out of the package, you have the option to turn your battery on and off and check on all the cells to see where the charge is at. It brings a lot of the cool features the Fusion has had to the Max Plus.

A Lightweight Fusion

The Foil Drive Assist MAX+ is essentially a smaller, lightweight Fusion. You are getting the 43-volt system, a larger battery, the 43-volt charger, and all the safety features of the V3 remote with the tilt sensor. It is a well-thought-out, well-tested product, and Ryan is stoked to get it out on the water.

All the components of the Max Plus are laid out on the table.