Foil Drive Max vs. Fusion

Foil Drive has just released a new model, the Fusion. What is it, and should you get that or the Max? They're similar but have some important differences, so Ryan and Hunter are here to go over those and what sort of rider might enjoy each one.

What Is the Foil Drive Fusion?

Some people enjoy using their Foil Drive in eFoil mode, with the propeller low on the mast so it's always in the water. The Fusion has embraced that use and offers a longer, more powerful runtime. With the ability to move the propeller up or down, you can use the same unit for assist or eFoil, a fusion of two foil sports.

What Are the Differences Between the Max and Fusion?

Size/Battery

With great power comes great battery. To enable the more powerful, longer runtime, the Fusion's battery is longer in the front and back. If you're using a trench board, it maintains the same height so it'll still sit flush. However, you won't be able to move your mast as far forward, so if you're using the Max and it's already bumping up against the front of the trench, be aware that your mast will sit a bit further back with the Fusion.

The extra length does move the power port back a bit, so if you're using an integrated mast you'll need to pick up the Barnacle, an attachment that moves the power port close enough for the cable to reach. If you're doing a DIY installation, you won't need this part.

The Fusion's battery is heavier, as you'd expect with extra capacity. The Max battery is 40V with 594 Watt hours, and the Fusion is 43V with 864 Wh, which is quite a significant amount. The Fusion's battery comes with the nose cone attached, so that's not a separate part like it is on the Max.

Charger

You can't use the Max charger with the Fusion battery. The Fusion battery requires the 43V charger, where the Max uses a 40V charger.

Remote

The Fusion uses the new V3 remote. It has a removeable trigger guard to help prevent accidentally powering up the prop, a larger screen, and three buttons instead of the thumb trigger and power button.

The new remote also tracks your session with stats like distance, session time, top speed, and current speed. You can then connect it to the app to review your sessions.

Tilt Sensor

You can set your Fusion to turn off as soon as it tilts or rolls too far. Not only does this stop your board as soon as you fall rather than when you release the trigger, but it's also a nice safety feature to help prevent you from getting hit by the spinning propeller as you tumble.

Hardware

The Fusion includes M7 bolts, and it can use M6 bolts as well. The Max uses M8 bolts, so if you already have the Max, remember to pack your M7 bolts when you take the Fusion out.

Anode

An anode is a piece of sacrificial metal that attracts corrosive elements more readily than other components, meaning it'll rust before critical parts. (Hot water heaters commonly have these so that the anodes rust instead of the tank.) Of course, we recommend that you always rinse your gear with clean, fresh water after every session, but you can't always do that right away, and this should help prolong the life of your Fusion.

Name

The Fusion doesn't have "Assist" in the name like the Max and Slim do. That's because, while you can certainly use it as a foil assist, it's not limited to that. You can use it as a full eFoil as well.

What Are the Similarities?

The Max and Fusion both use the same high power motor and cable, so if you already have the HP Motor and want the Fusion, you can get just the base kit and battery.

Should I get the Max or the Fusion?

If you primarily pump around the waves and just need a boost to get to the next set, then the Max offers plenty of power and runtime for you while saving on the battery weight. It's a higher performance unit than the bulkier, heavier Fusion.

However, if you like very long sessions or want to be able to eFoil, then the Fusion is your ticket. It's well-balanced, with some of the weight behind you to reduce the swing weight, so while you will notice a difference in performance, it's certainly manageable. You can even pump with the Fusion on your board and connect waves, though you might not want to pump as long since it is heavier. Hunter was pleasantly surprised at how well it did in the surf.

Downwind riders will love being able to zip far upwind and then downwind back to their car. With the mellow carving that you tend to do while downwinding, the extra weight won't hold you back. You'll even have battery to spare if the conditions change and you need a boost to get home.

The Fusion is a great choice for families who enjoy a variety of foil sports like prone foil, wing, wake foil, downwind, and also just want to zip around on foil. It's capable in any discipline.

While it's a bit heavier than the pure assist options, the Fusion is lighter than other eFoils on the market. This makes it a high-performance eFoil. And unlike other eFoils, you get to choose your board and foil without being limited to what an eFoil brand offers.

Summary

The Fusion is an exciting addition to the Foil Drive lineup, but it's important to understand that it's not an upgrade or a replacement for the Max. Each has it strengths and will appeal to different riders, just as the Slim and the Max do.

If you're still unsure which is best for your situation, the guys are standing by to listen to what you hope to accomplish and suggest the best fit, so reach out and we'll get you out and foiling!

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