Foil Drive x Slingshot One-Lock V2 Integrated Mast Review

Ryan and Hunter have been out testing Slingshot's Foil Drive integrated One-Lock aluminum mast. They managed to get out in some epic conditions with a few different foil setups and have really been enjoying the performance of this new system.

Hunter surfs with the Slingshot One Lock integrated Foil Drive mast.

The Slingshot Integrated Aluminum Mast

Ryan kicked things off by pointing out that one of the standout features of this setup is the One-Lock system. When paired with the Foil Drive, it makes for a quick and easy setup to get you in and out of the water faster. What is truly unique about this aluminum integrated mast from Slingshot is that it features a Mini Pod. This is the first brand-specific Mini Pod available on an aluminum mast. Up until now, you usually had to upgrade to carbon fiber to get the Mini Pod, which is quite a bit more expensive. These retail for just a few hundred dollars more than a standard aluminum Slingshot mast, making it much easier to make the jump into an integrated system.

Ryan points to the mini pod on the mast.

Reduced Drag and Performance

Ryan went on to say that not having to deal with an external cable is a huge benefit, and having the Mini Pod on there reduces drag significantly. It makes a noticeable difference in how the foil feels through the water. He has seen that even during pod dips, the Mini Pod doesn't really slow you down, allowing you to maintain your momentum.

Hunter banks sharply on the Foil Drive integrated mast.

Assist vs. eFoil Positions

Slingshot is offering two different motor position options for these 82cm masts:

Assist Position: The motor is mounted at 17cm from the top of the mast.
eFoil Position: The motor is mounted near the bottom of the mast.

The eFoil position is great for those flat days when you want to eFoil around without the drag of an external power cord, but because it uses the Mini Pod, you could still ride some swell with this position as well.

Ryan and Hunter show off the assist and eFoil pod positions on the masts.

Cable Lengths and Compatibility

There are a couple things Ryan wanted to make sure people were aware of regarding the cables on these masts. The Assist mast comes with a cable length that fits best on a Foil Drive Max unit. If you are using a Fusion unit with the Assist mast, you'll need to use a "Barnacle" to reach the cable port on the power unit.

The eFoil position mast features the Fusion length cable, so you don't need a Barnacle if you're setting it up on a Fusion system. If you have a Max unit and want to use the eFoil position mast, you'll have to get creative with the cord and likely double it back, which might put some extra pressure on the cable. But most people riding in eFoil mode will likely want to use the Fusion for the extra battery life anyway.

Ryan and Hunter explain the different cable lengths.

One-Lock System and Battery Swaps

Ryan found that the One-Lock system was incredibly convenient for swapping wings right on the beach. You can come up onto the sand, flip the One-Lock, swap your wings, and get back out without having to mess around with tools or bring them down to the water. Additionally, the mast features bolt holes so you can attach it directly to the electronics box. This keeps your entire system together, making battery swaps and general setup much faster and more streamlined.

Hunter powers toward a wave.

Overall, Ryan is stoked on this mast and the fact that there is finally a Mini Pod option for an aluminum integrated mast. Hunter chimed in at the end to say that, while Ryan did most of the talking, he agrees that it is a very good mast (thanks for asking).

Ryan laughs as Hunter finally pipes up with his opinion.