LIFT5 by Lift Foils | Tested & Reviewed

What’s New on the LIFT5

Riding the LIFT5 is noticeably different. It’s a better ride. I’ll mention what setups I rode (board size, wings, & prop) below, but it’s relevant to note first what refinements translate into that experience.

So much innovation is happening by efoil companies. It’s really exciting. But it seems that by the sheer number of refinements, the new Lift boards have the most with the LCS the most comprehensive non-performance-related enhancements in the industry.

There’s a new engine integrated (more below) into a new streamlined mast, a new board shape with a double-concave bottom framed by more pronounced chines and a tapered aft for increased… lift.

The new mast with the easy LCS click in means older LIFT4 and 3 F masts aren’t compatible on the new boards, but the wings will remain backward compatible (and vice-versa).

That tapered backend is possible because of a new battery that fits flush in the “eBox” receptacle without an additional latch. The battery is secured in place in seconds and maintains a constant level without unevenness for the feet.

Compared to Awake’s Vinga system, Lift has managed to do the same thing with a smaller, more discrete lever. Waydoo also has had a battery that drops into the board without a hatch top, though it doesn’t sit quite as flush as Awake’s or as on this one.

This is the fastest and most convenient setup and packaway, thanks to the Lift Connect System (LCS) is close to revolutionary and worth celebrating. That includes both the quick mast clip in and the wing/stabilizer/manifold connection.

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I didn’t get a chance to use the new Elite Hand Controller, which I’m told will improve data tracking through the Lift app. The EHC will be the standard remote for the LIFT5 and the new LIFTX board. The 3F and 4 efoils will get a new standard controller with some improvements this year too.

Refinements & Ride Experience

The LIFT5 has 3 board sizes. I rode the 5’4, the 4’9 and the 4’4. At 205 lbs, I had a harder time starting prone on the 4’4 board because of its lower buoyancy, but it was more fun to carve on once up. The 4’9 was my favorite.

It’s hard to describe in technical terminology what the double-concave bottom and hard chines do, but it’s easy enough to put words to the experience. What it’s like to start out, from prone to standing, is made easier.

Hard chines provide more primary stability and the double-concave design does too. Think how a trimaran works.

At the point of first flight, getting your stance set, can be a wobbly thing for those of us who weren’t born on a board. Thanks to refinements to the mast, there is noticeably LESS VIBRATION right when getting up.

It felt like there was less drag, which was great when cutting power–either because I was about to breach or to try my hand at surfing. That’s got to be because the cone of the engine melts into the mast.

Other efoil designs with jets have integrated the engine into the fuselage. Aerofoils do this, for example. I’m out of my depth as to the engineering efficiencies of the one or the other. I can only attest to the nice glide effect and surmise that the Quick Release Prop system works best with the way Lift has chosen to do it.

Along with the streamlined engine/mast, it feels like the turns are more stable, giving you confidence to dig into carving a slightly sharper turn.

Though not new to Lift foils, or any other company really, it’s worth noting that the alligator-cut EVA foam deck is extremely grippy. So much so, that I ended up raw across the belly and chest when I rode one day without my rash guard. So, I got to involuntarily test the grippiness of the board and remember some merciful wisdom: ride with a rash guard.

Kitted Up in 30-Seconds

Strength and rigid requirements in plug and play systems shouldn’t be what’s holding companies back from employing these features. Awake has used a plug and play foil connection system for at least 5 years on their Vinga model. And for years it has been the fastest efoil to assemble.

So much innovation is happening with efoil technology around the market in terms of materials and aerodynamics, but the most outwardly obvious improvements at the wings for the layman, beyond how well a platform flies and sounds, is how quickly an efoil can be assembled and packed up again.

Sifly also just released a Quick Mount mast set-up as an optional add-on. It’s exciting to see the industry respond to consumers feedback and competition makes for the current of innovation pushing these designs.

To put the LCS in context of other companies’ assembly enhancements, the 2025 Lift efoils have quick connect designs on every component–the batteries, wingsets and mast–for the fastest set-up.

LIFT5 Size, Weight & Volume

Comparing LIFT3 F, LIFT4, and LIFT5

Lift will continue to service the 3 F and 4 boards, both of which are compelling efoils in the competitively priced and premium categories respectively. Some will vex about doing what Apple does and making new iterations that demand new accessories, but the ambition behind the LCS and, in my opinion, the abundant logic and value in it demands a swing for the bleachers.

Looking at the set-up of the 3 F and 4 reveals how much easier the setup is on the 2025 boards (including the LIFTX). That removes the inconvenience of connecting wires and the time spent screwing in mast and wings as well as fumbling with tools.

In short, once you experience the new LCS, it’s hard to go back.

On the performance side, the 3F is a capable and awesome entry level board that will cost around $7,500. The LIFT4 is even better! That counts for stability on launch and in carving and it “only” costs $2-grand more ($9,500 as of Feb. 2025).

It’s noticeable, without measuring it, that each successive model runs quieter than the last. That goes for weight too. The 3F is fiberglass with an aluminum mast. The LIFT4 is all carbon with more custom wing set-ups. So, the LIFT4 is lighter and impressively quiet with a hum that’s drowned out by the wind.

The LIFT5 is even more subtle when flying and lighter by weight too. There’s got to be something to that Quiet Ride Technology.

There’s less drag on the new LIFT5 mast, which makes it a nice bridge for those feeling the pull of foil surfing. It makes me want to get into some waves just thinking about it.

New Accessories

Keeping pace with the board, some new accessories complete the totality of this upgraded generation.

With the battery in the new backpack, you can carry the assembled efoil through a minefield of small rocks. When you get to the water, toss your water shoes into the backpack and kick off your session. Smart.

I did not get a chance to see and ride with the Elite Hand Controller (EHC), so there’s not much to report here. The EHC enhancements will primarily provide better trip tracking and a better UX with the app. This will be nice for exploring and for measuring how well you crossover into surf foiling, I’m guessing.

There’s a battery backpack with some cool features. But the best part is how easily it makes transporting the battery and it can be worn when foiling (shove your items in a dry bag inside) as it seem extremely robust with rip-stop and water-resistant materials.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The jump from the previous generation of Lift efoils is quite ambitious. The company has clearly laid a lot on the line and executed in so many different design areas. And it seems like they have to in order to keep up with the likes of Flite and even the more affordable Waydoo and Sifly.

But Lift’s new generation of efoils are so much fun to ride and provide so many improvements that they’ve carved out a compelling claim to the best efoil in 2025 with the LIFT5. The only thing more impressive than the new plug and play LCS is the ride itself. Priced at $14,499, it’s a total deliverable on fair and a fantastic vehicle for freedom.