LIFTX | A Hybrid efoil

Taking the Shackles off to Harness Wave Power

You get the impression that the Lift team can’t sit still and be satisfied. Like the ocean, there’s a bit of turmoil in the way they approach developing their rigs. Always a push and pull, trying to get more out of everything. During a week of riding in Puerto Rico, new wings were being tested, boards were being pushed to new limits.

Like a wave that keeps rolling, it’s almost visceral in Lift frontman, Nick Leason and it swells downward onto the rest of the team. It can be hard to pin down as an outsider looking in. At least it seemed that way on the eve of the LIFTX launch. But it was clear something exciting was getting unleashed on to the efoil market.

I was invited to see the new efoils, not expecting anything more than new colors or a board tweak here or there. The first moment I realized what Lift was doing with the LIFTX efoil wasn’t during the presentation at their HQ in Puerto Rico.

It wasn’t even when Nick stood in front of the LIFTX boards, with new lines and an uncharacteristic efoil shape. The concept of the crossover is popular, so all the technical refinements could’ve just been copy prepared by a PR agency. Luckily I got a chance to see what it was all about in action.

My revelation struck me while I was out testing the new LIFT5, when another rider on a LIFTX board approached. He hollered for my attention and a second later he lobbed the remote control up into an arc that landed in his wake (figuratively speaking, as there’s little wake).

Seeing the rider pumpfoil away from the floating remote, I understood just what the X is. What it can do. 10 piston pumps later, the rider turned the board sharply into a small swell and caught it on the downwind, continuing the ride using the power of the waves.

The ride is not like wingfoiling, but it achieves the same freedom no matter the wind.

LIFTX: A Return to Roots… in the Electric Age

Before the electric hum of their groundbreaking eFoils became synonymous with the brand, Lift was crafting high-performance downwind foil boards, tools for harnessing the ocean’s energy.

Thinking back to the Lift Foils team describing the LIFTX, it’s hard not to see this as the culmination of everything the company has been trying to create since it started making foil boards a decade ago.

It’s not just an eFoil. It’s also a downwind marvel, shaped for longer runs and electrified to get back into one without a tow. I’ve also seen videos of Nick and others shredding heavy, double overhead waves on the LIFTX, getting the full spectrum of its potential.

Flite has the FliteLab platform designed for off-power surfing too, indicating a growing market. There’s a greater desire for freedom that surfers and downwind foilers chase, that conventional efoilers love. Getting away from the crowds and staying on board.

New Board Shape for a New Kind of Efoil:

The board’s shape clearly draws inspiration from Lift’s downwind foil heritage, featuring a pronounced rocker and a refined outline designed for efficient glide. It’s really tapered at its aft giving it a torpedo like shape for quick plane and take-off.

It’s available in 3 sizes: 4’3 – 4’8 – 5’2. The 4’3 was too small for my corpus of 205+ pounds, but the 4’8 was amazing. It took some time getting used to the high aspect, downwind wings, but the appeal of off-powered foiling is strong.

The build quality is, as expected from Lift, top-notch. The carbon fiber construction feels light yet robust, promising both performance and durability. The recessed grooves replace handles in other efoils and actually works well when carrying it–especially when the battery is in the new backpack.

Smaller, Smarter Battery

The 18.5 lbs. battery is newly designed, specific for the X. It won’t work in the LIFT5 or previous boards. This might vex some fans, but it’s consistent with this platform being a distinct experience.

The integrated electric motor is seamlessly incorporated, maintaining the clean lines of the board. It’s a completely new motor with a diameter of 55 mm, compared to 68 mm on the LIFT4 platform.

There are two masts available: a high-mounted motor for lift assist and a low-mounted one for more easier powered flight.

And now, like the new Lift5, the LIFTX features the so-very-amazing Lift Connect System.

Lift Connect: Plug, Play, and Personalize:

The Lift Connect System is a game-changer. Transporting, assembling, and customizing your LIFTX has never been easier. This comprehensive plug-and-play system simplifies everything.

The modular design allows for quick and effortless assembly, meaning less time fiddling with parts and more time on the water. Beyond ease of use, Lift Connect opens up a world of customization. Fine-tune your ride with interchangeable components and personalized settings, tailoring the LIFTX to your exact preferences and riding style.

It’s clear Lift has listened to its customers and delivered a truly user-friendly experience. We’re very much looking forward to seeing how the new SiFly quick mount system works to compare. This part of efoil evolution just makes so much sense and the way it works on Lift’s new platforms are a welcome innovation.

The LIFT Surfing DNA:

There are a lot of DIY foil assist solutions out there. Some are better than others. We can expect more crossover platforms in future to join Lift and FliteLAB too. Comparing a ride on a LIFTX with what I’ve seen of the foil assist attachments, the first one seems much more robust and responsive.

With the allure of surf foiling calling efoilers, the idea of a clash has been mentioned. But this hybrid has already attracted some serious surfers the other way around. The Florence brothers are one example.

Much of riding will depend on the wing set-ups to match the water desired by the individual. There are so many options that it deserves its own post. A LIFTX comes with a starter pack of 148 Havoc LCS wings in the bundle. These high aspect wings are a good starting point for crossing over from efoil into powerless foiling.

At the point of purchase you’ll have to decide which board size and if you want the low or high motor-mounted mast. Beginners should consider the prop placement on the high-mounted engine.

The Verdict:

The LIFTX is a testament to Lift’s heritage and a glimpse into the future of downwind foiling. It’s not just an eFoil; it’s an evolution. By seamlessly integrating electric assist with a proven downwind board design, and now incorporating the user-friendly Lift Connect System, Lift has created a truly unique and accessible riding experience.

It’s a product that will appeal to experienced downwind foilers looking to extend their range and connect with the ocean in a new way, as well as those looking for an easier entry into the world of downwind foiling. The LIFTX isn’t about replacing the paddle; it’s about enhancing the experience. It’s a return to Lift’s roots, reimagined for the electric age.