Fliteboard or Lift Foils? We tested the 2025 models Fliteboard S5 and Lift5 for you. Who will win the race?

The first version of this article on Fliteboard and Lift Foils was written in 2018. Over the years, Fliteboard and Lift Foils have repeatedly released new models, which is why a new article was published in 2022.

In 2025, there is now another major update to the question “Fliteboard or Lift Foils,” because Fliteboard was acquired by Brunswick Corporation in 2023, and Lift Foils launched the Lift5 in 2025. A completely new eFoil from Lift.

That's why we produced the following video for the E-SURFER YouTube channel:

E-SURFER tip: You want to buy an eFoil, but are not sure which one is right for you? We are happy to advise you in the store, by email or on the phone. Our eFoil comparison also helps as a first orientation.

Fliteboard, Lift Foils, or Audi Aerofoils

In the video above, I also briefly discuss the differences between Flite and Lift compared to Aerofoils. The Audi e-tron foils have gained a lot of market share since 2022 and are now our top seller.

Background

In 2018, I was a Lift Foils representative in Europe—before becoming one of the first Lift Foils dealers in Europe in 2019. I have always been a big fan of Nick Leason and his team and was more than satisfied with the first Lift Foils eFoils. I sold several hundred Lift Foils boards and the customers were really happy too.

I tried out the first Fliteboards in June 2018. CEO David Trewern personally introduced me to the boards and gave me tips. In the picture below, you can see David in the middle, Mike Z from Jetsurfingnation on the right, and me on the left.

Although I already liked the Fliteboards very much at that time, I preferred the Lift Foils because of their robustness and quieter riding noise.

So when it came to the question of Fliteboard or Lift Foils, I was in the Lift camp at that time. In 2022, we added Fliteboard and Aerofoils to our range alongside Lift Foils.

Fliteboard or Lift Foils over the years

In 2022 and 2023, Fliteboard was ahead of Lift Foils, as Lift had hardly made any innovations with the Lift3 and Lift4. However, after Brunswick Corporation bought Fliteboard in 2023 and founder David Trewern left Fliteboard, there were unfortunately more and more problems and unhappy customers from 2024 onwards.

Unfortunately, this is not uncommon when a corporation with 16,000 employees takes over a small, agile startup.

When it came to innovation, Flite still had the edge over Lift Foils in 2023, but this is set to change in 2025 with the new Lift5.

And indeed, Lift Foils is able to present a whole new eFoil concept with the Lift5, which impressed me. The setup in less than a minute and the crystal-clear large display of the Elite remote control are a real added value! Finally, I can read the most important information while eFoiling without my reading glasses 😉

The quality of the board and accessories is impressive. You can see everything else in the video above.

Fliteboard or Lift Foils – Conclusion

In addition to all the problems with technical support at Fliteboard, Lift Foils scores particularly well with its quick-release fasteners and Elite remote control.

The confusing pricing strategy on the Fliteboard website and the fact that Flite insists on servicing at least once a year certainly lead to deductions in the rating.

Therefore, in 2025, Lift wins the question “Fliteboard or Lift Foils.”

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