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

To understand the 2025 verdict, we have to look back. In 2018, Lift Foils was the clear pioneer, offering a robust and reliable product that captured the hearts of early adopters.

However, by 2022 and 2023, Fliteboard had surged ahead. Their unibody fuselage, innovative propulsion systems, and sleek design language made them the innovation leaders. For a time, it seemed Fliteboard could do no wrong.

But the industry is dynamic. In 2023, Fliteboard was acquired by the Brunswick Corporation, a massive entity with over 16,000 employees. As is often the case when agile startups are absorbed by corporate giants, the transition has had growing pains.

Simultaneously, Lift Foils went back to the drawing board and emerged in 2025 with a completely new concept that addresses the biggest pain points of eFoiling.

The Game Changer: Lift5’s 60-Second Setup

The single most significant advantage of the new Lift5 is its assembly speed. If you have owned an older eFoil, you know the drill: fumbling with screws, cables, and tools while your friends are already paddling out.

The Lift5 introduces a revolutionary quick-release system (often referred to as the Lift Connect System or LCS). This system eliminates the need for screws and complex cabling during daily setup. You can go from the trunk of your car to the water in less than one minute. This "plug-and-play" capability is not just a convenience; it fundamentally changes the user experience, making it easier to get out for a quick session without the dread of assembly.

In contrast, while the Fliteboard S5 remains a beautiful piece of engineering, it hasn't matched this leap in convenience. The setup process still feels more traditional, which, when compared side-by-side with the Lift5, feels like a generation behind.

The Controller Wars: Visibility Wins

The hand controller is your primary interface with the board, and in 2025, Lift Foils has nailed it with their Elite Remote.

One of the most common complaints among eFoilers—especially those who might use reading glasses on land—is the difficulty of reading small, dim screens in bright sunlight and sea spray. The new Lift Elite controller features a crystal-clear, large display similar like the Aerofoils hand controller that makes vital data (battery life, speed, power setting) instantly readable at a glance.

This might seem like a minor detail, but on the water, clarity is safety. The ability to check your status without squinting or bringing the remote up to your face allows you to keep your eyes on the water and enjoy the ride.

The Service Factor: A Corporate Stumble?

Perhaps the most critical factor in the E-Surfer 2025 verdict is customer support. When you buy a premium product in this price range, you are buying a relationship with the brand.

Since the acquisition by Brunswick, reports of technical support issues with Fliteboard have increased. The agility that once defined the company seems to have been dampened by corporate bureaucracy. Additionally, Fliteboard’s requirement for mandatory annual servicing can be a logistical hassle and an extra cost that many owners find frustrating.

Lift Foils and Aerofoils, on the other hand, have maintained a reputation for stability and robustness. Their support network remains responsive, and the product itself is designed to be a "workhorse" that keeps going without constant dealer intervention.

The Riding Experience: Silence and Power

On the water, both boards are exceptional, but Lift has refined the experience to a new level of silence and smoothness. The Lift5 is incredibly quiet, allowing you to feel more connected to nature. The ride quality is stable yet agile, catering to both beginners and adrenaline junkies.

It is also worth noting that the third player, the Audi e-tron foil by Aerofoils, has quietly gained significant market share. With its fully shielded jet propulsion, it offers a different kind of safety and performance profile that has made it a top seller. However, in the direct "propeller vs. propeller" battle of the giants, Lift is currently outperforming Fliteboard.

Fliteboard or Lift Foils – Conclusion

The decision in 2025 comes down to a combination of innovation in usability and reliability in ownership.

Fliteboard is still a fantastic product with a sleek design, but the confusing pricing strategy, the decline in support quality, and the lack of a tool-free quick-setup system have knocked it off the top spot.

Lift Foils takes the win for 2025 because they solved the practical problems of eFoiling. The Lift5 is faster to set up, easier to control with the new remote, and backed by a company that currently feels more stable and rider-focused.

If you are looking to buy your first eFoil or upgrade your current setup this year, the Lift5 is the recommendation. It’s the board that gets you on the water faster and keeps you there with fewer headaches. Or, if you prefer a safe jet propulsion have a look at the innovator of jetfoils also known as Aerofoils.

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

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