Double Dip: Lift Foils LIFT5 & LIFTX

When Lift unveiled to us their new product range, during a very kind invitation to their HQ in Puerto Rico, it was immediately clear that the LIFT5 and LIFTX were not just an evolution of the LIFT4, they were a complete revolution. Every single aspect has been redesigned, refined and optimized. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a ground-up reinvention. Even the bags have been meticulously rethought, an area where you wouldn’t normally expect much room for improvement. The battery now comes in a clever, water-resistant backpack, making it much easier to transport. The board bag features well-placed handles and straps for effortless unloading and includes wheels for smooth transport, even on sandy beaches. The first big surprise came when we set up the eFoil for the first time and realized that no tools are required! The mast-to-board and wing/tail-to-mast connections use an innovative system where you simply slide them into position, lock them and you’re done. The entire assembly process takes less than a minute, which is super impressive for an eFoil.

Connecting the battery has always been the trickiest and most stressful part to using an eFoil. Let’s be honest: they’re a big investment, and handling batteries and wires in an environment full of sand, humidity and water is always nerve-wracking. Plus, opening and closing hatches while keeping them perfectly sealed, dry and clean has always been a challenge. Lift has addressed this brilliantly with their new plug-and-play battery system. It simply slides into the board and clicks into place – no wires, no connectors, no complicated sealing process. It’s truly plug-and-play, making setup effortless, safe and foolproof. This innovation not only simplifies the setup but also creates a seamless deck with no edges, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing the overall user experience. In short, setting up the LIFT5 or LIFTX takes less than two minutes. The entire process is intuitive, safe and incredibly user-friendly.

Now, picture this: a stunning Puerto Rican beach, crystal-clear waters and the sun rising over the horizon… and many eFoils ready to be tested all day. It doesn’t get much better than this! We kicked off the day with the LIFT5, which comes in three sizes: 4'4, 4'9 and 5'4. The mast and propeller feature a streamlined, fully integrated design, making them look very hydrodynamic. A standout feature of the LIFT5 is its enclosed propeller, making it both safe and sleek. A quick glance at the board itself revealed the amount of work Lift has put into its design. The shape and finish resemble a high-performance surfboard, incorporating a double concave and a slim side profile for better efficiency and control. The remote control is intuitive and user-friendly, offering different power levels to customize torque and speed delivery. It displays essential information like battery life, speed and more. For those who love detailed data, Lift produced a companion app that offers advanced features such as telemetry, GPS tracking and even direct access to tech support. Pairing the remote with the board took only a few seconds and after selecting our preferred power mode, we grabbed the 4'9 model and headed straight into the water for our first ride of the day. The very first thing we noticed? The total weight. Compared to our previous eFoil experiences, the LIFT5 felt noticeably lighter than expected, making it easier to handle both on land and in the water.

After testing the interaction between the propeller and the trigger, we were impressed by the smooth and linear power delivery, which made the entire waterstart process very intuitive. Even the slightest adjustments to the trigger resulted in precise, proportional changes in power, something that may seem obvious but isn't always the case with similar systems. From the very first waterstart, the experience felt effortless, thanks to the front wing’s lift and the board’s well-balanced design, speed and handling. The minimal need to adjust body position between riding and flying made the transition seamless, a great feature for complete beginners.

As we spent more time on the water, one aspect suddenly stood out – the remarkable silence of the eFoil. Gliding across glassy waters, framed by towering cliffs at sunrise in near silence was nothing short of magical. Once we gained confidence in our turns, we pushed the board further, experimenting with power delivery and speed. The performance was outstanding. We exceeded 25mph without even reaching the remote’s maximum power output. It’s clear the eFoil has even more to give, though we weren’t quite ready to push it to its absolute limits just yet. Another standout feature of the 4.9 is its minimal drag. Building speed for waterstarts felt smooth and stable and even when mid-flight mistakes caused the board to touch the water, it quickly regained momentum, making recovery fast and easy. This forgiving nature speaks to the thoughtful engineering behind the board, making the entire experience more enjoyable and especially user-friendly for all levels.

After a good amount of time in the water, we jumped straight to the smallest 4'4 board and it was a completely new experience. It's worth noting that this size is designed for smaller, lighter riders or those more experienced. The board is quite compact, so we had to re-adapt our entire waterstart technique but, after a few crashes, we got the hang of it and the ride was amazing. This size feels exceptionally nimble and agile with noticeably higher speed in every aspect. Tight carves and speed runs were incredibly fun and we felt deeply connected to the board, making everything more intuitive for our body.

The team had reserved the best for the last part of the day and finally, we got the chance to try out the LIFTX. The setup process is similar to the LIFT5, but the LIFTX features a smaller capacity battery, lighter build, more performant board shape and construction, and different propellers. There are two options for propeller placement on the mast, one high and one low. In both configurations, the propeller is uncased, which reduces drag in the water and improves power efficiency. Initially, we were concerned about safety but we quickly realized that when the power is cut on the remote, the blades fold into a neutral position, eliminating any real risk of injury. The board itself has a distinct surf-foil design, lighter weight and a more surf-focused aesthetic. All these combined with the smaller battery makes the entire setup feel significantly sportier.

We entered the water expecting it to feel similar to the LIFT5, just with a sleeker board and propeller design. However, we couldn’t have been more wrong. The term “game-changer” has been thrown around a lot in recent years, but the LIFTX truly earns that title. The setup is incredibly agile and once you’re riding, everything feels natural and precise. It’s perfectly balanced, making turns seamless and the overall experience dynamic and lively. The advantages of its speed and lightweight design? That’s where the “game-changer” comes into play. The LIFTX allows you to transition effortlessly from powered riding to surf foiling and even prone foiling. You can pump it to maintain momentum instead of sinking when you cut the power. Riding waves without power assistance, even in wind swells, is now not only possible but accessible to anyone with a bit of practice. The LIFTX opens up an entirely new world of riding styles, spots and experiences that weren’t possible before. From downwind runs to wave riding without power, this board brings eFoiling closer than ever to the feel of surf foiling or a downwind wingfoil session. LIFTX is available in three different sizes and even offers footstrap options, which we didn’t get the chance to test but given the power-to-weight ratio, we wouldn’t be surprised to see an entirely new freestyle eFoil discipline emerging in the coming months.

So, which one should you choose? The LIFT5 will be undoubtedly their bestseller and will suit 90% of their customer base. It’s easy, fun and accessible to everyone, making it an absolute joy to ride and cruise around on. On the other hand, the LIFTX is designed for the other 10% of riders who crave a little more excitement and challenge in their sessions…. And if you’re someone who thrives on dynamic, high-energy rides and wants to explore new possibilities, the LIFTX is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for: it offers a whole new way to experience the water.