Fliteboard Ultra L

Australian-based company Fliteboard recently released their Series 3 range of efoils, including new-to-market technology in lightweight battery and board design, and an innovative interchangeable prop-jet system that requires no tools whatsoever.

I recently had the opportunity to meet the Flite team at their Byron Bay HQ and test their Ultra L carbon-constructed board with the Flitecell Nano lithium battery, both together weighing in at only 22.5kg, making it the lightest performance e-foil available in 2023.

We surfed local spot, The Pass, on a clear sunny day with 2km long, unbroken right handers peeling down the bay, and I’ll say now that it was an absolutely incredible experience.

We conducted this test using Flite’s Series 3 Cruiser and Cruiser Jet range of wings, paired up with the True Glide prop configuration, and swapping it out mid-test for the company’s newest Flite Jet jet propulsion system, which simply unscrews by hand and attaches to the same motor housing in just seconds. This is a first in e-foiling, and expands the possibilities for user-selection in configuring the best setup for any given session.

Out in the waves, the Ultra L board felt amazing, with a noticeably lower swing-weight compared to other variants, and a nimble responsiveness that reminded me of riding a normal prone foil board. Hard carving, ripping turns are naturally easy on these boards, and it was possible with all the wings tested to breach the wingtips while turning and recover without issue. With great deck grip traction, it was easy to feel in control at all times, even nearing top speed, and the double concave board design gave minimal resistance when touching down on the water. With clean lines and an obviously exceptional build quality, the Ultra L board is definitely a go-to if you are a rider who is focused on turning and getting the most performance-oriented surfing out of your e-foil.

As far as the difference that was noted between the True Glide Prop versus the Flite Jet, I found the True Glide to provide more torque during take-off, but a little more drag when depowered and free-riding on the waves. The Flite Jet, on the other hand, was so silent and smooth through the water, and felt less turbulent through turns. While the prop has more low-down grunt, the jet felt better on the top end. I think it's worth having both, as these drive units are incredibly easy to interchange, and depending what you want out of the session, you can choose the configuration that will work best for your needs.

It’s clear to me, that with this high-performance board, dual drive propulsion option, and now three different battery sizes (Nano, Sport, Explore) to choose from, Flite has covered all bases in providing the most performance-oriented and customizable e-foil available to date. Fliteboard products are truly amazing, and I'm excited to see what else their talented team comes up with in this groundbreaking era for foil and electric foil design. JK