I thought I’d update everyone on some of the industry happenings that took place at AWSI last week 3-5 Sept:
Foil drive is launching a new Fusion product which appears from the size that it will house a larger battery and be closer to an efoil add-on:
Manta has added an interesting backpack that any solution can be attached to:
Interesting to see a brand wanting to make some compatibility between products. Foildrive sharply condemned the solution
Yeah, their unit isn’t designed for anywhere except under the board so I guess it makes sense to take a hard stance on it. In reality we all strap lithium batteries onto ourselves with laptops, work phones, battery packs and tablets all loaded into work backpacks and carry on flight luggage. So I don’t really see the issue with a body mounted assist as long as its a well designed product. I’d probably want a quick release method to get it off just as a safety measure though.
This is pretty hilarious, but likely required to ensure they are not liable for any accidents or events.
In reality the BLDC is easily used by Manta, I say its a pretty sneaky but good idea. I think it will probably sell quite a few units. FD may even be a bit disappointed they dont have something to compelte with that.
Its a tricky situation using more common and easily adapted parts, they can definitely be used in ways other than intended!
Would be quite surprised to see FD make an “efoil” type product, especially given we see the liftx and UL2 with the wave mast already in the market. the skinny motors on those are always going to have the glide advantage vs the 60+ mm FD motor. It’s probably just a gen3 proto if I had to guess.
Its a larger housing for larger battery and esc. Its definitely geared more to guys that want a proper efoil crossover. With all the trench boards the glide isnt really the issue.
Anyone have a clip that shows what the motor looks like?
definitely feel like Manta is doing the only sensible thing here
Thats Foil Drived HP motor with plug
Manta’s new motor is an inrunner:
Regarding the customer service situation, things like this are a nightmare for foil drive.
The forces are obviously different here and if any problems occur, foil drive would have to deal with it, while earning nothing.
Its not like people would admit they used it in a backpack situation.
