How to choose the perfect eFoil for your budget
Aluminium eFoils vs forged carbon fibre eFoils vs pre-preg carbon fibre eFoils
Flite x Marc Newson’s MN60 and MN86 were created to be the very best eFoil boards in the world and made with no expense spared. At the heart of every eFoil setup sits the mast and foil itself, and we knew that a perfect board will only ride as well as the mast and foil allow. They need to possess the perfect amount of stiffness, as well as being lightweight, smooth and shaped for minimal drag.
We were greatly inspired by the world’s best motorsport teams who manufacture everything from the car’s many aerodynamic wings to the crashproof monocoque structure out of the extremely lightweight and stiff high modulus pre-preg carbon fibre.
This miracle material has these qualities because it contains the perfect amount of epoxy resin pre-impregnated in the fabric. Each precision cut layer is stacked in a mould before being cured. This happens under pressure in a precisely heat-controlled autoclave to avoid air bubbles and other faults which could cause failure under extreme forces.
However, there are plenty of other materials suitable for making an eFoil. Each has its own pros and cons, and they range in affordability. We’ve compared three common types of mast and eFoil materials so you can ride on your budget and get the most out of your setup.
Aluminium eFoils
Pros
— Conducts heat, so it can help to cool the motor and other electronics without the need for an internal water-cooling system
— Lightweight yet durable material
— Corrosion resistant when anodised
— Stiffer than forged carbon fibre for a more stable ride
Cons
— Heavier than carbon fibre
Forged carbon fibre eFoils
Forged carbon fibre, also known as ‘forged composite’, is a manufacturing process where carbon fibre strands are mixed with a resin in a mould and then compressed and cured. The resulting material has a unique appearance with a marbled or swirled pattern.
Pros
— More affordable than pre-preg carbon fibre
— Lighter than aluminium
— Durable material
— Corrosion resistant
Cons
— Construction can be prone to faults and defects
— Slightly heavier than pre-preg carbon fibre
— Not as stiff as aluminium or pre-preg carbon fibre
— Does not conduct heat as well as metal so requires a separate cooling system which uses power to run water pumps
Pre-preg carbon fibre eFoils
Pre-preg carbon fibre refers to carbon fibre fabric that has been pre-impregnated with resin. This material is typically used in aerospace, automotive, and high-performance applications.
Pros
— Lighter than aluminium and forged carbon fibre
— Corrosion resistant
— Stiffest material
— Precise construction eliminates the risk of air bubbles and other defects
— Superior strength allows for a thinner and more streamlined mast
Cons
— Most expensive
— Does not conduct heat as well as metal (however the MN eFoil contains a heat sinking aluminium core and therefore doesn’t require a water pump)
Ultimately the best eFoil for you is the one you’re riding. But keep in mind, these differences will affect your experience, as well as how easy it is to carry your setup to and from the water. As a beginner you might assume that you don’t need the lightest set up, but a heavier eFoil will make balance and turning more challenging, so we suggest riding the lightest setup you can afford.
