In this in-depth conversation, Cole from MACkite sits down with Chris Reynolds, the designer behind FLITElab, to explore the full ecosystem of FLITElab’s foil technology. Chris begins by introducing two core board ranges: the RAW and the AMP. The RAW is a high-performance, jet-free foil board built for lightweight stiffness and responsive handling. It’s offered in sizes 4’0”, 4’2”, 4’4”, and 4’6”, with each board refined through dozens of prototypes and over a year of real-world testing. Riders are consistently surprised by how well the RAW paddles for its size, particularly with its unique concave shaping, squared rails, and flattened deck. The AMP, by contrast, features the same DNA but is designed to accommodate FLITElab’s jet propulsion system. Offered in a range of sizes—including shorter S-range boards (42–48L) and mid-length boards (50–58L)—the AMP allows riders to use the jet or convert the board for traditional foiling with a blank insert that fills the jet cavity.
The conversation shifts to the jet system itself, which is the first of its kind in foil board design. It’s a completely custom, integrated electric propulsion system, engineered from scratch with no off-the-shelf parts. From the motor to the impeller to the electronics, every component has been meticulously designed for efficiency, weight savings, and reliability. The twin-intake design allows water to enter through both sides of the board, feeding a compact impeller located directly under the rider’s front foot. This balances the system’s center of gravity with the front foil’s lift point, preserving the natural feel and swing weight of traditional foiling. FLITElab engineered the cartridge cavity to fit within the thickness of the board while maintaining structural integrity, essentially turning the mast tracks into an I-beam structure for added stiffness.
The batteries are another standout component. Lightweight, waterproof, and encased in a hard shell, each battery weighs just 2.2 lbs and includes an advanced battery management system (BMS) that runs 24/7. This BMS monitors charge levels, temperature, and humidity, and shuts down the battery in case of imbalance or risk. The batteries are safe to fly with (142 Wh each), fully certified through third-party testing, and infused with phase change material that helps regulate heat and suppress thermal runaway. Each board accepts two batteries, and the system intelligently manages charge discrepancies between them—only engaging both when levels are balanced enough to avoid internal energy dumping. This ensures safety and optimal performance.
The Launchpad is the digital interface and control hub of the system. Wirelessly connected and Qi-compatible, it magnetically attaches to the board and gives riders real-time feedback on battery life, GPS data, ride stats, and boost settings. With full onboard customization, riders can adjust boost power, ramp-up time, duration, and acceleration curves, all without needing a phone app. The paddle assist feature provides 60 seconds of subtle propulsion to save shoulders, while the boost function offers a powerful acceleration to get onto waves or up onto foil in light wind when winging. The board’s system automatically detects when it’s airborne and shuts off the jet to prevent unnecessary power draw or rider interference.
Cole and Chris also discuss the foil system itself, which is designed around stiffness, simplicity, and modularity. The mast is ultra-thin at 12–13mm, made from ultra-high modulus carbon fiber, and built with a conical titanium interface that eliminates flex and play at the connection points. The front wings mount with a unique four-face tension system using custom M8 bolts that pull the foil down evenly, maintaining perfect alignment and connection without relying on friction. This makes assembly and disassembly easy and tool-efficient while preventing corrosion or wear. The foils are engineered to surf like medium aspect wings but pump and glide like high aspect foils. Sizes launching include the 707, 808, and 1010, with tails in 125, 140, and 160cm². Riders can also customize pitch pressure using visible shim indicators integrated into the tails.
FLITElab’s foil design emphasizes low-end lift and glide, allowing riders to get on foil with less effort and pump longer between waves, all while maintaining the roll rate, maneuverability, and pocket control of a surf-oriented MA wing. The engineering process behind the foil took over two years, with exhaustive prototype testing. Instead of releasing frequent incremental upgrades, the team at FLITElab has focused on building timeless performance products that don’t need yearly replacements. The foils, boards, and propulsion system have all been developed with durability and backward compatibility in mind, allowing riders to invest in the system long-term without worrying about obsolescence.
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