Lift 5 vs. Lift 4: What’s Actually New?

The Lift 5 eFoil is the latest evolution from Lift Foils, but how much of an upgrade is it from the Lift 4? If you’re already riding a Lift 4 eFoil, should you upgrade to the Lift 5, or is your current setup still top-tier? And if you’re new to eFoiling, does the Lift 5 offer enough improvements to justify the higher price?

We’re cutting through the marketing noise and breaking down the real differences between the Lift 5 and Lift 4. From battery life and motor noise to the new LCS (Lift Connect System) and improved hydrodynamics, here’s what’s changed—and what hasn’t.

🔹 Design & Construction: What’s Different in the Lift 5?

At first glance, the Lift 4 and Lift 5 look nearly identical, with both featuring full carbon fiber construction. Lift has always been known for building lightweight, durable eFoils, so the core material hasn’t changed. But small refinements in the Lift 5’s design make a difference in performance.

✅ Smoother touchdowns & better recoveries – The Lift 5’s tweaked hull shape helps you recover from touchdowns with less drag and better balance. If you’ve ever had a moment where you dropped the nose and struggled to regain lift, the Lift 5 smooths out that process.

✅ Lift Connect System (LCS) for tool-free setup – This is one of the biggest functional upgrades over the Lift 4. The LCS system allows you to swap wings, masts, and propulsion units without tools, making it faster and more convenient to adjust your setup based on riding conditions.

✅ Improved weight distribution – While the overall weight of the Lift 5 is similar to the Lift 4, subtle adjustments in battery positioning and mast integration give it a more balanced feel on the water.

💡 Should You Upgrade?

• If you want a smoother, more balanced ride with better recovery on touchdowns, the Lift 5 makes a noticeable difference.

• If you swap wings frequently and want a faster setup, the LCS system is a huge convenience upgrade over the Lift 4.

• If you already love how your Lift 4 rides, these refinements may not be enough to justify a full upgrade on their own.

More Power, Less Noise

When comparing the Lift 5 vs. Lift 4, one of the biggest questions is: Does the Lift 5 have more power, better efficiency, or a quieter ride? While both models use Lift’s direct-drive motor, the Lift 5 refines the system to create an even smoother, more silent, and efficient eFoil experience.

🔹 Direct-Drive Motor: Even Quieter Than Before

One of Lift’s biggest selling points has always been its gearbox-free, direct-drive motor. Unlike other eFoils that rely on louder, high-RPM motors with reduction gears, Lift has perfected a silent, frictionless ride.

So how does the Lift 5 motor compare to the Lift 4?

✅ Lift 5 is even quieter – The new refinements in the direct-drive motor reduce vibration and noise, making it the quietest eFoil on the market. If you’re used to riding a Lift 4, you’ll notice an even more seamless, floating feel.

✅ More efficient power delivery – While the wattage and power output remain similar, the Lift 5’s motor control system has been optimized for smoother acceleration and better throttle response.

✅ More propulsion options (LCS Jet Propeller & Folding Propeller) – The Lift 5 introduces interchangeable propulsion options, allowing you to swap between:

• LCS Jet Propeller – A fully enclosed jet propulsion system that eliminates exposed blades, reducing drag and increasing safety.

• LCS Folding Propeller – Designed for wave riders, this allows the prop to fold back when the motor is off, reducing resistance while surfing.

💡 Should You Upgrade?

• If you love the Lift 4 but want an even quieter ride, the Lift 5 pushes noise reduction even further.

• If you want the ability to swap between a jet prop and a folding prop, the Lift 5 gives you that flexibility.

• If you’re already happy with your Lift 4’s power output, the changes here are refinements, not a total overhaul.

🔋 Battery & Ride Time – Does the Lift 5 Last Longer?

Battery life is one of the most important factors when choosing an eFoil. Whether you’re planning long-distance rides or just want consistent power output, battery performance makes a huge difference.

So, does the Lift 5 offer longer ride time than the Lift 4? The answer is yes—but not by a huge margin. Let’s break it down.

🔹 What’s Changed in the Lift 5 Battery System?

Both the Lift 5 and Lift 4 use advanced lithium-ion battery technology, but the Lift 5 introduces Gen5 Battery Tech, which brings a few key upgrades:

✅ Slightly more efficient energy management – The Lift 5 battery has improved internal cooling and power regulation, meaning less energy is wasted as heat and more is used for actual propulsion. This leads to marginally longer ride times compared to the Lift 4.

✅ Improved safety features – The Lift 5’s double-walled battery casing is designed to prevent overheating and improve fault detection. If you’re concerned about battery durability and long-term reliability, the Lift 5 has extra safeguards built in.

✅ Better charging speed & connectivity – While the charging process remains largely the same, the Lift 5 battery connects more seamlessly with the Lift Connect System (LCS), making installation and removal easier and tool-free.

🔹 Real-World Ride Time: How Does It Compare?

The Lift 5 offers a slight edge in ride time, but not enough to justify upgrading for battery performance alone.

💡 Biggest Takeaway:

• If you already own a Lift 4, the battery upgrade alone isn’t enough reason to switch.

• If you’re buying your first Lift eFoil, the Gen5 Battery in the Lift 5 offers slight improvements in efficiency and safety, making it the better long-term investment.

🛠 Setup & Maintenance – Is the Lift 5 Easier to Use?

One of the biggest changes in the Lift 5 vs. Lift 4 debate is how easy it is to set up and maintain. Lift has always built high-quality, low-maintenance eFoils, but the Lift 5 takes usability a step further with the Lift Connect System (LCS).

If you’ve ever fumbled with tools while setting up your eFoil, the LCS system eliminates that hassle—making wing, mast, and prop swaps tool-free.

🔹 What is the Lift Connect System (LCS)?

The Lift 5 introduces the Lift Connect System (LCS), a new quick-release mechanism that replaces the traditional bolt-on mast and wing setup.

✅ Tool-Free Assembly – Instead of needing to screw in components manually, LCS allows you to snap in wings, props, and masts in seconds.
✅ Faster Battery Swaps – The LCS battery connection is simpler and more secure, making installation quicker.
✅ Easier Travel & Storage – The modular quick-swap system makes breaking down and reassembling the eFoil faster than ever.

💡 Biggest Takeaway:

• If you change wings often to adapt to different riding styles, the LCS system is a game-changer.

• If you travel with your eFoil, the Lift 5 is easier to break down and transport.

• If you already own a Lift 4 and don’t mind the current setup process, this might not be a must-have upgrade, but it definitely makes life easier.

🔹 Maintenance & Durability: What’s Changed?

Both the Lift 4 and Lift 5 are built with full carbon fiber, which means extremely durable construction. However, Lift has made some refinements to increase long-term reliability:

✅ Improved battery safety features – The Lift 5 battery casing is reinforced, providing extra protection against overheating and water exposure.
✅ Better wing and mast connections – The LCS quick-release system reduces wear and tear on mounting points, meaning less maintenance over time.
✅ Simplified cleaning & storage – The modular design of the Lift 5 makes rinsing, drying, and storing components easier after saltwater sessions.

💡 Biggest Takeaway:

• The Lift 4 is already low-maintenance, but the Lift 5 takes convenience to another level.

• If you ride frequently and like to swap parts, the Lift 5 saves time and effort.

🎯 Should You Upgrade? 

After breaking down the Lift 5 vs. Lift 4, it’s clear to us that while the core riding experience is similar, Lift has made a series of refinements that improve ease of use, efficiency, and versatility. But is it enough to justify upgrading if you already own a Lift 4? 

🔹 Go for the Lift 5 if…

✔ You want the easiest setup & part swaps → The LCS system makes the Lift 5 the most convenient eFoil to assemble, break down, and transport.
✔ You care about having the quietest ride possible → The refined direct-drive motor + LCS Jet Prop take Lift’s already-silent eFoils to the next level.
✔ You switch between riding styles often → If you want to swap between a jet prop, folding prop, or different wings, the Lift 5 gives you modular options that the Lift 4 doesn’t.
✔ You travel frequently or store your eFoil often → The faster breakdown system and improved battery setup make packing up and maintaining the Lift 5 easier.

🔹 Stick with the Lift 4 if…

✔ You’re happy with your current ride & don’t need easier setup → If you don’t mind using tools to swap parts, the Lift 4 still delivers a top-tier eFoil experience.
✔ You don’t need the latest refinements → The Lift 4 is still carbon fiber, direct-drive, and high-performance—if you don’t need a quieter motor or tool-free setup, there’s no urgent need to switch.
✔ You’re waiting for used Lift 5 models to drop in price → If you can hold off, you might find a discounted Lift 5 in the next year as newer models roll out.

 

💡 Final Takeaway: Is the Lift 5 Worth It?

• If you’re buying your first eFoil, the Lift 5 is the better investment—it has the latest refinements and will last you longer.

• If you already own a Lift 4, the upgrade makes sense if you want a more modular, quieter, and convenient setup—but it’s not a must-have unless you swap wings often or travel frequently.

👉 Want to see the Lift 5 in action? Check out our on-water test coming soon.
👉 Need help choosing the right setup? Call the shop.

Whichever way you go, you’re riding the best eFoils on the market—see you on the water. 

 

 Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic: 

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing specialist and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.