The Lift X isn’t just a new model—it’s a new ride category. Designed for crossover riders who want the freedom of foil surfing with the quiet power of electric assist, the Lift X delivers a lightweight, surf-style eFoil experience unlike anything else in the Lift lineup.
This board was built for those who want more feel, more flow, and more sessions—not necessarily more speed. Whether you're carving clean lines on Lake Michigan, cruising calm waters outside Chicago, or linking turns on an inland lake, the Lift X adapts to your style without holding you back.
In this review-style overview, we’ll break down:
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What makes the Lift X different from the Lift 4 and Lift 5
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Why its carbon construction and compact battery matter
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How it performs in real-world conditions across the Midwest
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Who this eFoil is best suited for—and whether it belongs in your lineup
If you’re looking for an eFoil that rides like a foil, the Lift X may just be the most intuitive, responsive, and travel-ready option out there.
Design & Materials: Ultralight, Travel-Ready, Built for Action
From the moment you pick up the Lift X, it’s clear this isn’t just another eFoil. Designed to merge electric assist with surf foil DNA, the Lift X is one of the lightest full-feature eFoils on the market today. And that’s no accident—it’s the result of premium materials, streamlined engineering, and a deep understanding of how riders actually use their gear.
Carbon Fiber Construction, Built for Real Riders
The Lift X features a full carbon board and carbon mast, which dramatically reduces weight without sacrificing stiffness. That lighter feel isn’t just for bragging rights—it makes a real difference in responsiveness, maneuverability, and overall handling. Whether you're carving swell or threading tight turns on an inland lake, every movement feels sharper, cleaner, and more connected to the foil.
It’s the kind of build that feels purpose-built—not overbuilt.
Lift didn’t just lighten the board. They rethought the platform around what riders actually want: performance, portability, and a true crossover experience.
Ready to Ride—Wherever the Forecast Points You
One of the major benefits of the Lift X’s design is its compact footprint and travel-friendly profile. If you’re riding spots around Chicago, New Buffalo, or South Haven, portability matters. Whether you’re loading up for a quick session after work or packing the rig for a weekend on the coast, this eFoil travels well, sets up fast, and fits the “grab-and-go” lifestyle.
Thanks to Lift’s LCS (Lift Connect System), the mast, battery, and wings all attach without tools, letting you go from parked to powered in minutes. That makes the Lift X an ideal option for riders in the Midwest who need their gear to perform—and pack up—on their schedule.
Designed to Feel as Good as It Looks
With its clean carbon finish, sleek lines, and minimalist profile, the Lift X doesn't just ride like a premium product—it looks the part too. Every design detail is intentional. From the flush-fitting components to the low-profile motor housing, it’s engineered to minimize drag and maximize your experience on the water.
It’s that balance between utility and surf-inspired aesthetic that makes it stand out—especially when compared to bulkier, tech-heavy eFoils that feel more like machines than boards.
Performance Rundown: What It Feels Like to Fly the Lift X
If you’re looking for a ride that responds like a surf foil, moves like a powered eFoil, and disappears beneath you when you don’t want to think about it—the Lift X nails that blend. It’s quick, smooth, and purpose-built for riders who want freedom without noise or compromise.
Clean Power, Quick Response
The Lift X uses Lift’s direct drive propulsion system, which delivers quiet, instant torque without the clunky feel of traditional geared eFoils. That means faster lift-off, smoother acceleration, and more control when carving or adjusting speed mid-ride.
Even with its compact 0.9 kWh battery, the Lift X holds its own when it comes to punch. It’s not designed for all-out top speed—it’s made for precise, powered riding with intuitive feedback. Riders who’ve flown both the X and the Lift 5 often describe the X as more responsive and connected, particularly when linking turns or shifting weight through carves.
Want a deeper dive on why Lift’s propulsion system outshines the competition? Check out our blog on Why Lift Hydrofoils Are the Best.
Versatile Enough for Midwest Waters
Whether you’re chasing glassy mornings on Lake Michigan or threading your way through a choppy inland lake west of Chicago, the Lift X adapts easily. Its compact shape, lightweight construction, and responsive motor make it perfect for changing water conditions. You don’t need a perfect swell or dead-flat water to enjoy it.
This is one of the few eFoils that feels equally at home:
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Gliding clean morning rollers off St. Joseph
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Navigating open chop on Lake Macatawa
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Or casually cruising a windless afternoon in Chicago’s Montrose Harbor
Smooth, Silent Ride
One of the most underrated features of the Lift X is just how quiet the ride is. The direct drive system eliminates gear noise entirely, which means no high-pitched whine—just the sound of water moving past the wing and the hum of flow under your feet.
The experience is immersive—more like riding a wave than operating a motorized board.
This isn’t about going fast. It’s about feeling free. And the Lift X gives you that sensation more cleanly than almost anything else in the eFoil world.
Battery, Remote & Key Features: Built Smart, Built for Riders
While the Lift X was clearly shaped for ride feel, there’s no doubt the tech inside this eFoil plays a major role in how effortlessly it performs. From the lightweight battery design to the ultra-responsive controller and near-silent motor system, everything about the Lift X is engineered to get out of your way—so you can just ride.
Compact Battery, Big Ride Feel
The Lift X comes equipped with Lift’s 0.9 kWh Light Battery—the most compact and lightweight battery in their lineup. It offers up to 45 minutes of ride time, depending on conditions and rider weight. But what you gain in agility far outweighs any perceived limitation in runtime.
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Less weight = more maneuverability, especially in rolling or choppy water
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Smaller size = balanced feel underfoot, ideal for carving or quick foil resets
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Easy transport and swap = less time fussing, more time flying
If you’re still deciding between this and the larger Lift 5 setup, this comparison of Lift X vs Lift 5 breaks it down well.
Elite Hand Controller: Intuitive, Durable, Dialed
Lift’s hand controller is more than just a throttle—it’s a precision-built interface that gives riders total control over their ride. The Lift X integrates seamlessly with the controller to offer:
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Customizable ride modes for different rider profiles
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Clear, real-time feedback (battery, speed, connectivity)
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Durable build with an intuitive scroll wheel for exact throttle control—even with wet hands
You feel connected to your gear, not like you’re operating a device.
Direct Drive Motor: Silent, Smooth, Instant Torque
One of the defining characteristics of the Lift X is its direct drive propulsion system, which eliminates gears and the high-pitched whine that comes with them. What you’re left with is:
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A nearly silent ride
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More natural acceleration
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Minimal drag when gliding or surfing without power
If you’re wondering how the Lift X stacks up against earlier models, the Lift X vs Lift 4 comparison covers how far the platform has evolved—and why the X stands out for pure ride feel.
LCS System & Folding Prop: Smart Upgrades that Make a Difference
The Lift Connect System (LCS) makes switching wings fast and toolless—a huge perk for Midwest riders who want to quickly adjust setups based on water conditions. Whether you’re riding flatwater in Wilmette or bumpier rollers on Lake Michigan’s western coast, you can adapt in minutes.
And with the folding propeller, you get reduced drag and better glide when the motor isn’t engaged—perfect for blending eFoiling with surf-style or prone riding.
Ride Experience: Flow, Surf Feel & Real Feedback
Riding the Lift X doesn’t feel like operating a machine—it feels like gliding. And that’s what sets it apart. From the moment you engage the throttle, the board lifts effortlessly with no sudden jolt, no lag, and no mechanical “clunk.” Just smooth, quiet power.
The carbon construction and compact battery bring everything closer to your feet. You feel more connected to the foil. More tuned-in to the water. Every shift of weight translates immediately into direction and flow.
It Rides Like a Surf Foil—With Power on Demand
What makes the Lift X so unique is how naturally it blends two ride modes: the powered efficiency of an eFoil and the flow and freedom of a surf-style foil. When the motor’s engaged, it responds cleanly and precisely. When you ease off, the folding prop minimizes drag and lets you glide almost friction-free.
That seamless transition—between throttle and no throttle—is a defining part of the Lift X ride experience.
Whether you’re carving into soft rollers on Lake Michigan or flowing through clean turns on flatwater, the Lift X feels intuitive, light, and fluid underfoot.
Adaptable to Your Riding Style
The Lift X isn’t trying to force a single style of riding. It’s versatile by design—meant to suit everyone from powered eFoil cruisers to surf foil crossovers. You can ride fast and clean, coast with minimal input, or simply use the throttle as a backup tool to stay on foil longer.
That adaptability is what makes it an ideal board for Midwest riders who want one setup that works everywhere—from the coast to the lakes, to the unexpected glassy session just outside Chicago.
Lift X Pros & Cons: What to Know Before You Ride
No product is perfect for everyone—but the Lift X comes remarkably close for riders who value mobility, surf-style flow, and high-performance design in a lightweight eFoil. Here’s a quick look at where it shines—and where you’ll want to consider your needs.
Pros
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Ultralight carbon build makes the Lift X feel connected, agile, and incredibly responsive underfoot
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Compact battery balances weight and power for a smoother, more surf-inspired ride
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Toolless LCS system makes wing swaps quick and easy for variable conditions on Lake Michigan or inland lakes
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Folding propeller reduces drag for clean coasting and motor-free gliding
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Direct drive system means near-silent operation with instant, clean torque
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Ideal for crossover riders coming from prone or surf foiling who want e-assist without losing feel
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Travel-friendly size and shape—easy to load in and out for quick sessions around Chicago and Michigan’s lakefront
Cons
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Shorter ride time (~45 minutes) compared to Lift 5’s Full Range battery—trade-off for lighter weight
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Not built for long-distance endurance runs—better suited for carving and surf-style sessions
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Premium price point reflects Lift’s performance and build quality, which may be more than some casual riders are looking to spend
Looking for a side-by-side breakdown of Lift’s models? Check out Lift X vs Lift 5 and Lift X vs Lift 4 to explore how the Lift X stacks up.
Who the Lift X Is Really For
The Lift X is more than just a lighter eFoil—it’s a completely different kind of ride. It's designed for foilers who want the clean feel of a surf foil, the convenience of a compact setup, and just enough throttle to extend every session, not dominate it.
If you're the type of rider who values agility, flow, and surf-style freedom over raw speed and battery duration, this is your board.
The Lift X is Ideal For:
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Riders who foil in variable water conditions, from open lakes to calm inland spots
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Crossover athletes who surf foil, prone foil, or wake foil and want a powered option that feels natural
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Midwest-based riders—especially those in Chicago, New Buffalo, St. Joseph, or Holland—who value gear they can travel with and set up quickly
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Anyone who wants to ride silently, without gear noise or excess drag
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Foilers who prioritize carving, gliding, and progression over distance and max output
Why It’s Worth It
When you invest in a Lift X, you’re getting more than a board—you’re getting Lift’s most versatile, rider-first design. It’s an eFoil that works with your instincts, not against them. Lightweight, responsive, and designed to be used—not babied.
If you're looking for a board that flows like a surf foil, adapts like a travel setup, and performs like Lift… this is the one.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lift X
How long does the Lift X battery last?
The Lift X comes standard with Lift’s Light Battery (0.9 kWh), which provides up to 45 minutes of ride time, depending on rider weight, water conditions, and ride style. It’s optimized for agility, not endurance.
Is the Lift X better than the Lift 5?
It depends on your goals. The Lift X is lighter, more responsive, and better suited for carving and surf-style riding, while the Lift 5 offers longer ride times and more power for extended cruising. For a side-by-side breakdown, check out Lift X vs Lift 5.
Can I travel with the Lift X?
Yes—thanks to its compact size, carbon construction, and toolless LCS system, the Lift X is one of the most travel-friendly eFoils in Lift’s lineup. Ideal for weekend lake missions, road trips, or airline check-ins (battery restrictions apply—check airline policies).
Is the Lift X good for beginners?
The Lift X is best for riders who have some eFoil or surf foil experience. While it’s not overly technical, its lightweight feel and quick responsiveness are better suited for intermediate to advanced riders who want to progress with a more surf-focused platform.
Where can I ride the Lift X around Chicago and Lake Michigan?
The Lift X is perfect for Midwest conditions. It performs exceptionally well in spots like Montrose Harbor (Chicago), New Buffalo, Holland, and St. Joseph, where light wind, small swell, or calm water make for ideal foil sessions.
Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:
Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing expert and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wing foil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.