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How Does the FliteLab AMPJet Compare to Traditional eFoils in Terms of Speed and Maneuverability?

By Emerald Wake posted on May 13, 2025

FliteLab AmpJet Foil Asist vs Efoil 
The AMPJet by FliteLab is redefining the boundaries of eFoil technology, introducing a foil assist system that caters to a new audience of riders. While it belongs to the broader eFoil family, it diverges significantly from traditional eFoils in its design, functionality, and target use cases. If you’re curious about its performance, maneuverability, and who it’s for, this guide will answer your questions and show why the AMPJet is a game-changer in hydrofoil sports.
What Is the FliteLab AMPJet?
The AMPJet is a foil assist system, unlike a traditional eFoil, which is fully motorized and relies on a mast-integrated propulsion unit. Instead of providing constant propulsion, the AMPJet delivers intermittent boosts, enabling riders to experience the full spectrum of hydrofoil performance with minimal drag.
Key Differences from Traditional eFoils:
Weight Distribution:
Traditional eFoils house their propulsion systems in the mast, adding weight and drag beneath the board.
The AMPJet’s propulsion system is integrated into the back of the board, reducing drag and weight and allowing for full maneuverability like a prone hydrofoil board.
Purpose:
Traditional eFoils focus on full motorized control, often catering to beginners and casual riders.
The AMPJet is designed for riders who want to blend the freedom of unpowered foiling with the convenience of powered assistance.
Maneuverability:
The AMPJet’s design significantly reduces drag, enabling more precise control and tighter turns.
Riders describe it as feeling like a true hydrofoil, ideal for performance-focused disciplines.

Who is the FliteLab AMPJet For?
The AMPJet is tailored to riders who want to take their foiling to the next level, including:
Prone Foilers & New Wave Riders: Gain a boost to catch waves more effectively or to improve your takeoffs. This will make wave riding 100 times easier, and you will be catching more waves faster or waves that previously felt too hard to catch.
Pump Foilers: Extend your rides with less effort while building essential skills. With the Jet, you can get up on the foil and practice your cadence diligently without exerting energy from a dock start. This is huge as dock starts come with the risk of falling back and hitting your head on the dock. You’ll progress much faster with a FliteLab AmpJet.
Big Wave Riders: Use the AMPJet to power into bigger waves and learn prone foiling without the frustrations of missed takeoffs. Or use it to ride out to the next set without getting worn out paddling!
Wing Foilers. Use the AMP to get up on the foil in light wind and then tap into the efficacy of a smaller wing once there is no surface tension. This is a game changer in Florida during our light summers. The hardest part is getting the board off the water in light wind. AMPJet solves this problem and opens new doors.
Downwinders: Enjoy endless runs by tapping into the power of swells with a boost when necessary.

Do You Need eFoil Experience to Ride the FliteLab AMPJet?
Not necessarily! While experience helps, the AMPJet is designed for adaptability. Many riders with no prior foil experience have successfully learned to ride with foil assist systems. Whether you’re new to hydrofoiling or transitioning from another discipline, the AMPJet offers a manageable learning curve.
Beginner-Friendly?
While the AMPJet is not as beginner-friendly as a traditional eFoil, it can still serve as an entry point for motivated riders. With its assistive boost feature, it’s ideal for:
Riders looking to transition from powered to unpowered hydrofoiling.
Beginners wanting to build confidence in prone or pump foiling.
Can I learn to foil on the FliteLab AMPJet? Yes you can. I have seen several foilers start their hydrofoil journey with a foil assist system.
Do I need prior hydrofoil experience to use the Flitelab AMP? It will help, but no you don’t. Riders will have to commit to a longer learning curve than eFoiling but the rewards are massive as you develop a once-exclusive skill very fast.
What Makes the FliteLab AMPJet the Next Evolution in Hydrofoil Sports?
The AMPJet doesn’t just provide assistance—it enhances the essence of foiling. By removing bulky systems and focusing on lightweight, efficient propulsion it allows riders to:
Learn Faster: The AMPJet makes it easier to master pumping, catching waves, and balancing without the intimidation of constant power.
Ride More Naturally: With less drag and swing weight, the AMPJet enables smoother, more intuitive riding.
Extend Possibilities: From downwinders to wave-riding and beyond, the AMPJet empowers riders to explore hydrofoil sports in new ways.
Technical Highlights:
Reduced Drag: Eliminates the extra components associated with traditional eFoils, allowing for smoother transitions and higher speeds.
Enhanced Control: The board’s balanced weight distribution delivers unmatched precision and agility.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for everything from learning pump foiling to riding challenging swells.


Why the FliteLab AMPJet is Different
Unlike traditional eFoils, which cater to a broader audience with full motorization, the AMPJet bridges the gap between powered and unpowered hydrofoiling. Its design encourages skill-building while providing just enough assistance to expand your capabilities. Think of it as the perfect tool for progression in hydrofoil sports, making it ideal for riders eager to tap into the purest form of hydrofoiling.

Additional Q&A Section
Performance & Usability

Q: Does the AMPJet make it easier to catch waves for prone foiling?

Yes! The AMPJet provides just enough propulsion to help you catch smaller or trickier waves, making it a fantastic tool for riders learning prone foiling or improving their takeoff efficiency.

Q: How maneuverable is the AMPJet compared to a traditional eFoil?

The AMPJet is significantly more maneuverable due to its lighter, drag-reducing design. The lack of a mast-integrated propulsion system allows for tighter turns and a more natural hydrofoil experience.

Q: Does the AMPJet make it easier to learn pump foiling?

Absolutely. With a foil assist system, beginners can focus on perfecting their pumping cadence without the frustration of dock starts or paddling. The AMPJet’s intermittent propulsion helps riders build stamina and technique while reducing the risk of injury.

Technical Highlights:

Q: What makes the AMPJet’s propulsion system different?

Its board-mounted propulsion eliminates drag caused by mast-based systems, making transitions smoother and turns sharper. Riders report a 25% improvement in control compared to traditional eFoils.

Q: How long does it take to learn hydrofoiling with the AMPJet?

While individual progress varies, motivated beginners often master the basics of balance and wave-catching in 4–6 sessions. Advanced riders transitioning from other disciplines adapt even faster, thanks to the AMPJet’s assistive boost.

Q: Do I need prior hydrofoil or eFoil experience to use the AMPJet?

No, you don’t need prior experience! While the AMPJet isn’t as beginner-friendly as a traditional eFoil, many riders have successfully learned foiling skills using a foil assist system.

Q: What’s the best way to get started with the AMPJet?

Begin with calm waters and focus on understanding how the foil responds to your weight and balance. Taking lessons or watching tutorial videos can significantly shorten the learning curve.

Who is it for?

Q: Who is the AMPJet best suited for?

The AMPJet is ideal for:
– Prone foilers who want a boost for catching waves.
– Pump foilers looking to refine their skills and extend rides.
– Wing foilers and downwinders who want to maximize their runs on swell power.
– Riders transitioning from fully powered systems to a more natural foiling experience.

Q: Is the AMPJet recommended for total beginners?

While not as beginner-friendly as traditional eFoils, the AMPJet is still a great starting point for motivated riders who want to focus on unpowered hydrofoil skills while benefiting from occasional propulsion.

Q: What’s the battery life like on the AMPJet?

Battery life varies based on use, but it’s optimized for intermittent boosts rather than constant power, which extends its runtime significantly compared to traditional eFoils.

Q: Is the AMPJet compatible with other boards or foiling systems?

The AMPJet is designed specifically for FliteLab boards. Compatibility with other systems may require adapters or modifications, so it’s best to confirm with the manufacturer.

If you have any questions about eFoil lesson or would like to book an eFoil demo, call (850) 400-8500 or email us at [email protected] for a custom experience. We offer eFoil lesson, sales, battery rental, wing rental, demos, service, and repair from our three locations in Panama City Beach, Florida, Pensacola, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.

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