Inflatable vs. fiberglass vs. carbon eFoil? 

What is the best eFoil board construction? 

Unsurprisingly, there is a simple answer to which type of eFoil board construction is best. It all depends on the needs and preferences of the rider. The first step is to examine what options are available on the eFoil market.

There are many eFoils available now with equally as many different construction materials, yet the standard is fiberglass, carbon, and various hybrids of foam or inflatable constructions. When deciding the best fit for our eFoil school in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, we discovered the Fliteboard range offers everything we needed and more. That’s not to say other brands are no good, but we will focus on each board in this range to share the benefits of the different eFoil board constructions you might find when shopping for eFoils. 

Fliteboard has several constructions for almost all its eFoil models to meet any level, riding, or budget. If you are looking through the range, you may wonder what Fliteboard construction is best overall or simply best for you. This guide will break down all the pros and cons of each construction and help you understand what you are getting and why. 

1. Inflatable eFoil Vs. Fiberglass eFoil Boards
2. Fiberglass eFoil Vs Carbon eFoil Boards. 
3. Inflatable vs Soft top Efoil Boards. 
4. Choosing the right Fliteboard construction. 

Inflatable eFoil Vs. Fiberglass eFoil Boards.

Should I buy a fiberglass eFoil board?

Fiberglass has long been the standard in electric hydrofoil board construction and the construction of paddle boards, windsurf boards, traditional hydrofoils, and other watersports boards. It’s easy to see why fiberglass has been the industry standard: It is relatively lightweight, durable, and stiff. The lightweight and durable features speak for themselves, and the stiffness allows for more control and high performance when eFoiling. Fiberglass is also easy and affordable to repair. You can find your local surf repair shop and have any dings taken care of quickly. Never leave a crack or ding unrepaired, as water can get into the board and ruin the core. 

For many, the most significant consideration is the price. While fiberglass boards are not the most economical, you will save a lot of money by opting for a standard fiberglass construction eFoil board over carbon. 

Benefits of Fiberglass eFoil boards.

• Durability: Fiberglass is known for its durability and ability to withstand significant wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for many watersports.
• Performance: The stiffness of fiberglass provides excellent control and performance, allowing for precise maneuvering.
• Repairability: Fiberglass boards can be easily repaired at local surf shops, ensuring longevity and cost-effectiveness.
• Affordability: Compared to carbon boards, fiberglass eFoil boards are generally more affordable.

Considerations

Maintenance: Regular checks and repairs are necessary to prevent water damage from dings and cracks.

Weight: While relatively lightweight, fiberglass boards are heavier than their carbon counterparts.

Should I buy an inflatable eFoil Board?

Inflatable eFoils offer an alternative to traditional fiberglass constructions, which is an option that many riders should consider. When you hear the word “inflatable,” your mind might go directly to towable tubes and other low-quality inflatable products. However, you can throw all those thoughts out the window. 

The construction of inflatable eFoils is far more advanced and durable. For example, Fliteboards Flite AIR is a board of shocking quality, durability, and performance. You would almost forget it’s inflatable. The middle, or core, of the board is not actually inflatable. Instead, it is constructed from a rigid foam core. The rigid core is very responsive and allows for the high-end performance you would expect from a quality eFoil. This is a smart design as you need something solid connected to the mast to steer the foil. 

The inflatable element comes into play with the outer layer, as was previously mentioned, this differs from your typical inflatable product. The inflatable layer uses drop stitch technology, which means there is material connecting the top and bottom, and this material is throughout the entire layer. This creates a strong, rigid riding platform that feels more like a regular eFoil than not. 

Not only does Flite Air utilize those materials to create a high-performance eFoil, but you also get the other benefits of an inflatable board. Chiefly, it will be more forging when you fall on it; it has exceptional durability and lighter weight for the smaller or weaker members of your family who might need to carry it to the water.  

Benefits of an Inflatable eFoil board.

• Portability: Inflatable eFoil boards are lighter and easier to transport, making them ideal for travel.
• Safety: The softer surface of inflatable boards is more forgiving during falls, reducing the risk of injury.
• Durability: Modern inflatable boards, such as the Fliteboard Flite AIR, use advanced materials like drop-stitch technology to ensure rigidity and strength. You’ll forget it’s inflatable! 

Considerations

• Performance: While amazing for most, inflatable boards may not offer the same level of razor-sharp response as fiberglass or carbon boards that a professional eFoiler would desire. Fear not, as 90% of riders will not notice the difference! 

Fiberglass eFoil Vs Carbon 

The reason that fiberglass has long been the gold standard in the eFoil industry was discussed in the previous section. The question is, how does that tried-and-true material compare to Carbon boards?

Carbon eFoil boards are the apex of performance. It’s the choice construction material for most boards across different industries for its strength-to-weight ratio and how quickly you can transfer body movement into response from the board. 

This weight reduction is not trivial either. For example, the Fliteboard Ultra L2 Wave has achieved a weight of under 40 lbs. When compared to the standard eFoil weight of 68 pounds, that is a game-changing weight difference. 

In the Fliteboard range, you can choose from a few different carbon-construction models: The Fliteboard, the Fliteboard PRO, and the Ultra L2. With the exception of the Ultra L2, you can also buy any of these eFoil boards in a fiberglass or soft-top construction. 

Should I get a carbon Fliteboard eFoil?

A high-performance, lightweight board like the Ultra L2 or Fliteboard and Fliteboard PRO carbon allows for the most responsive eFoiling experience. It is the perfect option for riders who want to take their eFoiling to the next level or showcase their personal style. Let’s face it, carbon is more than just a performance material; it’s a statement. 

If you are an experienced eFoil rider looking to expand the limits of what you can do, this is a great option. A smaller carbon eFoil board allows for sharper cutbacks, deeper carves, and higher performance. Another great option for this type of board would be the Fliteboard Pro or the Flite X Marc Newson.

That said, if you are new to the sport but like the idea of having a board that is far lighter than any other product on the market, then this board construction is something you should consider. The Fliteboard 100 Liter in carbon is user-friendly thanks to the size and volume, yet you get the added response and reduced weight of carbon. Not to mention, it will look slick on the boat or while cruising by the dock. 

Benefits of Carbon eFoils.

• Lightweight: Carbon boards are lighter than fiberglass eFoil boards, enhancing maneuverability and ease of transport.
• Performance: The reduced weight and high stiffness of carbon boards provide unmatched responsiveness and performance, which is ideal for experienced riders.
• Durability: Carbon fiber offers exceptional durability, making it a long-lasting investment. 

Considerations

• Cost: Carbon eFoil boards are the most expensive option due to their high-performance materials and construction. Repairs are not needed as often, but they can be more expensive as you need an experienced person to do them. 
• Accessibility: The high cost and performance characteristics may be overkill for beginners or casual riders. 

Inflatable eFoil Vs. Soft top eFoil Boards.

Should I get an inflatable Fliteboard eFoil?

The inflatable Flite Air is an excellent board for almost everyone and a perfect choice eFoil for beginners. It’s going to be lightweight, forgiving, durable, and stress-free for transportation and storage. We already covered many of the benefits earlier in this blog but let’s touch on some more points. 

You can also outfit this model with plenty of custom options just like the rest of the Fliteboard lineup. For example, the board comes with the lightweight Flitecell nano lithium-ion battery, but if you anticipate longer rides, then you can opt for the Flitecell sport, which doubles your ride times. The perfect option for those extra-long rides along the emerald coast of Florida. Fliteboard eFoils will work on all their boards so you can start with the inflatable to learn and later upgrade the eFoil board and use all your other components. Then you can save the Flite AIR boards for teaching friends and family. We highly recommend this eFoil board as a good starting point and investment to share the fun. 

The Flite Air provides you with a board made from quality materials that you can depend on for years to come. You get to experience all the best parts of eFoil riding but at a more affordable price point, as this is the cheapest Efoil in the Fliteboard catalog. It is one of our top recommendations when providing guided eFoil tours in Fort Walton, Florida.

Should I get a soft top or foam Fliteboard eFoil? 

The Fliteboard and Fliteboard Pro are available in a user-friendly soft-top construction. The soft top is an excellent option for any rider, but it is especially a good choice for beginners. It offers a more stable surface with more grip that is softer and more comfortable. This allows for premium comfort and safety for the rider. This constriction is a top choice eFoil for new riders.

Many eFoil riders might prefer the foam eFoil surface because it provides more grip and is soft in the event of a fall. The inside of the board is still fiberglass, so you get all the perks of a fiberglass eFoil with additional grip and safety. The foam also works as a protective layer around the board, so you don’t have to worry much about damage. These benefits make the soft-top construction a compelling option for anyone of any level.  Compared to the inflatable Flite AIR, you’ll be getting more response and maneuverability from your eFoil. It’s not quite as soft for falls but to be candid, people generally fall in the water, not on their board. If you do fall on the board, the soft-top is almost as forgiving as an inflatable. 

Choosing the Right Fliteboard Construction.

For Beginners: Inflatable Fliteboard or Soft Top. 

• Model: Fliteboard Flite Air or Fliteboard soft top. 
• Features: Lightweight, durable construction with a rigid foam core and drop-stitch technology.
• Benefits: Offers a forgiving surface for falls, is easy to transport, and is more affordable than carbon or fiberglass options.
• Customizability: This can be outfitted with various battery options, such as the lightweight Flitecell Nano or the extended Flitecell Sport for longer rides.

For Intermediate Riders: Fiberglass or soft top Fliteboard.

• Model: Fliteboard and Fliteboard Pro 
• Features: Durable fiberglass construction with excellent performance and repairability. The soft top will protect you and the eFoil board for years to come. 
• Benefits: Provides a balance between cost, performance, and durability, making it a solid choice for intermediate riders.
• Customizability: Compatible with different battery options and accessories for a customizable ride.

For Advanced Riders: Carbon Fliteboard.

• Model: Fliteboard Pro Ultra L2 Wave
• Features: Ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction for superior performance.
• Benefits: Ideal for experienced riders looking to push the limits of their eFoiling with sharper cutbacks and deeper carves.
• Customizability: High-end models like the Fliteboard Pro or the Flite X Marc Newson offer top-tier performance and custom options.

Conclusion.

Selecting the best eFoil board construction depends on your riding level, preferences, and budget. Fiberglass boards offer a durable and cost-effective option, while inflatable boards provide portability and safety for beginners. Carbon boards deliver the ultimate in performance and lightweight design for advanced riders. Understanding the pros and cons of each type will help you make an informed decision and enhance your eFoiling experience.

If you have any questions about eFoils or need help deciding which is best for you, call (850) 400-8500 or email us at info@emeraldwake.com for a custom recommendation. We offer eFoil lessons, guided eFoil tours, eFoil demos, storage and delivery options for your eFoils, and more.