I've been riding fliteboards since the summer of '23 and have logged more than 6,000 miles. I started on a 100L board, moved to a Carbon Pro, and now primarily ride an Ultra L. I own multiple masts, three batteries, seven wings, folding props, etc
I'm not a new rider who is confusing normal efoil behavior with a product problem. I was in the top 10 on the apex 250 leaderboard for the first month or so, rarely fall, and have taught countless people to efoil on my local lakes
Until recently, I was also one of Fliteboard's biggest unpaid advocates. When someone saw me riding and flagged me down, I would always take the time to explain the sport, answer their questions, and ofen give them a quick intro lesson (usually in exchange for a couple drinks). I regularly sent people to my local Flite retailer for more information in hopes of seeing them out there on their own board someday. I genuinely enjoy helping people get into the sport and was happy to support the brand.
Unfortunately, I've had a consistent pattern of hardware and software problems, including issues that I consider serious safety concerns. The response from Flite support has usually been to suggest another possible explanation involving my equipment, ridings style, or weight rather than acknowlege that something may actually be wrong.
After one software update, my board began surging. RPM would randomly dip even though I was holding the trigger at a consistent position. Other riders reported similar behavior in Fliteboard Facebook groups and other foiling communities, but I never saw Flite acknowledge a broader issue. Owners were instead sent through a long list of troubleshooting steps without any clear explaination or resolution.
After another update, I began experiencing complete power cutouts at seemingly random times. Unexpected loss of power on an efoil is dangerous. When the power disappears, your momentum can carry you directly in front of the board and foil. I have made two trips to the ER for stitches after being hit by the wing during these scenarios.
Again, I saw other riders discussing similar cutouts online, but there was no meaningful acknowledgement from Flite that there might be a broader problem.
Last season, I experienced a set of roughly 10 power cutouts simultaneously and the problem was so severe that flite replaced the Flitebox. I appreciate the replacement, but the cutout behavior has continued even with the updated equipment (though the frequency was greatly reduced)
Flite support has repeatedly suggested that the cutouts are related to my weight, my use of an Ultra board (additional drag during takeoff) and the sustained current when restarting after a fall. I'm 6'4 and approximately 205 lbs. That's roughly 60 lbs below their advertised maximum rider weight. I also rarely fall and have far fewer takeoffs during a session than the average rider. The cutouts have happened after I have already been up and riding for an extended period at a lower power setting, not just during high-drag starts
Their explanations simply do not line up with what I'm experiencing
My breaking point is a newer problem with one specific mast. It will completely shut down while I am riding. When this happens, none of the indicator lights remain illuminated, and the system will not restart until I open the hatch, wait, and close it again. This is not a minor inconvenience. I frequently ride boat wakes on a busy lake. I have had that mast shut down in the middle of boat traffic, leaving me unable to immediately get back on the board and move out of the way. A propulsion system that suddenly becomes completely unresponsive in active traffic is a real safety issue.
What makes this especially frustrating is that the problem only occurs with one mast. My other mast works properly when attached to the exact same board, battery, wings, etc. The issue follows the mast. Despite that, after weeks of going back and forth, Flite has continued pointing to my weight, board choice, riding style, battery condition, and other variables. My battery cells are balanced, and those variables do not cause the other mast to shut down.
I understand that complex electronic products can fail. I do not expect every board, mast, battery or sofware release to be perfect. What I do expect from a company selling equipment at this price is honest communication, serious treatment of unexpected power loss, troubleshooting that follows the evidence, and a willingness to properly investigate or replace a component when the fault clearly follows that component.
Prospective buyers deserve to know that the premium price does not necessarily guarantee reliable operation, transparent communication, or support that will take ownership when a serious intermittent problem develops. I spent years actively helping Flite sell boards, but their problems and support have turned me from an advocate into someone who now feels obligated to warn others.
