Foil Drive logo
Foil Drive logo

All articles

Foil Drive Gen2.5 Max+ OverviewUpdated 12 hours ago

The all-rounder just got better.

The Gen2.5 MAX+ takes everything riders love about the MAX and re-invents it by bringing the best features of Fusion into the same compact MAX form factor.

Don't let the size fool you - MAX+ delivers 20% more power and thrust than the previous MAX system, along with increased runtime, improved battery durability, faster charging and a range of new features.

More power. More runtime. Same lightweight feel. 

MAX+ is Foil Drive's ultimate all-rounder. It performs across virtually every foiling discipline, including foil assist and e-foiling, while maintaining the light, responsive feel that makes Foil Drive different.

Who is MAX+ for?

MAX+ is designed for riders who want one system that can do almost everything.

While MAX+ performs across all foiling disciplines, its true specialty is Foil Assist.

It sits at the center of the Foil Drive range, offering a unique balance of:

Power + Runtime + Weight + Ride Feel

MAX+ provides enough power and battery capacity for a full session, while remaining light and nimble enough to preserve a natural foil experience.

It is ideal for riders who want to:

  • Foil Assist in surf, wing, downwind, wake and flatwater conditions
  • E-foil when required
  • Get onto foil more easily
  • Use smaller boards or foils
  • Ride at lower throttle percentages to conserve battery
  • Have additional power available when conditions get difficult
  • Build a system that can evolve with their riding

What's New with Gen2.5 MAX+?

Gen2.5 brings a major evolution to the MAX platform.

20% More Power & Thrust

MAX+ delivers approximately 20% more power and thrust than the previous MAX system, with the overall Gen2.5 platform delivering approximately 20–27% more power and thrust depending on the configuration.

The additional power is particularly noticeable during take-off.

Use the extra thrust to:

  • Get onto foil more easily
  • Downsize your foil
  • Use a smaller board
  • Accelerate more quickly
  • Get onto plane sooner
  • Reduce throttle percentage once you're foiling
  • Conserve battery runtime

The result is a system that can provide more performance without requiring a heavier setup.

A "Mini Fusion" in a MAX Form Factor

MAX+ brings many of the technologies introduced with Fusion into the familiar MAX-sized form factor.

This includes:

  • 43 V battery architecture
  • Improved battery durability
  • Smart Battery Management System
  • Faster charging
  • Optional Tilt Sensor
  • Auto Lock functions
  • Simplified installation
  • Increased power and thrust

The result is essentially a "Mini Fusion" - combining many of Fusion's advanced features with the compact size and familiar ride feel of MAX.

43V Cross-Compatible Battery Ecosystem

One of the biggest changes with Gen2.5 is the move to a shared 43V battery ecosystem.

The FM+ 650 Battery is compatible with both MAX+ and Fusion.

This creates a more flexible system that can grow with your riding.

One Battery. Multiple Systems.

With the shared 43 V ecosystem, riders can: 

  • Move a battery between MAX+ and Fusion
  • Change systems as their riding evolves
  • Share batteries between compatible setups
  • Add another system without completely rebuilding their battery collection

This makes your Foil Drive investment more flexible over time.

A Simpler Battery Lineup

Previous Foil Drive battery options could involve multiple battery choices and compatibility restrictions.

The new FM+ battery ecosystem is designed to simplify decision-making for both riders and retailers, while still providing flexibility to customise your system.

You can refine your components as your riding develops without being locked into a single system.

Gen2.5 Battery Durability

Gen2.5 batteries are designed with increased durability for demanding marine environments.

The batteries feature:

  • IP69 water and dust resistance
  • Robust molded housing
  • Protected internal cells
  • Independent battery construction

Replaceable Battery Design

The battery remains an independent component of the system.

If the battery is ever damaged, it can be replaced independently rather than requiring replacement of the entire MAX+ system.

This provides a significant advantage for long-term ownership and serviceability.

Smart Battery Management System

Gen2.5 batteries feature a Smart BMS (Battery Management System) that actively manages the battery during:

  • Riding
  • Charging
  • Storage

The Smart BMS provides improved battery monitoring and management throughout the battery's lifecycle.

Power the Battery On or Off from the App

The Gen2.5 battery can be powered down when not in use through the Foil Drive App.

This is particularly useful when setting up your board the night before a session.

For example, if you're using a trench board:

Set up the night before → Power the battery OFF → Transport/store the board → Power the battery back ON when you're ready to ride.

This makes preparing your setup easier while helping manage battery power when the system is not being used.

To learn more, see: FM+ 650 Battery Overview

Faster Charging

Every MAX+ and Fusion unit includes the 43V / 12A Charger.

The higher-current charger allows you to spend less time waiting for your batteries to charge and more time on the water.

Storage Mode

The charger also provides Storage Mode, allowing you to store your battery at a lower State of Charge rather than keeping it fully charged during periods of non-use.

When you're ready to ride, simply top the battery back up before your session.

Running Multiple Batteries

If you have two compatible batteries, the 12 A charger allows you to cycle through batteries efficiently throughout the day.

This is particularly useful when conditions are good and you're riding multiple sessions.

Enhanced Safety Features

Gen2.5 introduces additional safety features designed to make the system easier and safer to operate.

Optional Tilt Sensor

MAX+ includes an optional Tilt Sensor that can automatically shut off the motor when the board begins to tip beyond the programmed angle.

This can provide an additional layer of protection during unexpected falls or board movements.

The Tilt Sensor can be configured according to rider preference.

V3 Controller Auto Lock

The V3 Controller includes Auto Lock functionality, helping prevent accidental motor activation when the system is not ready to ride.

Always check the controller before entering the water and complete the required pre-flight checks.

Simplified Installation

Gen2.5 has been designed to make installation faster and easier.

The system uses the supplied Foil Drive M7 Split Bolts, reducing the number of installation steps required.

V3 Controller

MAX+ uses the V3 Controller, providing complete control of the system and access to the Foil Drive App.

Features include:

  • GPS speed tracking
  • Distance tracking
  • Session tracking
  • Gear and Trigger throttle modes
  • Boost
  • High-brightness display
  • Auto Lock functionality
  • Firmware updates through the Foil Drive App

Riding MAX+

MAX+ is designed to provide power when you need it and allow you to return to a natural foil experience when you don't.

Foil Assist

MAX+ excels as a foil-assist system.

Use the motor to accelerate and get onto foil, then reduce the throttle and transition into:

  • Gliding
  • Pumping
  • Carving
  • Wave riding
  • Downwind riding

Smaller Foils & Boards

The additional thrust of MAX+ can allow riders to use smaller foils or boards than they would otherwise be able to comfortably take off with.

Conserve Runtime

The additional power doesn't have to mean using more energy.

Once you're on foil, use the increased thrust to get up to speed quickly and then reduce the throttle.

Foiling at a lower throttle percentage can help conserve battery runtime during a session.

Compatibility

MAX+ uses the Gen2.5 43V battery ecosystem.

The FM+ 650 Battery can be used across compatible MAX+ and Fusion systems.

This cross-compatibility allows riders to change systems or expand their setup without needing completely separate battery ecosystems.

Do not connect batteries, chargers or electronics that are not specifically confirmed as compatible with the Gen2.5 system.

FAQs

What is the difference between MAX and MAX+?

MAX+ is the next-generation evolution of MAX.

Compared with the previous MAX, MAX+ provides:

  • Approximately 20% more power and thrust
  • Longer runtime options
  • 43 V battery architecture
  • Improved battery durability
  • IP69 battery protection
  • Smart BMS
  • Faster charging
  • Optional Tilt Sensor
  • V3 Controller Auto Lock
  • Simplified installation

Is MAX+ an e-foil or foil-assist?

Both.

MAX+ performs across all foiling disciplines, including e-foiling.

However, its true specialty is Foil Assist, where it provides an ideal balance of power, runtime and lightweight ride feel.

What is the advantage of the 43 V battery ecosystem?

The 43 V ecosystem allows compatible batteries to be used across MAX+ and Fusion.

This means you can change systems, expand your setup or share compatible batteries without needing completely separate battery ecosystems.

What is the FM+ 650 Battery?

The FM+ 650 is part of the new 43 V battery ecosystem and is compatible with both MAX+ and Fusion.

It provides a more flexible battery solution that can grow with your Foil Drive setup.

How durable is the Gen2.5 battery?

Gen2.5 batteries feature a robust molded housing and IP69 water and dust resistance.

The battery is also an independent component, meaning it can be replaced separately if damage occurs rather than requiring replacement of the entire system.

What is the Smart BMS?

The Smart BMS actively manages the battery during use, charging and storage.

It also allows the battery to be powered on and off through the Foil Drive App.

Can I turn the battery off from the App?

Yes.

The Gen2.5 battery can be powered off through the Foil Drive App and powered back on when you're ready to ride.

This is particularly useful when preparing a board in advance, such as a trench-board setup.

What charger does MAX+ use?

MAX+ uses the 43 V / 12 A Charger.

The charger includes Storage Mode for preparing the battery for storage and provides faster charging between sessions.

Does MAX+ have a Tilt Sensor?

Yes.

MAX+ features an optional Tilt Sensor that can automatically shut off motor power when the board begins tipping beyond the programmed angle.

What is Auto Lock?

The V3 Controller includes Auto Lock functionality to help prevent unintended motor activation.

Always confirm the system's lock status before handling or entering the water.

Is MAX+ compatible with Fusion?

The 43 V battery ecosystem is shared between compatible MAX+ and Fusion systems, allowing compatible batteries such as the FM+ 650 to be moved between the systems.

Why should I choose MAX+?

Choose MAX+ if you want the best all-round balance of power, runtime and ride feel.

MAX+ is particularly well suited if you want:

  • Stronger takeoff performance
  • Longer sessions
  • A lightweight system
  • Foil Assist versatility
  • E-foil capability
  • Compatibility with the Fusion battery ecosystem
  • A system that can evolve with your riding

How does the Max+ compare with the Slim, Max and Fusion?

Slim prioritises minimum weight, responsiveness, pumping and agility.

MAX provides more thrust and significantly more battery capacity than the Slim, making it better suited to riders who want longer sessions, more assistance and greater versatility across different conditions.

Fusion provides the longest run time, more thrust and sustained power across the whole voltage range of the battery. The Fusion is best suited to riders over 100kg or those wanting to use the system as an e-foil alternative.

Max+ keeps what you love about the Gen2 Max, but is packed with all the extra features of the Gen2.5, including more thrust, more battery options and safety features.

If your priority is minimum weight and natural foil feel, choose Slim.

If your priority is power, runtime and versatility, choose MAX.

If your priority is power, runtime, versatility and you're over 90kg, choose Fusion.

If your priority is power, runtime, versatility and you're under 90kg, choose Max+.

To compare our systems side by side, click here to see the Compare Page on the website.

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No