If you're looking at adding power assistance to your foiling setup, the two biggest players right now are Duotone's Foil Assist and the FoilDrive range. Both are brilliant systems but they’re designed around different ideas. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose the right option for the way you ride.
Quick Summary
- Duotone Foil Assist: Lighter, cheaper, cleaner hydrodynamics, integrated mast, around 30–35 minutes runtime.
- FoilDrive Max: Higher runtime (40–55 minutes), heavier under-board battery, more accessories needed to reduce drag. Price around £5,000.
- FoilDrive Slim: Lower profile (reduced drag to FD MAX) but shorter runtime (20–30 minutes).
- FoilDrive Fusion: Longest runtime (60+ minutes), heavy, highest price at over £6,000.
Price Comparison
- Duotone Foil Assist: ~£4,000 including integrated mast.
- FoilDrive Max: ~£5,000–£5,100 depending on battery.
- FoilDrive Slim: Slightly cheaper but reduced runtime.
- FoilDrive Fusion: £6,000+ with the longest runtime available.
Runtime
- Duotone Foil Assist: 30–45minutes depending on use. Waves extend battery life due to stop/start riding.
- FoilDrive Max: 40 minutes (standard battery), up to 55 minutes (high-power battery).
- FoilDrive Slim: Around 20–30 minutes.
- FoilDrive Fusion: 60+ minutes, ideal for long-distance e-foil and long upwind/downwind missions.
Weight & Drag
- Duotone: Belt-mounted battery keeps the board lighter and reduces drag.
- FoilDrive Max/Slim: Battery mounted under the board creates drag unless you buy a trench board.
- Fusion: Heaviest (6kg+), best suited for e-foil style riding / very long distance riding.
Hydrodynamics
- Duotone: Cleanest setup on the market, integrated mast, no tape or brackets, minimal drag. Comes with integrated mast.
- FoilDrive: If do not purchase additional integrated mast - will require tape and often split bolts for easy removal. Trench board optional if want to reduce drag (surf riding).
Extra Costs to Consider
- Duotone: None required beyond optional carbon mast upgrade.
-
FoilDrive:
- Antenna for carbon boards: ~£250.
- Trench board for reduced drag.
- Titanium split bolts for easier mounting.
Remote Control Differences
- Duotone: Geared clicking throttle, very predictable and refined.
- FoilDrive Max/Slim: Dead-man trigger style (spring loaded). New remote coming soon - similar features to duotone.
Performance
- Torque: Similar between systems if using higher power Foil Drive Motor.
- Speed: FoilDrive Max with 3-blade prop can offer slightly higher top-end.
- Surf & Wing Use: Duotone’s low drag out the box makes it more simple option.
-
Flatwater E-Foil: FoilDrive Max or Fusion are stronger choices.
- Need to motor upwind for significant time: FoilDrive Max or Fusion are stronger choices.
Spare Batteries
- Duotone: Around £700 per spare battery set.
- FoilDrive: Around £1,000 per spare battery (Fusion batteries more). *more run time
Board Compatibility
- Duotone: Works with any board, no need for external antennas.
- FoilDrive: Carbon boards need an antenna, trench board needed to reduce drag.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Duotone Foil Assist | FoilDrive Max | FoilDrive Slim | FoilDrive Fusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~£4,000 (mast included) | £5,000–£5,100 | £4,000 | £6,000+ |
| Runtime | 30–35 mins | 40–55 mins | 20–30 mins | 60+ mins |
| Weight | Light (belt battery) | Heavier | Medium | Very heavy (6kg+) |
| Drag | Very low | High unless trench board | Medium | High |
| Battery Location | On rider’s hip | Under board | Under board | Under board |
| Extra Costs | None | Antenna, trench board, split bolts | Same as Max | Expensive batteries |
| Best For | Surf, wing, low drag | Long sessions | Reduced Drag Surf Assist | Long-distance, Down-winding & e-foil |
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure which system suits your riding, give us a call at Worthing Watersports and we’ll happily talk you through the options.
01903 247 742