Foil Drive Gen 2.5 Assist MAX+
Foil Drive Gen 2.5 Assist MAX+ - FM+ 650 / Retrofit Standard is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Foil Drive Gen 2.5 Assist MAX+
Foil Drive Gen 2.5 Assist MAX+ - FM+ 650 / Retrofit Standard is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Description
Description
Foil Drive Gen 2.5 Assist MAX+ is the new all-round Foil Drive for riders who want serious take-off power and useful runtime without moving all the way to the heavier, more eFoil-focused Fusion setup. Built around Foil Drive's newer 43.2V Gen 2.5 architecture and supplied with the 648Wh FM+ 650 smart battery, MAX+ delivers up to 35.5kg of thrust while keeping the complete installation as light as 6.71kg in its minimum-weight configuration.
For surf foiling, downwind, wing foiling, flat-water starts, wake riding and pump training, that balance is the key attraction. MAX Plus gives you enough power to make difficult starts substantially easier, enough battery for proper sessions and enough performance once flying that it still makes sense on a small to mid-length foil board.
It is particularly well suited to riders who want to use the motor to get onto foil, access more waves, recover from mistakes, motor back upwind or create more training repetitions, rather than simply cruising under continuous motor power.
If you are comparing different approaches to powered foiling, browse our foil assist systems or compare MAX+ with the more power-and-runtime-focused Foil Drive Fusion.
Where the Foil Drive Assist MAX+ sits in the range
The easiest way to understand MAX+ is as the performance all-rounder between lightweight short-burst assistance and the larger Fusion platform.
The original Assist MAX established this middle ground, but MAXPlus is a significant technical update rather than simply a new name. It moves to the 43.2V Gen 2.5 electrical platform and uses the newer FM+ battery architecture.
That gives MAX+ more thrust, more battery capacity and a more sophisticated smart-battery setup while retaining the compact format that makes an Assist system appealing in the first place.
| System | Best suited to | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Assist Slim | Experienced riders prioritising minimum weight and short take-off assistance | Less emphasis on sustained motor use and maximum runtime |
| Assist MAX+ | Surf, downwind, wing, wake and flat-water riders wanting the best balance of power, runtime and ride feel | 648Wh battery gives substantial range without moving to the larger Fusion format |
| Fusion | Heavier riders, learning, extended powered riding and riders wanting an eFoil/assist crossover | More battery and sustained-use potential, but with additional installed weight |
Why choose the Foil Drive Gen 2.5 Assist MAX+?
- Much stronger all-round assistance: up to 35.5kg maximum thrust gives MAX+ the punch required for flat-water starts, smaller boards, smaller foils and demanding conditions.
- 648Wh FM+ 650 battery: enough capacity for proper surf, downwind, wing and training sessions without automatically stepping up to the larger Fusion 860 battery.
- 43.2V Gen 2.5 architecture: the latest MAX platform brings MAX+ into the same newer voltage family as Fusion.
- More consistent power deeper into the battery: the FM+ battery has been designed to retain strong output until approximately 10% state of charge before normal battery sag becomes more noticeable.
- Smart battery information: the battery management system communicates useful information including state of charge and battery health through the V3 Controller and Foil Drive App.
- V3 Controller included: giving you the latest Foil Drive control interface, wireless charging and access to ride and system information.
- Retrofit or integrated options: MAX+ can be built around a removable mast-mounted motor installation or selected integrated Foil Drive mast solutions.
- Proper foil-assist versatility: surf, wing, downwind, wake, flat water, pumping practice and light eFoiling can all be covered by one platform.
What does MAX+ actually change on the water?
Surf foiling
MAX+ lets you spend less time paddling for marginal waves and more time actually foiling. Motor out, position yourself earlier, accelerate onto a small swell and then release the throttle once the foil is doing the work. For a competent surf foiler, the biggest benefit is often not easier riding but more wave count and more productive water time.
Flat-water starts and pumping practice
Repeated flat-water paddle-ups are physically demanding. MAX Plus lets you generate the board speed required to practise foil control, pumping and transitions without spending most of the session exhausting yourself on unsuccessful starts. That can make technical training considerably more efficient.
Downwind foiling
Use the motor to help establish your first flight, recover after a touchdown or motor back upwind for another run. It can turn a spot that normally requires a shuttle or very specific conditions into a much more flexible training environment.
Wing foiling
For wing foilers, MAX+ can help release a smaller board through marginal wind, keep you moving through a lull or provide enough initial speed for the foil and wing to take over. Once flying properly, you can reduce or stop the motor and continue to wing normally.
Wake and swell riding
Accelerating onto passing boat wake or weak rolling swell becomes considerably easier. Rather than needing perfect timing and maximum pumping effort every time, MAX+ gives you repeatable speed on demand.
Recovery
One of the less glamorous but genuinely useful benefits is getting back into position quickly after a fall. More attempts per session usually means more useful practice.
Who is the Foil Drive MAX+ for?
Foil Drive position MAX+ primarily for riders under approximately 100kg using small to mid-length boards, although board efficiency, foil size, ability and conditions all matter as much as body weight.
We would look particularly closely at MAX+ if you:
- want one serious foil assist system for several disciplines;
- surf foil and want significantly more waves per session;
- want to practise flat-water starts or pumping without wasting energy getting started;
- downwind foil and want powered starts, recovery or upwind access;
- wing foil in light or inconsistent UK wind;
- want to move towards a smaller board or smaller foil but still need help generating take-off speed;
- want strong power but do not need the maximum battery capacity of Fusion;
- already foil reasonably well and want assistance to increase opportunity rather than replace foil technique.
If you are significantly over 100kg, are learning with a particularly demanding setup or expect to spend long periods riding continuously under motor power, the Foil Drive Fusion deserves serious consideration as well.
For more help matching board volume, foil size and assist power to your weight, read our foil assist setup by rider weight guide.
Foil Drive Assist MAX+ specifications
| Product | Foil Drive Assist MAX+ |
|---|---|
| Generation | Gen 2.5 |
| Foil Drive SKU | FD400 |
| GTIN | 9361123003592 |
| System voltage | 43.2V |
| Battery | FM+ 650 |
| Battery capacity | 648Wh / 15Ah |
| Maximum thrust | Up to 35.5kg depending on motor and propeller configuration |
| Peak boost power | 2,150W |
| Sustained power | 1,750W |
| Peak power | 2.88hp |
| Sustained power | 2.35hp |
| Minimum installed weight | 6.71kg* |
| Installed dimensions with FM+ 650 | 540 x 125 x 55mm |
| System water and dust resistance | IP68 |
| Battery water and dust resistance | IP69-rated battery construction |
| Controller | Foil Drive V3 Controller |
| App compatibility | Foil Drive App for iOS and Android |
*Foil Drive's stated minimum installed weight is based on the unit, FM+ 650 battery, Integrated High Power Motor, three-blade hub and propellers and applicable nosecone components. A retrofit installation using a Mini Pod at approximately 20cm adds around 360g.
FM+ 650 battery: the heart of MAX+
The FM+ 650 is a major part of what separates MAX+ from the previous Assist MAX generation. It uses a 648Wh, 43.2V smart lithium-ion battery built as a one-piece battery and integrated nose-cone assembly.
That one-piece design is intended to improve sealing, durability, water flow and weight distribution. The battery sits centrally around the foil's lift area rather than relying on a separate nose cone.
Smart battery management
An intelligent Bluetooth battery-management system communicates with the V3 Controller and Foil Drive App, allowing compatible software to report information including state of charge, battery health and cell information.
More consistent usable power
The Gen 2.5 battery architecture has been designed to retain full performance deeper into the discharge cycle. Foil Drive quotes strong output down to around 10% remaining charge before the normal voltage sag associated with a depleted battery becomes more apparent.
Charging
The FM+ 650 uses the supplied 43V charger and has an indicative average charge time of approximately 85 minutes. Storage Mode is available to make longer-term battery care easier.
For storage, Foil Drive recommend approximately 30–60% state of charge. As with any high-capacity lithium battery used around salt water, correct charging, drying, inspection and storage should be treated as part of normal ownership rather than an optional extra.
How long does the Foil Drive MAX+ battery last?
Runtime depends enormously on rider weight, foil efficiency, board size, motor position, propeller choice, sea state and how much throttle you actually use.
Foil Drive's indicative testing for the FM+ 650 battery uses an 80kg rider, an 800cm² foil and a 5'0" 40L board. Under those controlled examples they quote:
| Use | Indicative runtime |
|---|---|
| Flat-water / eFoil-style use – intermediate rider | Approximately 31 minutes |
| Flat-water / eFoil-style use – advanced rider | Approximately 52 minutes |
| Surf foil – intermediate rider | Approximately 40–50 minutes |
| Surf foil – advanced rider | Approximately 55–70 minutes |
These should be treated as comparison figures rather than guaranteed session times. A rider using brief bursts purely for wave entry may achieve a very different session length from somebody continuously surface-motoring or repeatedly performing full-power flat-water starts.
Foil Drive MAX+ vs Fusion
The arrival of MAX+ makes this comparison much more interesting because both systems now sit on Foil Drive's newer 43V Gen 2.5 platform.
| Specification | Assist MAX+ | Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | All-round foil assist | Maximum runtime and assist/eFoil crossover |
| Voltage platform | 43.2V Gen 2.5 | 43V Gen 2.5 |
| Standard battery route | FM+ 650 | Fusion 860 |
| MAX+ battery capacity | 648Wh | Up to 864Wh with Fusion 860 |
| FM+ 650 compatibility | Direct fit | Compatible using the FM+ Battery Adaptor |
| Maximum thrust | Up to 35.5kg | Higher-power Fusion platform |
| Ride character | Lighter, more assist-focused | More planted, longer-runtime and better suited to sustained power |
For most experienced foilers who primarily want power for take-off, wave collection, upwind access and recovery, MAX+ is the more assist-focused package. Fusion becomes particularly relevant when runtime, heavier riders and extended powered riding start taking priority over minimum installed weight.
See the Foil Drive Fusion Complete Kit for the alternative route.
Compatibility: an important change from the previous Assist MAX
MAX+ uses the Gen 2.5 FM+ battery system. Previous Gen 2 Assist MAX batteries are not compatible with MAX+.
This is worth understanding before upgrading. MAX+ runs at 43.2V and uses the new FM+ battery architecture, whereas the previous Assist MAX platform used the earlier 40V battery family.
- FM+ 650 battery: compatible with MAX+.
- 43V Foil Drive charger: compatible with MAX+.
- Previous Gen 2 MAX batteries: not compatible with MAX+.
- FM+ 650 can also be used with Fusion when fitted with the appropriate FM+ Battery Adaptor.
- Motor, cable length, mast mounting and propeller setup should still be matched to your foil, board and intended riding style.
If you are building a premium dedicated installation, the Code Foils x Foil Drive Integrated Carbon Mast is one example of a purpose-built integrated mast route. If you prefer the ability to move Foil Drive between different foil brands, a retrofit motor and Mini Pod configuration usually gives greater flexibility.
Browse Foil Assist spares and accessories for compatible hardware, controllers, pods, cables and servicing parts.
What's included with the Foil Drive Assist MAX+
The exact motor components depend on the MAX+ variant selected, but the main package includes:
- Foil Drive Assist MAX+ unit and case
- FM+ 650 648Wh battery
- Your selected motor option
- Your selected regional AC power lead
- Foil Drive V3 Controller with bump guard installed
- 43V 12A Standard Charger
- 4 x titanium T40 M7 split bolts
Controller accessories
- Wireless USB-C controller charging pad and cable
- Alternative bump guard
- Controller wrist leash
- 1.5mm Allen key for bump guard removal
Tools and maintenance hardware
- T40 driver
- T30 driver
- 2.5mm black titanium driver
- Pick tool
- 2 x 15g battery grease
- 2 x nose-cone rocker pads
- 3 x M4 10mm titanium motor plug bolts
- Anode replacement kit
- Replacement electronics-box O-ring
- Replacement motor-cable O-rings
- Microfibre towel
Additional items
- 2 x mast foam track guides
- Tool caddy stored inside MAX+
- Sticker pack
- User manuals
Please note: your foil board, mast, front wing, fuselage and stabiliser are not included unless they are specifically shown as part of the product variant or package you select.
Watch our Foil Drive overview
Our walkthrough with Dominic Hoskyns is useful for understanding how Foil Drive works in the real world, how the MAX concept differs from lighter assist systems and how motor assistance fits into normal foiling. The video predates the new Gen 2.5 MAX+, so use the 43.2V, FM+ 650 and MAX+ specifications on this page for the latest technical information.
Foil Drive Gen 2.5 Assist MAX+ FAQs
Is the Foil Drive MAX+ the same as the old Assist MAX?
No. MAX+ retains the all-round Assist MAX concept but moves to Foil Drive's newer Gen 2.5 43.2V platform and FM+ battery family. It should be treated as a new generation rather than simply a renamed Gen 2 MAX.
Can I use my existing Gen 2 MAX battery in MAX+?
No. Previous Gen 2 MAX batteries are not compatible with the 43.2V MAX+ system. MAX+ is designed around the FM+ battery architecture.
Which battery comes with MAX+?
The current FD400 MAX+ package is supplied with the FM+ 650 battery. It provides 648Wh / 15Ah of capacity at 43.2V.
How powerful is Foil Drive MAX+?
Foil Drive quote up to 35.5kg maximum thrust, 2,150W peak boost power and 1,750W sustained power. Actual thrust and ride performance depend on the motor, propeller, battery, motor position and complete foil setup.
How heavy is the Foil Drive MAX+?
Foil Drive quote a minimum installed weight of 6.71kg in the specified Integrated High Power Motor configuration. A retrofit Mini Pod installation at approximately 20cm adds around 360g.
How long does the FM+ 650 battery run for?
Foil Drive's controlled test figures range from approximately 31–52 minutes for flat-water/eFoil-style use and approximately 40–70 minutes for surf use, depending on rider ability and motor dependence. Real-world runtime varies substantially with rider weight, board, foil, conditions and throttle use.
How quickly does the FM+ 650 charge?
Foil Drive quote an average charge time of approximately 85 minutes using the appropriate 43V charger. The charger also supports Storage Mode.
Should I buy MAX+ or Fusion?
MAX+ makes most sense when you want a powerful, versatile foil assist and still care strongly about installed weight and normal foil feel. Fusion is worth the additional consideration when maximum runtime, heavier-rider support or sustained eFoil-style powered riding are bigger priorities.
Can the FM+ 650 battery also be used with Fusion?
Yes. The FM+ 650 can be used with Foil Drive Fusion when the correct FM+ Battery Adaptor is fitted. MAX+ accepts the FM+ 650 directly.
Can I use MAX+ for wing foiling?
Yes. It is particularly useful for getting smaller boards moving, dealing with light or gusty wind, recovering through lulls and generating enough initial speed for the foil and wing to take over.
Can I use MAX+ for surf foiling?
Yes. Surf foiling is one of its strongest use cases. The motor can be used to reach waves, enter weak swell earlier and increase the number of useful rides in a session before switching the power off and foiling normally.
Is MAX+ a full eFoil?
MAX+ can support light eFoil-style use, particularly with an appropriate longer motor cable, but its main strength is high-performance foil assistance. If prolonged powered riding is your main objective, we would also compare it with Foil Drive Fusion or a dedicated eFoil.
Which motor cable length should I choose?
A 20cm removable cable is a very versatile starting point for surf, wing, downwind, pumping and flat-water assist. Longer 60cm or 70cm cables position the motor deeper and are more relevant for dedicated eFoil-style use. The ideal choice depends on your board, mast and riding goal.
Can The SUP Company help check my setup before I order?
Yes. Tell us your rider weight, board, foil brand and model, mast, front wing size and main riding style. We can help determine whether MAX+ is appropriate and which motor installation makes the most sense.
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