TakeOff Evo

Foil Assist from Manta Foils

If you're interested in electric assistance for foiling, you should check out the foil assist system from Manta Foils. It's called TakeOff Evo, and this kit can be mounted under any foilboard with a dual US box. The drive unit attaches to standard foil masts via an adjustable mount (pod), and the flat control cable is routed along the trailing edge using a special guide rail. It’s controlled via a remote that offers 10 power levels and can be connected to an app for session analysis.

The TakeOff Evo system is lightweight, modular, and designed for optimal hydrodynamics thanks to its slim 13-cm-wide base unit. The highlight: the streamlined “Air” battery packs, each with a capacity of 97 Wh, can be taken on airline flights (four kits per person). The base kit includes two batteries that, when stacked on top of each other, provide a capacity of 194 Wh, enabling 15–20 minutes of riding time. The complete base system weighs approximately 4.5 kg.

If you want to extend the range, you can either use two additional battery packs (for a total of 388 Wh) or opt for the larger “Endurance” battery, which alone provides 518 Wh. The maximum configuration is one Endurance battery combined with two Air batteries, which, at 712 Wh, allows for a ride time of 65–70 minutes. The system weight is then 7.3 kg.

The powerful motor delivers 3,500 watts (35 kg of thrust) and is completely maintenance-free thanks to its sealed design. A quick rinse with water is sufficient for cleaning.

With a longer power cable, the pod and motor can be mounted lower, allowing it to function as an e-foil for continuous propulsion. However, the TakeOff Evo System is primarily intended as a foil assist system designed to make it easier to catch waves and return to the lineup. It’s useful not only for surf foiling, but also for downwind rides or as a takeoff support for wing foiling. The motor is used only until you’re flying on the foil.

Manta Foil offers compatible trench boards (boards with a recess for the battery unit) in 32- and 48-liter sizes (manufactured by Appletree), AFS also offers compatible boards.

AFS also offers an 80-cm carbon mast with an integrated pod (motor mount) to minimize drag as much as possible. Two aluminum masts with integrated motor mounts for assist (top) or e-foiling (bottom) are also available from Manta Foils.

If you want to keep the board lightweight, you can also carry the battery unit in a backpack. Manta Foils offers a special backpack for this purpose that can also be used with 90mm foil box systems from other manufacturers and provides approximately 5 kg of buoyancy.

The fun of e-foiling with Manta Foils starts at 5,380 euros with the TakeOff Evo basic kit and can be expanded in a modular fashion. You can find all technical information, the online store, and the company’s history (the brand has been active in e-foiling since 2019) on this website: www.mantafoils.com

Everything is explained concisely in this 5-minute video. Additional videos on the individual components are available on the Manta Foils YouTube channel.