I tested the Flite Lab AMP Board twice last week, and the conclusion is simple: this is not a true foil assist system — it’s basically a prone assistant.
What it actually does is give you a small boost during the paddle-in. It helps you get into the wave a bit easier, but that’s about it.
It doesn’t change your range or what you can surf. You’re not able to:
catch waves earlier or further outside
get into fatter or weaker waves
ride in marginal or flat conditions
And that’s where it falls short.
Compared to real assist systems like Duotone Foil Assist, Foil Drive, or even setups like the Towboggie, those actually expand what’s possible — they give you access, range, and versatility. You can go outside, pick your waves, and ride conditions that would otherwise be impossible.
The AMP Board doesn’t do that. It just makes paddling slightly easier.
At nearly $8,000, it’s hard to justify. Based on performance alone, a fair value would be no more than $3,000.
Bottom line:
This isn’t a real foil assist — it’s a limited prone aid, and at its current price, it’s simply disappointing.
We’ve already seen quite a few videos of downwind starts. Considering how many people struggle even with an 8-foot board, I think it’s fair to say this opens up new possibilities.
That said, it’s still just assistance for the take-off. I’m actually a bit surprised to see some people disappointed compared to the Foil Drive, because it’s a completely different concept and not really comparable.
On my side, I’m using a tow boogie, and I think many of us would agree it’s the best forms of assistance.
Listening to numerous podcasts makes it clear. There is a definite learning curve with the board. The more you use it, the better you will be at using it. Just like any other tool. It was never meant to be anything but what you described though.
As long as someone buys it with the proper frame of reference they should be happy with what they got. When AMPMast comes out we shall see how that fits into the ecosystem and will allow you to power around on flat water.
We have a lot of customers who would disagree. It sounds like you were either running one battery or the settings weren’t right. You can definitely catch waves with the AMP that you would even stand a chance of catching with a midlength. A completely non-breaking wave.
Not that I can, as I am not fast enough to my feet but guys are flat water starting the 4’6. Sitting wide of the break or using it in conditions where surfers can’t even catch a wave is it’s whole point. Also light wind winging and parrawinging. I have only just started to parrawing and really struggle to get going even on an 85L with the parra wing but get up easy with the Jet. Then there is downwinding which definitly takes some time to learn with the AMPJet but once you do it’s pretty epic. I started downwinding on the 5’8 then moved to the 5’0 and now I can catch even smaller bumps on the 4’6 that I could on the 5’8 when I started. It’s all about timing and technique.
It’s never going to jet you back out the back whilst on foil it was never designed for that. That is what the AMPMast will be for. But for fat waves, sitting wide, Big waves, light wind winging/para and downwind is where it shines. No drag on the mast and a closer feeling to a non assist board.