Marine

Gyro-stabilized XFoil 2 puts dynamic wing flaps on a hydrofoiling board

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The XFoil 2 is claimed to be the world's first gyro-stabilized hydrofoiling board
PLX Devices
A closer look at the XFoil 2's wings and motor
PLX Devices
The prototype Omega system, pictured here on one of the original XFoil boards
PLX Devices
The XFoil 2 is claimed to be the world's first gyro-stabilized hydrofoiling board
PLX Devices
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If airplane wings have moveable control surfaces, why don't the wings of hydrofoiling boards? Well, the XFoil 2 does, resulting in what is said to be a much smoother and stabler ride than anything offered by its "old school" competitors.

We first heard about the original version of PLX Devices' XFoil two years ago, at which time it was the subject of an Indiegogo campaign.

The board's big selling feature was its modular design, which allowed it to be used as an unpowered stand-up paddleboard, a powered surfboard, or a powered hydrofoiling board. Its foiling wings were like those of any other, in that they were completely rigid.

The XFoil 2 still boasts the original's 3-in-1 design, but it now features what is known as the Omega system. This consists of motorized ailerons on its front wing, along with a motorized elevator on the one in the rear. These are automatically actuated by an integrated 6-axis electronic gyroscope, which instantaneously detects and compensates for any changes in the board's roll, pitch or yaw.

The prototype Omega system, pictured here on one of the original XFoil boards
PLX Devices

According to PLX, this functionality allows the XFoil 2 to maintain a smooth (and upright) ride even when subjected to waves, wind gusts, and subtle unintentional weight-shifting on the part of the user. That said, it still recognizes the rider's more purposeful shifts in body weight, keeping them fully in control of steering at all times.

In hydrofoiling mode, the XFoil 2 has a claimed runtime of one hour with the standard battery or 2.5 hours with an optional long-range battery, and a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). It also sports a lighter, stronger new carbon fiber body with a 6061-T6 anodized aluminum wing mast, a 6,000-watt motor, and a handheld Bluetooth remote (with an OLED display) for controlling the speed.

A closer look at the XFoil 2's wings and motor
PLX Devices

Just as its predecessor was before it, the XFoil 2 is presently on Indiegogo. Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of US$4,999 (planned retail $15,000) will get you the full gyro-stabilized version of the board – a retrofit for the original model is also available for $2,999 (retail $6,000).

You can see the board in action, in the video below.

Source: Indiegogo

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2 comments
christopher
I've only ever ridden the Flite-board brand, but you totally cannot feel ripple or small waves *at all* - not even medium-sized boat wake is noticeable.

I wonder if the X-foil's wing design is defective in the first place, that those things can be noticed on those boards?, or maybe this gyro-idea is snake-oil? "inventing" a problem that doesn't exist to make people who don't know better wrongly believe it "fixes" something?

It would be interesting to get a few riders, and do a blind-trial: make them do a few runs without telling them if the gyro is "on" or "off", and see if they can tell which, or any difference at all?
guzmanchinky
I spent some time on a foil board, it was fun! But I will say this, it get kind of boring after a while. You're just kind of standing there, floating along. And that's what you do. And that's pretty much it. It's not like a Jet Ski/Sea Doo (similar price) where you have incredible power and speed, and can jump waves and just stop and float if you want to...