I wonder how it compares to the foildrive in terms of weight, drag and power (40V?)
Otherwise it looks good especially the travel capability of the air version.
looks just like the foil drive...without the kludgy tape around the mast. good to see the competition coming out and hopefully it will bring prices down. but looks like they need better global distribution/resellers, e.g., AUS, US, etc.
The Flow battery is huge, but un removable or replaceable. Probably more suited to efoil applications as it weighs 6kgs. The Air looks interesting but still heavier than the FD Max at 5kgs, the Max is 4.5kgs.
Select to expand quotebeached57 said..
looks just like the foil drive...without the kludgy tape around the mast. good to see the competition coming out and hopefully it will bring prices down. but looks like they need better global distribution/resellers, e.g., AUS, US, etc.
There is a "Takeoff Australia" who are based in Sydney. They had reached out to me a while back and asked me if I'd consider working with them (education/lesson based as I was a FD user) but I have no further information/bias other than that. I'll hopefully be getting a decent demo on one when they hit the shores. From the website I do like the fact they are travel ready, the remote seems to be feature rich, not having to tape the mast and easily move pod height without needing another motor/cable length would be nice (providing it doesn't mess with flow) the charging setup seems rapid and with more status details and hopefully it's not limited with connectivity issues requiring an additional $440 purchase to make it useable.But until I've actually seen/used it they are just website specs at this stage, either way it will be good to have some much needed competition but honestly having currently reverted back to foiling non assisted my verdict is out on the over saturation of assists both marketing and in the lineups.
Select to expand quoteairsail said..
The Flow battery is huge, but un removable or replaceable. Probably more suited to efoil applications as it weighs 6kgs. The Air looks interesting but still heavier than the FD Max at 5kgs, the Max is 4.5kgs.
I am all up for competition as long as companies are being truthful about their specs. 864Wh is about 4kg of Cells alone. Add Cell holders, BMS, Wire, ESC, Motor, Prop, Motor mount and Alloy case and I can't see how they came in at 6kg. The motor now looks like an outrunner so to get the torque they need the motor alone will be close to 1kg. If they have got the whole system down to 6kg then thats impressive. The Nano battery for a Fliteboard is 6.2kg and it's 806 Wh. Thats Battery only.
Select to expand quotebeached57 said..
looks just like the foil drive...without the kludgy tape around the mast. good to see the competition coming out and hopefully it will bring prices down. but looks like they need better global distribution/resellers, e.g., AUS, US, etc.
Looks like a gamechanger for competition in this space, hopefully pricing becomes more realistic, currently rigs are clise to 9K which seems hard to justify.
Select to expand quoteactivechris said..airsail said..
The Flow battery is huge, but un removable or replaceable. Probably more suited to efoil applications as it weighs 6kgs. The Air looks interesting but still heavier than the FD Max at 5kgs, the Max is 4.5kgs.
I am all up for competition as long as companies are being truthful about their specs. 864Wh is about 4kg of Cells alone. Add Cell holders, BMS, Wire, ESC, Motor, Prop, Motor mount and Alloy case and I can't see how they came in at 6kg. The motor now looks like an outrunner so to get the torque they need the motor alone will be close to 1kg. If they have got the whole system down to 6kg then thats impressive. The Nano battery for a Fliteboard is 6.2kg and it's 806 Wh. Thats Battery only.
Totally agree with you. Manta are coming from efoils, even their ad says biggest battery in class, so also means the heaviest. FD have always developed with the surfer in mind, weight is critical, not run time. Good to see competitors in this area but for those interested only in pump and waves the weight will be a huge disadvantage. And I understand that swapping batteries on the Air isn't something you want to try at the beach, small screws to loose.
Im leaning towards the Flow as the smaller form factor and incredible run time are the big positives, however the weight is a concern. As an exercise I thought I'd check some numbers compared to my current FoilDrive Assist Plus (Gen1) and the FD Gen2 Max.
My FDA plus weighs 4Kg including motor and POD, 2M long cable, perspex board mounting plate, battery etc. So everything that mounts on the board, excluding the hand controller. This battery is 363 WH and weighs 1.74Kg
The TakeOff Flow is quoted at 6Kg and has a 864WH battery
If, hypothetically, you were to deduct the weight of my FDA Plus battery at 1.7Kg and the capacity of 362WH from the TakeOff Flow you would have a weight of approx 4.26Kg (6.0-1.74) and a capacity of approx 500WH (864-363).
These numbers are similar to the FD Max which is quoted at 4.5Kg and has a 498WH battery.
Physical sizes are similar with the FD MAX slightly longer, yet narrower
So, in effect, the Flow is comparable to the FD Max in terms of weight, battery capacity and dimensions, there's just more battery and weight in proportion.
Is there an option for Manta to produce a Flow with reduced battery, weight and size?
Say 500WH, 4.2Kg and slightly smaller form factor?
It is difficult to understand how 6Kg will feel directly above the mast, perhaps this is providing a good incentive for the operator to lose some more weight ?
Select to expand quoteactivechris said..airsail said..
The Flow battery is huge, but un removable or replaceable. Probably more suited to efoil applications as it weighs 6kgs. The Air looks interesting but still heavier than the FD Max at 5kgs, the Max is 4.5kgs.
I am all up for competition as long as companies are being truthful about their specs. 864Wh is about 4kg of Cells alone. Add Cell holders, BMS, Wire, ESC, Motor, Prop, Motor mount and Alloy case and I can't see how they came in at 6kg. The motor now looks like an outrunner so to get the torque they need the motor alone will be close to 1kg. If they have got the whole system down to 6kg then thats impressive. The Nano battery for a Fliteboard is 6.2kg and it's 806 Wh. Thats Battery only.
The 6kgs does not include the motor just as Foildrive Max 4.5kgs does not include the motor - as claimed by MantaFoil anyway.
Select to expand quoteSheps said..activechris said..airsail said..
The Flow battery is huge, but un removable or replaceable. Probably more suited to efoil applications as it weighs 6kgs. The Air looks interesting but still heavier than the FD Max at 5kgs, the Max is 4.5kgs.
I am all up for competition as long as companies are being truthful about their specs. 864Wh is about 4kg of Cells alone. Add Cell holders, BMS, Wire, ESC, Motor, Prop, Motor mount and Alloy case and I can't see how they came in at 6kg. The motor now looks like an outrunner so to get the torque they need the motor alone will be close to 1kg. If they have got the whole system down to 6kg then thats impressive. The Nano battery for a Fliteboard is 6.2kg and it's 806 Wh. Thats Battery only.
The 6kgs does not include the motor just as Foildrive Max 4.5kgs does not include the motor - as claimed by MantaFoil anyway.
I would be surprised if Foildives Max didn't include motor. 2.65kg battery + Outrunner of that size about 1kg leaves them around 700grams for alloy housing and esc which could be doable.
they say 4,5kg without motor and 5,8kg with it. This is for the Max power version.
foildrive.com.au/pages/compare
Select to expand quoteFrankieboy said..
they say 4,5kg without motor and 5,8kg with it. This is for the Max power version.
foildrive.com.au/pages/compare
WOW! I stand corrected.
Just weighed my Foildrive Plus system, 3.27kgs, complete with motor, pod, standard battery and prop. That's almost 500gms lighter than the Slim performance but with double the battery capacity. Makes the 6kg Manta Flow look super heavy.
Shows if you want a lightweight drive, stick with the FD Plus if you don't need the 40v system.
Select to expand quoteairsail said..
Just weighed my Foildrive Plus system, 3.27kgs, complete with motor, pod, standard battery and prop. That's almost 500gms lighter than the Slim performance but with double the battery capacity. Makes the 6kg Manta Flow look super heavy.
Shows if you want a lightweight drive, stick with the FD Plus if you don't need the 40v system.
Yeh I think anyone considering a MantaFoil will be comparing with Gen2 Max to be honest. Having the weight under the board and on top of the mast is a big advantage. The max isn't that much lighter than the Flow but considerably less capacity. Same argument I guess when comparing the FD Max with the slim but just at an even heavier/ greater capacity trade off. The elite foiler may not be looking at the heavier end of the market but nor will they be looking at the old Foildrive systems as they aren't being manufactured any more.
Hi everyone nice to read comments on new TAKEOFF we a looking forward to the backers receiving there units and excited to hear what they think . Here's a link to the Australian branch website TAKEOFF AUSTRALIA we will be here to offer full support , sales and answer any questions. Look out on YouTube shortly we will be putting up a lot of videos showing all the features and benifets of the takeoff foil assist .
takeoffaustralia.com.au/
Select to expand quoteTakeOffAus4 said..
Hi everyone nice to read comments on new TAKEOFF we a looking forward to the backers receiving there units and excited to hear what they think . Here's a link to the Australian branch website TAKEOFF AUSTRALIA we will be here to offer full support , sales and answer any questions. Look out on YouTube shortly we will be putting up a lot of videos showing all the features and benifets of the takeoff foil assist .
takeoffaustralia.com.au/
Very much looking forward to riding a Manta Foil Flow assist shortly. I'm one of the early backers and should be one of the first to receive so will let everyone know my thoughts before too long I hope. Just don't know how long the battery will take to come to Australia, potentially slowing the roll out time. Will the batteries have to come by ship or are they allowed to fly somehow? The MF Air I know can, so this will roll out faster I suspect.
Select to expand quoteSheps said..TakeOffAus4 said..
Hi everyone nice to read comments on new TAKEOFF we a looking forward to the backers receiving there units and excited to hear what they think . Here's a link to the Australian branch website TAKEOFF AUSTRALIA we will be here to offer full support , sales and answer any questions. Look out on YouTube shortly we will be putting up a lot of videos showing all the features and benifets of the takeoff foil assist .
takeoffaustralia.com.au/
Very much looking forward to riding a Manta Foil Flow assist shortly. I'm one of the early backers and should be one of the first to receive so will let everyone know my thoughts before too long I hope. Just don't know how long the battery will take to come to Australia, potentially slowing the roll out time. Will the batteries have to come by ship or are they allowed to fly somehow? The MF Air I know can, so this will roll out faster I suspect.
You can't remove the battery from the Flow, only the Air. Your kit will come DG all the way.
Hi I'll help clear the question up about shipping , both units will come by Air so it's faster to get to Australia 
Select to expand quoteTakeOffAus4 said..
Hi everyone nice to read comments on new TAKEOFF we a looking forward to the backers receiving there units and excited to hear what they think . Here's a link to the Australian branch website TAKEOFF AUSTRALIA we will be here to offer full support , sales and answer any questions. Look out on YouTube shortly we will be putting up a lot of videos showing all the features and benifets of the takeoff foil assist .
takeoffaustralia.com.au/
Hi, so that link doesn't work. Is there another one? cheers,
Has anyone got 1 yet? still not seen any good riding on a manta just their mediocre promo vid
Hi Crew
WingingWA is excited to annouce we are the WA dealers for Manta Take Off. Stock arriving shortly and will be doing demo days for interested parties. Please reach out for more info.
Mark 0487042694
Cross-posting for everyone's benefit...forum.progressionproject.com/t/manta-foils-flow-buyer-beware/7078
Select to expand quotezarb said..
Cross-posting for everyone's benefit...forum.progressionproject.com/t/manta-foils-flow-buyer-beware/7078
The Manta Takeoff Riders Facebook group is also good for info on issues and fixes. Posts can't be deleted by Manta which can be an issue with Manta's own FB page.
I've just started following their FB pages. There seems to be a lot of teething issues however at half the price of a Foildrive lets hope they get them sorted for gen 2.
Hi everyone just thought I'd share the link to takeoff dealer based in Sydney . We are here to support Australia customers . Give us a call happy to answer any questions. Yes as above some great changes coming only going to make takeoff even better for us
Call Haydo 0401485171 TakeoffAussies
Takeoff flow in stock now ! checkout below
takeoffaussies.com.au/
Hey guys thought I'd do a bit of a review on takeoff flow in the surf .Well havnt been in the surf for about 8 weeks so weds was the day ?? conditions 5 foot high surf but me and my mate saw the big rollers way out the back . So after 10 mins waiting patiently to get past . We found our chance we're off . No problem powering out gear 18 had plenty of juice . Made it out the back and just observed he swell lines looked perfect ??. I'm on a prone 5.5 x 55L middy I knocked it down a few gears to 16 I'm up and away felt really good just rode around for a while backing of throttle to see how smooth I could keep pod in the water switched up to gear 18 at this point cause I wanted 100% power to motor .
Ok so saw a wave out the back and headed out back hand assist whipped on to it . Dropped in instantly I felt at ease and very comfortable this unit was so comfortable to ride on the wave it was like because the takeoff unit being under the board kept me really stable in pitch. The code 980s was doing a great job too with plenty of glide and ease of turning. So here comes the test I thought am I going to be able to kick off the wave and respool motor ? Well the answer was yes absolutely no problems just pulled the trigger while on foil giving me plenty of time with speed dropped pod in and was away again !! Yeew this things a beast !
So after talking with Thomas Radiguet from Manta Foils he had advised me gear 18 , set throttle ramp to ultra fast and use the middle part of your finger on trigger for better control these tips were perfect and proof that takeoff flow in surf waves ?? was awesome and heaps of fun ?? it's a very different feel in the surf when your getting ocean power and certainly proved itself to be well balanced on my board when I was on up on foil . I caught a stack of waves and I wasn't going hard and still came in with 60% battery . My mate was out of battery on his assist plus . So overall
Very happy , you wait till you all get out in some decent surf your going to love it
Couple of pics to show pre spooling of the back below . Can't wait to get out again now . Yeew !!
anyone have more feedback on the Manta here?
i recently demoed it (the Manta Flow) and was surprised how powerful it was compared to the Foil Drive (my experience with the Foil Drive was V1 only, and it didn't have enough power to ever get me on foil). I also ran it (the Flow) for almost an hour and it read 54% power remaining. My V1 FD died after 15 minutes. I understand that the V2 FD Max is a different beast, so probably not fair comparisons here, and i have buddies that use these and love them. (They both say buy the FD, of course).
There are three major considerations here between purchasing the FD Max or the Manta Flow:
1- the Flow is much heavier. I was surprised how heavy it was. But I believe the battery will last twice as long as the FD. so you don't need to buy a second battery. Imagine having a second FD Max battery with you out there, that's how heavy the Flow is.
2- the costs. Flow about $2500-US less than FD after everything needed (i.e., basic Flow versus FD Max with 3 prop and extra battery). So the cost difference is considerable.
3- FD Max is tried and tested. Bugs worked out...mostly. Manta Flow not so much.
