A couple of years ago, a product called the Jetlev R200 hit the market which would allow you to experience the awesomeness of a jetpack but was powered by water rather than dangerous fuels. Although not as cool as a real jetpack, it still looks quite fun and provides an adrenaline rush. Now, there is another product which is similar to the Jetlev called The Flyboard jetpack which allows propulsion in the air just like the Jetlev but it also allows users to explore underwater and swim like dolphins. The Flyboard jetpack also happens to cost a fraction of the Jetlev.
The development of the Flyboard jetpack was started by Zapata-Racing in 2011 and progress on the project was relatively quick thanks to Zapata-Racing’s experience in the racing jet ski propulsion industry. The Flyboard jetpack is available in two versions with one being a two-person “craft” while the other option is for single use only. The operator of the Flyboard is basically strapping their feet into shoes that are attached to power water jets which provide lift and can be stabilized via hand-guided nozzles.
The Flyboard in Action
In the two-person version of the Flyboard, one person is on personal watercraft and the second person uses the Flyboard doing all sorts of crazy tricks above and underwater. The two-person variant is geared towards those who want to learn to use the “jetpack” faster and it also apparently allows for more freedom. The second version is a single-person jetpack and it allows for more precise flights and dives. The Flyboard comes complete with an Electronic Management Kit ($1895 option) which allows operation of the PWC throttle, starter, and kill switch. According to the company, you can get the hang of this craft after only 20 minutes of use which I find hard to believe.
The video above makes is seem like a piece of cake but I’m pretty certain new operators will be experiencing more belly flops than the graceful dolphin like dives they are showing us. I did notice a lot of girls in that video and I’m pretty sure getting a new date after bringing this toy to the lake should be pretty simple.
Unlike the Jetlev which costs just under $100k , the Flyboard Jetpackwill set you back $6,495 and an additional $1895 for the Electronic Management Kit. All future owners must also complete a $350 “Flyboard Operators Course” before they are allowed to officially own the Flyboard. If you could take only one out for a spin at no cost, would you pick the Jetlev or this Flyboard?
Unlike the Jetlev which costs just under $100k , the Flyboard Jetpack will set you back $6,495 and an additional $1895 for the Electronic Management Kit. If you could take only one out for a spin at no cost, would you pick the Jetlev or this Flyboard jetpack?
