Smik x StoKR Charger Review | The Ultimate Dedicated Foildrive Board?

 Designed from the ground up specifically for Foildrive, every feature has a purpose. From the new ESC transmission technology through to the integrated trench system, this board isn’t just about looking clean—it genuinely improves the way the board rides.

Sizes

The Charger is available in three sizes:

• 4’8″ x 19″ – 35L
• 5’4″ x 19″ – 44L. The board tested here
• 5’6″ x 20″ – 48L
• 5’8″ x 20.5″ – 53L

The overall shape strikes a really nice balance between performance and accessibility. Advanced riders will appreciate the quick release and efficiency, while intermediate riders will love just how forgiving and easy it is to get flying.

A Refined Shape That Surfs Beautifully

One of the first things you’ll notice is the refined nose shape.

Rather than following the chunky, ultra-short trend, the Charger has a sleeker, more surf-inspired outline that feels lively under your feet. It still gets up incredibly easily, but once you’re flying it feels fast, responsive and playful instead of feeling like you’re standing on a bulky platform.

Built Specifically for Foildrive

The standout feature is the new ESC Transmission Technology.

The board has been built specifically to maximise signal strength between the Foildrive controller and the electronics, giving a stronger, more reliable connection while maintaining full carbon construction.

The deck pad also deserves a mention.

The vertical cord grip makes it incredibly easy to shuffle your feet forwards and backwards—even while wearing thick winter booties—but as soon as you load up for a turn, it locks your feet in place. It’s one of those small details you don’t appreciate until you’ve ridden it.

Bottom Shape That Forgives Mistakes

Underneath, the Charger features bevelled rails and a subtle double concave through the nose.

Those bevelled rails help the board glance off the water during touchdowns instead of grabbing, making recovery much easier.

The double concave also smooths out the ride when paddling or getting up onto foil, reducing the slap and making everything feel more composed.

The Trench System Changes Everything

The biggest talking point is obviously the integrated trench.

By recessing the Foildrive battery and electronics into the board, the Charger completely changes the way touchdowns feel.

Instead of landing on a battery box that wants to grab the water and throw you over the front, the board simply skims across the surface before lifting straight back onto foil.

It’s one of those improvements you notice almost immediately.

The trench has also been cleverly designed for everyday use. The front section stays as narrow as possible for efficiency, while the rear widens just enough to access the battery clips easily.

You can leave your mast and Foildrive permanently mounted and simply swap batteries in and out without removing the whole system.

One thing to be aware of

Because the electronics now sit deeper inside the board, your motor effectively sits around 5–6cm higher than before.

If you’re currently running a 15cm or 20cm battery cable, you may want to move to a longer cable to maintain the same motor depth—especially if you ride in rougher conditions or regularly experience ventilation.

Premium Construction

The Charger uses a full carbon PVC sandwich construction, giving it an impressive combination of stiffness, strength and low weight.

At just under 3.5kg, it feels incredibly lively under your feet while still having the durability needed for dedicated Foildrive use.

Long foil tracks with the insert points positioned right at the rear also allow maximum adjustment, letting you use the full length of the tracks regardless of your foil setup.

Final Thoughts

I’ve spent months putting this board through its paces, looking for anything that could be improved.

Honestly, it’s taken everything I loved about riding the Middy as an all-round Foildrive board and pushed it to another level.

The trench system removes the drag and grab during touchdowns, the board feels incredibly responsive under your feet, and the overall efficiency makes getting onto foil effortless.

If you’re looking for a purpose-built Foildrive board, this is the benchmark.

If you’d like to organise a demo or have any questions about the Charger, get in touch with the team at Kite Republic. We’d love to help you find the right setup.