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XFoil Launches a Direct-to-Consumer eFoil Line, Undercutting the $15,000 Industry Pricing by More Than Half

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XFoil, a Silicon Valley-engineered electric hydrofoil brand founded by PLX Devices CEO Paul Lowchareonkul, today announced the ecommerce launch of its eFoil lineup: The Escape and The Apex, starting at $6,499. The launch introduces a direct-to-consumer pricing model that bypasses dealer networks entirely, bringing premium composite eFoils to market at less than half the cost of comparable boards from legacy competitors priced between $12,000 and $15,000. Each XFoil board is built from hand-laid carbon fiber composite construction and features a proprietary active flight stabilization system that continuously adjusts to counter choppy water in real time, significantly lowering the learning curve that has historically made eFoiling difficult for new riders. After five years of research, prototyping, and ocean validation in Kailua, Hawaii, XFoil boards are in stock and shipping factory-direct to customers worldwide via ocean freight or express air. The platform’s performance credentials were established at Hawaii’s first-ever eFoil race in August 2025, where a first-time XFoil rider with ten minutes of practice recorded the fastest lap of the day, outperforming riders on boards costing two to four times as much. The Escape and Apex are available now at xfoil.com. Every board includes a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, 100% satisfaction guarantee, and free worldwide shipping.

FREMONT, Calif., July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Born in Hawaii and engineered in Silicon Valley, XFoil brings aerospace-grade composite construction and gyro-stabilized flight technology to market, starting at just $6,499 with units in stock and shipping direct from the factory.

XFoil is a Silicon Valley-engineered electric hydrofoil brand born on the waters of Hawaii.

XFoil is launching their official e-commerce store featuring the Escape eFoil and the brand new Apex eFoil. The launch follows multiple successful Kickstarter campaigns and introduces a direct-to-consumer pricing model that eliminates the dealer markups long considered standard in the premium eFoil category.

While competing eFoil brands routinely price comparable boards between $12,000 and $15,000+, XFoil boards start at $6,499, a difference the company attributes not to cutting corners but to cutting middlemen. By selling directly from its factory to the customer’s door, XFoil is able to offer the same hand-laid carbon fiber composite construction, precision motor engineering, and safety systems found in boards twice its price, without the commission structures that inflate dealer-network pricing.

Innovative Features

Aerospace-Grade Composite Construction: Each XFoil board is built from hand-laid carbon fiber composite, the same category of material used in aerospace and motorsport engineering, delivering a board that is lightweight, rigid, and built for long-term durability.Active Flight Stabilization: This proprietary stabilization system continuously adjusts in real time to counter choppy water and rider movement, significantly lowering the learning curve that has historically made eFoiling difficult for new riders.Direct-to-Consumer Pricing: By selling factory-direct and bypassing dealer networks entirely, xFoil offers the same caliber of engineering found in $12,000–$15,000 boards at a starting price of $6,499.Factory-Direct Shipping: XFoil boards are in stock and ready to ship now, traveling directly from the factory to the customer’s door by ocean freight or express air, bypassing the domestic warehousing and distribution delays typical of the category.Race-Proven Performance: At Hawaii’s first-ever eFoil race in August 2025, a first-time XFoil rider with only ten minutes of practice recorded the fastest lap of the day, outperforming riders on boards costing two to four times as much.

Built by a Lifelong Waterman, Engineered Like a Tech Product

XFoil was founded by Paul Lowchareonkul, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of PLX Devices Inc., headquartered in Silicon Valley, California. Over the past two decades, Lowchareonkul has designed, patented, and introduced disruptive innovations across the automotive, clean energy, and consumer electronics industries.

A lifelong waterman, Lowchareonkul has windsurfed, kitesurfed, and explored some of the world’s most demanding water sports destinations since the age of ten. That firsthand experience with the unpredictability of wind and weather conditions, became the inspiration behind XFoil’s engineering priorities: a board that gives riders reliable, controllable flight regardless of conditions.

The XFoil platform has spent five years in research and development, design, prototyping, testing, and continuous refinement of its core architecture and proprietary active flight stabilization system. Years of ocean validation and engineering iteration shaped the version of XFoil now shipping to customers.

Fighter-Jet Technology, Engineered for a Forgiving Learning Curve

Traditional eFoils have a reputation for being difficult to learn, requiring riders to manage balance and instability simultaneously while building confidence on the water. XFoil’s proprietary active flight stabilization system continuously adjusts to counter choppy water and rider movement in real time.

Factory-Direct Shipping Eliminates the Wait

For many customers coming from the crowdfunding world, the announcement carries particular significance: XFoil boards are in stock and ready to ship now, the production run is complete, with units shipping factory-direct to customers’ doors by ocean freight or express air, bypassing the domestic warehousing and dealer distribution timelines that typically add weeks or months to delivery.

Tested in the Waters Where Hydrofoiling Was Born

XFoil’s engineering may be rooted in Silicon Valley, but its testing ground is Hawaii, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern hydrofoiling. Every XFoil board is developed and proven in the demanding open-ocean conditions of the islands before reaching customers, a heritage the company says gives it credibility that lab-built competitors can’t claim.

In August 2025, XFoil hosted Hawaii’s first-ever eFoil race. A first-time rider competing on an XFoil board, with only ten minutes of practice, recorded the fastest lap of the day, outperforming riders on boards costing two to four times as much.

At a Glance

Starting price of $6,499, less than half the cost of comparable $12,000–$15,000 competitor boardsDirect-to-consumer model eliminates dealer markups entirelyHand-laid carbon fiber composite construction; lightweight, rigid, and built for durabilityActive gyro-stabilization automatically counters choppy water, lowering the learning curve for new ridersIn stock and ready to ship now, factory-direct via ocean freight or express airDeveloped and race-tested in Hawaii, the birthplace of modern hydrofoiling1-year manufacturer’s warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee included on every board

The Escape and Apex are available now at xfoil.com, with worldwide shipping and a full lineup of accessories, training resources, and customer support.

About XFoil

XFoil, a brand of PLX Devices Inc., designs and engineers premium electric hydrofoils that combine aerospace-grade composite materials, Silicon Valley engineering, and Hawaii-tested performance. Founded on the principle that premium eFoiling shouldn’t require a $15,000 price tag, XFoil sells directly to consumers, eliminating dealer markups while delivering race-proven performance, safety, and craftsmanship. To learn more, visit xfoil.com

Media Contact

Ashley Mizell, xFoil, 1 7047732206, support@xfoil.com, https://xfoil.com/

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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Axon Announces Body 5: Next-Generation Camera Built for the AI Era

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Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power of earlier-generation cameras, with upgraded connectivity, audio and battery life to support real-time situational awareness in the field

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technology, today announced Axon Body 5, its newest body-worn camera designed to bring more powerful intelligence, connectivity and real-time support directly to officers in the field.

For years, Axon body cameras have helped agencies capture critical evidence and create greater transparency. Body 5 is built to help officers during the call, with information, assistance and backup on the spot.

“Officers shouldn’t have to choose between getting information and watching the scene. With Axon Body 5, they don’t,” said Rick Smith, Axon Founder and CEO. “They capture a license or document with the camera, keep their hands free and eyes up, and get information faster than writing it down and calling it in by radio. An officer fully engaged with the person in front of them, not down at a notepad, is a safer officer and a better-served community.”

Axon Body 5: Built for the AI Era

Built from the ground up for the AI era, Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power than earlier generation Axon body cameras, alongside advancements in connectivity, audio, video and battery life. Together, these upgrades give the camera the physical power to run smarter AI features — both today and as new AI tools are developed in the future — while also making it more dependable for officers to use every day. 

For the first time, Axon is also introducing two versions of its latest flagship camera: Axon Body 5 and Axon Body 5 Pro.

Both models feature several key advancements, including:

25x more processing power for AI: A powerful new computing architecture creates the capacity to support current and future AI features directly on the body camera.Enhanced video: Improved video captures clearer evidence across challenging environments, including better low-light performance.Improved connectivity: Seamless connectivity in urban and remote environments – and more precise location capability – helps officers, cameras and remote support teams stay connected when timely information matters most.Longer battery life: 20% more battery life than the previous generation helps keep the camera ready and connected throughout an officer’s shift.

The Axon Body 5 Pro will continue to gain new AI capabilities as they become available, growing along with the AI Era Plan. Additionally, new hardware features include:

A near-focus camera: An additional dedicated camera lens lets officers scan driver’s licenses to check status and search for wants or warrants in seconds, without returning to the patrol vehicle, with relevant information sent to Axon Fusus to support real-time operations.Front-facing speakers: Four additional speakers project even more powerful audio toward the person an officer is speaking with, helping real-time translations from Axon Assistant carry more clearly over heavy traffic or crowd noise. Additional memory: Extra space lets the camera run several AI tools at once, helping officers stay better informed and work faster.

Bringing More of Axon’s AI Era Into the Field

Axon Body 5 helps officers get more out of the Axon AI Era Plan by bringing smart tools right to the scene. Axon’s portfolio already supports public safety professionals across a growing range of tasks. For example, Draft One helps officers turn body-camera audio into high-quality report drafts and Axon Assistant provides voice-based information access and real-time translation.

Increasingly, Axon is also bringing AI into real-time operations.

Axon Guardian is a new category of AI features within the AI Era Plan that was specifically created to work with an officer’s field-based devices – starting with body cameras and in-car cameras – to improve safety. Guardian is designed to flag potential risks as situations unfold and create alerts when additional attention may be needed. Two of the first features include:

Escalation Detection: When an Axon Body 4 or Axon Body 5 camera is activated and recording, Guardian has the ability to detect potential conflicts in real time and create an alert in Axon Fusus. A human reviews the livestream and decides if additional support or action is needed.Approach Alert: When active on Axon Fleet 3, Guardian can detect if the door of a stopped vehicle opens and alert the officer through the in-car display and their body-worn camera.

Combined, Axon Body 5 and the expanding AI Era portfolio demonstrate the importance of AI as a critical resource to assist public safety professionals before, during and after an incident — reducing administrative burden, improving situational awareness and helping protect more lives.

Innovating Responsibly

Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework guides the development of all of its products. Designed with this in mind, Axon Body 5 and Guardian prioritize human oversight and maintain agency control over data. As a key part of the responsible innovation process, Axon’s independent Ethics and Equity Advisory Council was created to help responsibly develop and deploy new technologies with transparency, while aligning with community expectations.

General availability dates for Axon Body 5 and Axon Guardian will be announced soon. Product features and capabilities vary by configuration. For more information on Axon’s current products and services: Axon Product Catalog – Axon.com.

About Axon
Axon (Nasdaq: AXON) is the global leader in public safety technology supporting state, local, federal and international public safety agencies with technology designed to Protect Life. Complementing its mission, Axon’s growing Enterprise market focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and frontline workers across multiple industries including corporate security, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Founder-led since 1993, Axon builds products with transparency and responsibility. From TASER energy devices to today’s connected network of hardware – including cameras, drones, and robotics – cloud software, sensors, and AI-tools, the Axon ecosystem helps seamlessly protect people and places when it matters most. To ensure these technologies align with community expectations, Axon’s independent Ethics & Equity Advisory Council guides the ethical, inclusive, and accountable design of its products and services. Learn more about the EEAC and Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework at Axon Responsibility. 

Non-Axon trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Axon, TASER and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Please visit https://investor.axon.com and https://www.axon.com/newsroom for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate MacKinnon
Vice President, Communications
press@axon.com

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

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The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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