LEFEET S1 Pro 2023 Review

A Solid Mid-Market Winner

The extra guts of the new Pro version raise the bar and put LEFEET’s newest water scooter both among the best underwater engines and one of the more affordable ones too.

It is not unusual for a divers propulsion vehicle to weigh anywhere from 14 pounds. But LEFEET S1 Pro is outdone itself and only weighs about 6.6 pounds even with its battery attached to it. Combined with the fact that its compact size is 5% smaller than its older model.

The closest comparison is going to be the Scubajet Pro, which is also a modular DPV. Though the Scubajet is more powerful and more modular, the S1 Pro is considerably less money. In this market, you get what you pay for and that goes for both of those great models.

It’s usually worth paying for a quality DPV too. Saltwater, in particular is hard on your scooter. That is why the LEFEET S1 Pro boasts a durable frame using aviation-grade aluminum alloy which is a fancy way of saying your scooter is corrosion-free.

The running time for this device is around 20-60 minutes, depending on the usage and the power level settings.

On the highest of the three levels and with full scuba gear, you’ll run out of power in 20-30 minutes.

While connecting two motors should, in theory, provide double the run time, it extends the fun minimally. That’s because of the increased speed, which results in the same demands on each motor as when it’s being run solo.

It’s important to know that the Lefeet S1 Pro is negatively buoyant, meaning it will sink. That also means it weighs you down when not in use. Two motors will double that effect up.

One smart way to mitigate the drag, is to attach a cord to either your arm or BCD.

An Agile DPV

Even though the size was looked down upon by other divers using DPVs four times the size, the S1 Pro has the great advantage of maneuverability over those huge, torpedo-like machines. Grant it, the bigger machines last much longer, but we enjoyed zooming about through wrecks and caves with ease.

Because of the handles and the sufficient power of the S1 Pro, a diver or snorkeller can turn on a dime. That comes in handy when navigating tight spots.

Even with more considerable kit on, rebreathers or double tanks, one Lefeet S1 Pro had enough power to pull us through the water, gliding elegantly without any need to fin.

Increase the Speed & Fun

Two engines won’t double the speed, but the increase is significant enough to feel. When snorkeling, it’s a little more challenging to hold this DPV with one hand to equalize. It can be done, but because the thrust is noticeably greater than when running a single engine, it demands a tighter grip.

On the third, most powerful setting, most people won’t be able to hold on to the double Lefeet. But we also found that the second speed setting provided more than enough power and lasted longer.

Having the ability to use two engines is great. In particular, when snorkeling. But as we demonstrated in some of the video footage taken from Malta and Menorca, the maneuverability and portability aspects of a single S1 Pro has proven to be more useful and complimentary to scuba diving.

Scuba Divers Love It

During testing in the Mediterranean, we did quite a few wreck dives from shore. Some of those required slightly long swims to the sunken ships. Having the smaller DPV for shore entry didn’t pose too much of an inconvenience. On the other hand, when using the S1 Pro to cover the 200-yard distance in the water, many a jealous eye looked covetously at the diminutive DPV.

We passed the Lefeet from diver to diver for a chance to try it out. They loved it. They were surprised at how well it worked, and the videos in this guide illustrate the fun some of them had weaving in and out of wrecks and gliding through cave mouths.

At one point, a diver with a Seacraft DPV came cruising through at high speed. Impressive speed, actually. But whereas those larger beasts are both heavy to transport–albeit with great battery life–speed isn’t for everyone when diving.

Using a Lefeet, a diver can stick with his buddy or group, even if they don’t have DPVs.

Another reason some divers might like it better than others is the positive effect on air consumption–or rather, conservation. Using the S1 Pro, like all DPVs means a diver will use less air. For some heavy breathers, that’s a plus.

Lefeet Accessories

The S1 Pro modular package includes one battery, a chasis with engine, an aluminum cross piece that connects to the chasis and two handles. One handle contains the wireless controller.

There’s also a one handed cross piece. It’s a delight to glide one handed, and that this piece makes it even easier to hold the engine and use the controller.

The controller also has a battery that needs to be charged separately using the unique cable from Lefeet.

We’re not too fond of unique cables, which tend to get lost. It would have been better with a USB-C cable.

The controller charges pretty quickly, in less time than the engine battery.

As a modular device, there’s flexibility in the intent of the S1 Pro design. We noted and illustrated how two engines can connect together. There is a connector to strap an S1 Pro on the tank for a more hands-free experience. Additionally, there are also straps to connect two Lefeets on either side of the hips.

The accessory we’re most fond of has to be the paddle board adaptor. Motorized paddle boards aren’t for everyone, but they’re nice on some occasions. Lefeet makes a corded adaptor to ensure connectivity is maintained when the engine is under a SUP board. Regrettably, the cable will get in the way, but it’s something one can get used to.

Portability

The size of the LEFEET is one of the most appealing aspects to this DPV. It’s easily carried in one hand or attached to your gear when diving. That also makes it less cumbersome when getting to the water.

On travels, the engine can go in a checked bag, but because it has such a small footprint, we just brought it in our carry-on baggage every time we flew somewhere with it.

The batteries NEED to go in a carry-on, on the other hand. It’s best to disconnect the battery and remove it for flight.

Is this DPV Worth the Price?

While the first Lefeet underwater scooter is still a good deal. The upgrades to the S1 Pro are noticeable. In other words the improvements make the newer Lefeet DPV more appealing for people who will use it more often and in different types of environments.

Our experience for scuba diving, for snorkeling and freediving and for kids in the pool demonstrate that the S1 Pro is a quality product that can both last the test of time and prove to be a fun and useful bit of kit.

At around $800 or less, the standard package comes under the market price of similar DPVs. In other words, the value of the S1 Pro in our opinion is better than almost any other recreational option.