This is the fourth and probably the final part on the KT foils series. Today I’m reviewing the Instinct seven twenty, nine twenty and eleven twenty! The Instinct series has been branded as the beginners foils series by KT. A beginners series with a nine twenty and even a seven twenty in its range, there is something I haven’t seen before?!? A wingbuddy already commented, “is it the beginners series for Kai Lenny or something?” haha
Not sure either, but I had the opportunity to test these frontwings, so I did! However, I did not test the 1300 and 1450, obvious the real beginners sizes. Or even a bit small for what most people used learning to wingfoil. Ofcourse there are always some exceptions to be made. But I can’t wait to get receive some feedback on these from schools and real life beginners on the largest sizes.
Here’s my take on the three Instinct sizes I tried, Hope it helps you choose what suits your needs.
The KT Instinct 720
This one needed a lot more speed than the Nomad 700 to get on foil. But for some reason it felt easier to get on foil on this one, then on the Instinct 920. Also I needed to be really fast during my transitions to keep this one up on foil. However, this is a really nice foil to jump with! The speed of the foil is quite nice and it has a very sweet release from the water. On the wave its behavior was quite similar to that of the Nomad 700. But it does need a bit more speed to keep it going. In the end I really enjoyed this frontwing and it was one of my favorites.
I think KT is also coming with a freestyle frontwing, but right now this one would be my choice if I’d be in big stuff high up in the air.
The KT Instinct 920
Quite a gap going up two hundred cm2 in surface area. As mentioned, I did not get this size on foil very easily. Once I would be going I really noticed a lot of frontfoot pressure on this one. This was also noticeable on the 720, but on the 920 this is a lot more. It might also be me just pushing towards it’s speed limit a bit more. Where with the 720 I could use this frontfoot pressure well to give a nice pop during take off, I could not do this on the 920. The extra force just before take off, would throw me out of the water fully uncontrolled going in to some pretty good crashes. I even did a full speed unintentional breach test this way.
Also just going fast in to a tack, it could catch me off guard and throw me of foil.
On the wave the 920 felt a bit boring. It didn’t move very fast and the glide is not great. So if you look at the 920 it definitely isn’t a frontwing for an advanced foiler. But would be good for a beginner? I’m not 100% sure.. Time to go bigger!
The KT Instinct 1120
Testing this size I didn’t try to go for any jumps or try to waveride as I’m used to. The wind being twelve knots was too light anyway. Compared to the Atlas 1130 this foil was much harder to get on foil. I almost didn’t manage in the session. But Once I was this foil felt incredible easy! It was the smoothest ride from all the KT foils I tried. I reckon this foil is perfect for beginners that already got on foil and want to foil progress further in conditions with about 20 knots of wind. Or lighter riders in a bit less wind.
Conclusion
From experiencing the Instinct 1120 I can say this is a true beginners foil, and probably the larger sizes as well.I do really wonder if a 1450 is large enough for beginners on an inland lake. They might be suited to absolute beginners going for their first foil experience.
I had a bit of trouble placing the 720 and 920 in this ‘beginners’ category. The 920 might be all right for a beginner/intermediate rider being low in weight. The 720 being fun for advanced riders that want to some jumps and ride waves. Though the Nomad range I think is still a bit better for waveriding and you can also jump well with some of those.