We have been able to test the KT Instinct 920 extensively over the past few weeks. The combination included the Aluminum Fuselage 63, the KT Nomad 190 tail wing, and the KT Carbon 85 mast. We also had the KT Instinct 1300 front wing at our disposal.
Other front wings in this series are available in sizes 720, 1120, and 1450.
KT specifies beginners to intermediate riders as the target group.
A large part of the testing work was carried out by our team rider Diana this time, in order to evaluate the equipment from the perspective of lighter riders.
At land
Before unpacking the individual parts of the KT Instinct, the high quality of the protective covers is immediately apparent. Each part can be protected individually or when assembled with the padded covers using Velcro fasteners for a perfect fit. In addition, all covers have Velcro fasteners at equal intervals that can be connected to each other. This allows the mast to be connected to the wing, fuselage, or assembled combination. Everything stays together and no individual parts fly around. This system is very well thought out and incredibly practical when packing.
The workmanship of the individual parts is also strikingly high-quality and precise. All connections between the wings, fuselage, and mast are flush and without misalignments or hard edges.
We tested the 85 cm carbon mast. Compared to others, it is very light at 1.7 kg. Included in the scope of delivery is an accessory set containing all the necessary screws, shims, and tools. The screws and slotted nuts for the US double box are very solid and thick. Our criticism here is that this can lead to limited compatibility with some more delicate US boxes outside the KT series. However, screws and slotted nuts should be easy to replace with suitable ones.
An additional safety feature is the rounded tips on the wings. This means there are no sharp points that could cause injury.
Shim system
Unique to us so far, the KT Instinct Foil comes with a shim system. After a quick tutorial on the website ktfoiling.com, it’s child’s play to use. With shimming, all sizes of front and rear wings can be matched to each other. This allowed us to ride the KT Nomad 190 rear wing with both the KT Instinct 920 and the KT Instinct 1300. KT supplies pre-formed shim plates with numerical values in the handy accessory box. Adding the numbers indicated on the front wing and mast gives you the numerical value of the plate. This plate is then mounted between the fuselage and the rear wing. This affects the angle of the rear wing, optimizing control, balance, and performance.
In our test, we were able to use the KT Nomad 190 tail wing for both front wings (920 and 1300) without sacrificing precise handling. This is also easy on the wallet, as a single tail wing is sufficient for a wider range.
On the water
The KT Instinct 920 takes off surprisingly fast and smooth for its small surface area. In light winds, it only takes a few pumps, while in stronger winds and with the wing held tight, the Instinct 920 takes off immediately.
It rides like it’s on rails on a straight course, very smooth and stable. Even small eddies under the water don’t bother the foil. Its easy handling becomes apparent in turns, with the 880 mm wingspan executing the maneuver smoothly with little pressure. Even tighter turns or uncertain maneuvers are no problem. However, the Instinct is not as agile as other foils of this size. But that’s not what it’s designed for. It never loses its composure and always conveys a good sense of safety. If the speed is reduced briefly during a maneuver, this does not interrupt the flight.
The KT Instinct also allows you to ride waves. Due to its design, a little more pressure is required on the front foot than with advanced foils. Once you get used to this, riding waves is fun. The easy cornering comes in handy here.
First jumps are also no problem with the KT. It offers enough pop to get out of the water sufficiently. Thanks to its good-naturedness, it is easy to catch and take off again after landing.
The KT Instinct 920 is easy to pump through wind holes. It remains very stable without wobbling or tipping over and feels bigger than a 900 foil. Very comfortable!
Strong wind
In stronger winds, the tested set accelerates very quickly and reaches a decent speed. Despite its high speed, it does not feel unstable and remains stable. So there are no nervous up and down movements. The carbon mast is very stiff, does not vibrate, and does not become spongy or shaky when cornering at higher speeds. Fast riding therefore gives the rider a real sense of safety and happens almost unnoticed. This makes the KT Instinct 920 particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate riders. It allows them to approach fast riding with the ideal foil. The wind range is very high. We tested the foil in both light and strong winds.
The gliding phase without wing or pumping is rather short. However, this applies to the 920 version and is typical for its size.
The KT Instinct 1300 in combination with the KT Fuselage 63, the KT Nomad 190 tail wing, and the KT Carbon Mast 85 is an absolute light wind wonder. During our tests, we were able to fly with this foil set, a compact board (69l) and a 5 qm wing at wind speeds as low as 12 knots. It is maneuverable, lies calmly and stably in the turns and maintains its gliding phase for an extremely long time. The foil really stays up until it is almost at a standstill.
Conclusion
A lightweight and aesthetic design combines smooth, quiet handling with effortless maneuverability. Both the packing and combination options are very well thought out.
Beginners and intermediate riders will be delighted to have access to a smaller foil with the KT Instinct 920 without sacrificing forgiving characteristics. If you want to try out a smaller, faster foil without risk or great effort, the KT Instinct 920 is the perfect choice. The KT grows with you as you develop your skills and is still fun even when you are a bit more advanced.
As an alternative for light winds or as an absolute beginner, we recommend purchasing a large KT Instinct front wing, which can be easily supplemented without changing the rear wing.
Advanced riders and pros should check out KT’s Nomad or Atlas series.
