Code vs KT foils

Downwind Foil
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Anyone have experience with KT atlas 1340 or 1130 vs code 1300s for beginner flat water paddle ups and downwind?

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I have tried both, way more time on the code and I am an ambassador for them so take that as you will. But I found the code system to more up to the task flex wise in the bigger sizes. The KT way outlift their stats, like 100-200 cm2 more. But interestingly if find the similarly sized code to that are similar top speed Like 1130 KT lifts like 1300S code, but both have similar top end. For beginner dw I would def recommend the 1300, 1250 or 1540. Depending on your size and conditions.

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Last fall when I was contemplating an exodus from Axis, I demoed Code S (1300, 1130, 980), Armstrong (HA 880, 980, 1080) and KT (Atlas 960, 1130). My primary discipline is SUP DW, I weigh 78kg and am an advanced rider. I loved all 3 brands more than Axis. I was blown away with the ease and smoothness of Code but the low end was a disappointment compared to Armstrong and KT. The Armstrong was so easy paddle up and ride well with great low end. It’s a bit over-engineered IMO. KT was just as easy and intuitive to ride and the low-end is unbelievable. I went with KT (Atlas 790, 960, 1130 and Nomad 190,155 tails). Zero regrets and I feel like my riding has really improved in the last few months. I think that Kane is hands-down the best rider-designer in the industry right now and with KT’s funding, they have made a real winner. Lot’s of folks here in the Gorge ripping on KT these days. I also really appreciate the shim guide that Kane developed. It’s refreshing to have that after being in the Axis universe with it’s 200,000+ unique combinations of wings, fuselages, and tails.
I also just got a report from a dock start buddy a few days ago who rode the Atlas 1340 at the dock for the first time. He weighs over 200# and said he had his best session ever and the flex was not an issue. Our dock crew rides F-one Jam, Axis 1201, 1401, 1300, 1180. I have not tried it yet but am stoked to give it a go.

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Thanks that’s helpful. So you found the paddle up on the KT 1130 easier than code 1300s?

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Can’t speak for KT but i think the 1300s is an excellent beginner DW wing, I love mine and reaching more advanced levels of downwind I still use it in both light wind ocean and bay dw runs. you can push it in bigger conditions too. maybe not as much low end as those other wings (I havn’t tried army or kt) but still plenty of low end to learn dw, I can go crazy slow on that wing without stalling it. 1250r is in a league of it’s own but harder to manage than the 1300 and id say slightly more advanced because of how easily you’ll get locked in and it doesn’t turn as well. Only have 1 session on that 1250 so far but for a confident foiler who can pump and link waves in the surf the 1250r will be a major light wind / flatwater cheat code. very happy with code

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I’ve put in several hours dockstarting my Atlas 1340 and am very impressed with it. I also got the chance to test out a friend’s 1250R for about 45 minutes the other day.

The configuration was:
1250R L fuse 120R tail both with and without shim (not sure what °) on a normal 75 cm mast.
Atlas 1340 63 cm fuse Atlas 170 tail on the 70 cm mast.

My thoughts on 1250R:

  • low end isn’t great, more difficult to start than I was expecting
  • wants to ruuuuuuuuun, likes to go 18-20 km/h
  • has a more efficient pump
  • does not turn as well
  • does up and over swell with very little effort
  • wobbles on the normal 75 cm mast at low speed and in turns
  • suffers banking lock in at lower speeds

My thoughts on Atlas 1340:

  • really fun
  • starts super easy
  • amazing low end
  • turns very well
  • decent glide
  • very nice pump pump pump glide cycle
  • very nice on the wave
  • not amazing at up and over
  • a bit wobbly on 70 cm mast at low speed
  • not as efficient as I’m used to (Axis 1401, 1250R)

I have also spent a bit of time on the Atlas 960 and it’s similar to the 1340 except:

  • no mast wobble on the 70 cm mast
  • needs a good bit more speed to start, but still starts easy (I’d say the about the same as 1250R)
  • much better at up and overs
  • requires more energy to pump but wants to go faster

I hope Kane comes out with an Atlas 1608 and UHM 70 cm mast, I think it would be the perfect dockstart setup.