Instinct from Icaro is unique. Handling is zippy and dynamic. Its marketing campaign is also aimed at acro for beginners and freestyle. Not accelerated it achieved DHV classification 1 across the board. An astonishing wing! Due to this unusual positioning, which is explained in a film on the Icaro homepage, we included the Instinct in the Allround and Performance Section (for normal non acro flying pilots) of this testival, along with seven other candidates.

Paraglider designer Michael Nestler is always good for a surprise. INSTINCT defines a new class: the combination of fun & action, DHV 1 safety standards and the suitability for acro in one wing is and makes the impossible come true.

As with the high end DHV 1-2 INCANTO Michael Nestler makes use of Performed-Air Intake-Flaps. Small triangles under the leading edge increase the openings at the start for a simple launch. In flight the closed flaps and reduced cell openings should achieve an additional performance kick. Indeed INSTINCT is simple to launch. We especially liked the INSTINCT in strong winds and reverse start.

The INSTINCT is pure joy to handle when turning. It reacts willingly and promptly converts all impulses from the pilot.

The INSTINCT has very little tendency to work within itself in turbulences and the medium hard canopy gives pilots who have little experience a very safe feeling. Spiral dive and big and small ears were two descent techniques that we really liked: simple initiation, high efficiency and independent opening made these manoeuvres easy to do. Instinct has a large suitability profile.

We recommend this new wing from Icaro for hobby pilots, thermal flyers, XC pilots, Acro beginners and for all pilots who want to have lots of fun with this simple and safe wing.