 |
I have edited my review for this kite because I have since rode it more and have so much more to add. Cabrinha have truly out done themselves this year!!!!! When they said they improved the turning speed and bar pressure needed they certainly have, I have been flying the 12m a lot lately and the thing turns like a 10m or 9m and still has the predictability and stability that has been the Switchblade’s claim to fame. It is so versatile it is truly unbelievable, I have flown it slightly under powered and had a blast riding strapless on a surfboard and yet still had enough pull to park and ride with a raceboard when it got too much to fly the 18m Crossbow LW. I rode it way overpowered in +18kts winds at only 140lbs. on the “A” setting, third knot, and trim strap in and still had plenty of control to fully send the kite as fast as I could for massive jumps without any fear at all.
For unhooking this kite is a dream, just tune it right and you can unhook all day long. I would know this is the first kite I was able to unhook with and still manage.
When it comes to doing downloops and kiteloops in the air and on the water with this kite you better be prepared because it is completely different from last years Switchblade. I have been underpowered riding strapless and done a downloop to help myself and then suddenly felt myself about ready to get tugged off the board even after shifting my weight and preparing for the pull I thought was going to happen. I truly wasn’t expecting the kite to turn that fast as underpowered as I was. I have done downloops with the 12m and 9m and I’m still adjusting to how much quicker these new kites turn.
The new airlock valve and pump make pumping up all the 2013 Cabrinhas unbelievably fast allowing you to now simply attach the hose directly to the kite with only a quarter turn. Also the new specially coated lines have made them not as prone to tangling and allow you to unwind them with very few tangles and the new Line Manager allows you to simply attach and go.
Reviewer: Sean
Weight: 140lbs.
Kite: 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade 12m, 9m, and 6m
Wind tested in: 10kts- +24kts
Boards Tested With: Cabrinha Raceboard, Jimmy Lewis Kwad 5’11, 2012 North Select 135cm, 2013 Cabrinha Tronic 133, and Jimmy Lewis Kwad KT 5’4
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
|
|
.jpg "Mystic Majestic Diva 2013")
.jpg "2013 Cabrinha Switchblade")
.jpg "2013 Cabrinha Switchblade")