2011 Cabrinha Switchblade Kite
2011 Cabrinha Switchblade Kite
So, is Cabrinha Switchblade the perfect kiteboarding kite? All right, it might not be the perfect kite for everyone, but I would have to say that of all the kites we sell it covers the widest variety of riders and riding styles. By far our number one selling kite, the Switchblade really does it all pretty well. A huge wind range, quick turning speed, the best safety system and auto-pilot for learning new kiteboarding tricks... our staff is super stoked for the new 2011 Switchblade.
In 2010 I ran a quiver of a 14 meter and 10 meter Switchblades. That's it - 2 kites. With a Liquid Force WLF 145 and my beloved Caliber 136 Cabrinha kiteboard, I had a wind range of 12mph - up to 35 plus mph. Since I kiteboard Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes region - riding past 30 is only about a 5-8 time a year occurrence, so I would just borrow a school kite for high wind days. Yes - it is pretty nice to be able to do that.
What's new for the 2011 Switchblade?
World Speed Record
Okay so it was done with a 2010 Switchblade, but the new kite is even faster in the wind. Check out Rob Douglas in his breathtaking 55.65 knot (64 mph) run along a skinny little channel in Africa. At the end of the run he comes to an almost complete stop in 45 knot wind and doesn't get tea bagged. Congratulations Rob on being the fastest wind powered vehicle in the history of man.
Turning Speed
The 2011 Switchblade has been tweaked again to increase turning speed while keeping the kite super stable. It's no wonder it is the best-selling kiteboarding kite on the planet.
Profile Shape
Cabrinha Kites modified the profile to allow the kite to move faster in the wind. Now you can go 60 knots. This also speeds turning speed and acceleration from your turns.
Strut Placement
The Switchblade Kite is in its 6th generation, so fine tuning is the name of the game. Cabrinha Kites has done slight movements with the struts to allow for more stability during jumps. Learning that new trick just got easier since you will know where your kite is.
Lighter Bladders
This is a huge improvement for those of us in light wind areas or bigger riders. All 2011 Cabrinha Kites (Crossbow, Switchblade, Nomad and Convert) have gone to lighter struts in sizes over 13 meters. A weight savings of about 30% in the struts allow the kites to launch easier both and on off the water. They also allow you to drive through those lulls of 8 knots when riding in super light winds with a Cabrinha Race Board.
The Bag
Cabrinha has added kiteboard straps back onto the bag. If you ever walk over a sand dune you will really like the fact you can have an extra free hand. They have also added a long bag to allow you to keep your struts inflated when packing up your kite. The expandable bag has mesh around the edges to allow your kite to air dry if have to put away a wet kite. For those of us in light wind areas with 14 meter Switchblades (a new 16 meter is available in 2011) this can save you some time and energy between sessions.
The Canopy
Cabrinha is the first kiteboarding company to use printed canopy material in their kites. The fabric is printed prior to adding the finish coats so the ink is imbedded into the fabric not screened on top. This allows for more vibrant colors and designs that were not possible before.
Sprint Inflation System
Sprint has been slightly tweaked with full covers over the connector hoses. Our favorite inflation system just got a little better.
IDS with Recoil
Cabrinha has added a simple spring to their IDS bar so that your bar is always parked in front of you after a crash. Some of local riders with shorter arms are really liking this new feature since the bar is always so close to them.
Who should ride this kite?
Everyone. No seriously, this kite will work great for 90% of the kiteboarders in the world. If you are looking to kill it at wakestyle, moving from beginner to intermediate or love to do freestyle, the Switchblade will deliver.
If you are looking for the best long term value in kiteboarding gear in terms of quality, wind range, ease of use and safety, the Switchblade is the kite for you.
Technical Stuff
- New entry profiles creating an even faster moving kite
- Re-designed strut placement giving more stability during jumps
- New LE closing seam construction
- Lighter bladders in 14 and 16 sizes
- New canopy material
- 5 strut design
- IDS Bridle
- Tuning options
- IDS Bridle
- Powerdrive IDS
- Sprint
Switchblade Specs
SIZE BAR
16 sqm 60 cm
14 sqm 55 cm
12 sqm 55 cm
11 sqm 55 cm
10 sqm 48 cm
9 sqm 48 cm
8 sqm 48 cm
7 sqm 42 cm
6 sqm 42 cm
4 sqm 42 cm
Powerdrive IDS Control System
The Powerdrive IDS control system starts with an ergonomic design, which allows precise steering and power input to your kite.
In a huge industry first, Cabrinha has managed to internalize the IDS landing line into the main depower line. The landing line now occupies its own chamber alongside the depower main line for added protection and a streamlined interface. With the all new internal IDS security system, Cabrinha makes good on its promise that performance and security are no longer mutually exclusive. The all new internal Intelligent Depower System (IDS) puts the industry leading 4 line security right at your fingertips when you need it and out of your way when you don't. Cabrinha has internalized the landing line to protect it from the elements and to simplify the control system. The new IDS landing line is virtually invisible while riding but right there when you need it.
IDS FEATURES:
- 5th line function with only 4 lines - For many years the 5th line system was considered the safest last ditch safety system. With IDS, Cabrinha has accomplished this same safety by better bridle configuration.
- Depower on Demand: 1st Stage of Depower - With the largest bar throw available in a kite, depower on demand covers 90% of your serious safety issues.
- Absolute depower for landing the kite: 2nd Stage of Depower - Blow your chicken loop and your kite will float to the ground. Also fantastic for self-landing your Crossbow.
- Improved, direct steering. No pulleys on control bar.
- Enhanced Control System
- Instant Relaunch - This is one of the most sought after attributes of a kiteboarding kite. Pull the line and go.
The Intelligent Depower System (IDS) provides an amazing level of control with minimum rider effort and input. IDS is a simplified bridle and control system exclusive to Cabrinha. IDS produces virtually no bar pressure while delivering precise control of the steering and power of your kite.
IDS is so intuitive that it seamlessly provides 2 stages of depower. Interactive Depower on Demand while riding, and an Absolute Depower method to land your kite.
Absolute Depower functions similar to a 5th line system, but without the complexity of the unnecessary 5th line. Cabrinha's IDS equipped kites use only 4 lines for a simple, uncluttered method of control and security.
Additionally, the IDS bridle maintains all of the instant relaunch functionality the Cabrinha kites are famous for.
Features
- New Recoil System - New Bar Upgrade for 2011 Cabrinha Kites. The new Recoil system is excellent for keeping your bar a simple arms length away from you. A very nice upgrade.
- Cousins monofilament wound lines
- Swappable harness loop sizes. Optional accessory sizes available.
- Lower profile EVA bar ends with flex tips
- Internal IDS Line
- Custom cut EVA grip
- Forged and polished alloy center section
- Floating EVA bar ends
- Color coded covered leader lines
- Stainless steel CAS (centerline adjustment strap)
- Removable security pin
Sprint Rapid Single Point Inflation.
Cabrinha's Inflation System is one of our favorite parts of the whole Cabrinha Kiteboarding line up. Though it doesn't affect the performance of the kite, it makes setup and breakdown much easier.
The Sprint system uses a single inflation point to connect your high volume, two way Cabrinha pump. As you pump your kite with air, all struts and your leading edge inflate quickly and simultaneously to the desired pressure. The supplied leash pump and threaded valve connection keeps your kite under control even when pumping up directly in the wind.
Once the kite is pumped you can choose to clip off, or isolate the air contained in the struts. This way if you damage a strut while in use, the rest of the kite will continue to maintain its pressure. At the end of the session you can choose to deflate your kite completely by disengaging the strut air clips, or you can keep your struts inflated and put your kite away rolled up so that the next session will take just minutes to set up.
Check out our current selection of Cabrinha kiteboarding kites.