2012 Cabrinha Switchblade Kite
2012 Cabrinha Switchblade Kite
The Switchblade has become synonymous with versatility. Its reliability and predictability are two of the reasons why it excels as a performance wakestyle kite as well as an all-around freeride kite. The number one choice of wakestyle riders worldwide, the Switchblade delivers a stable source of power which transfers into incredible pop. Once in the air, the kite will steer effortlessly with minimal input from the rider. The Switchblade is excellent for unhooked or hooked in riding in just about any conditions. If there is one kite that can back up all of the accolades being thrown at it, it's the Switchblade wakestyle, freeride kite.
The bridle has been repositioned and retuned so that a rider can quickly adjust from Wake style kite boarding into Freeride mode. The new bridle settings will provide a lighter feel and improved balance for the kite. Cabrinha has also improved their kite canopy for better looks and strength.
The 2012 Switchblade has the all new Quicklink IDS control system. This system will be the first system to have all 100% free spinning front lines, landing line and leash independently. The Switchblade Quicklink system also has a wider center hole for easier bar movement and steering the kite. Improved line winders and a removable security pin round out some of the new features in the 2012 Cabrinha Switchblade kiteboarding kite.
Differences between a 2012 and 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade
As a general rule, kite manufacturers refine a product through incremental innovation year after year, making small changes aimed at bettering the kite without any radical alterations. In 2013 however, Cabrinha Kites took a more disruptive approach towards the Switchblade, the changes making the kite noticeably different. Thus, when preparing to update your quiver to the latest generation, deciding between the 2012 and 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade can be a difficult decision. Below are the major differences:
Power
When comparing the wind ranges between the 2012 and 2013, the 2012 Cabrinha Switchblade is noticeably gruntier, or more powerful, due to a flatter canopy shape.
Turning Speed
For the same reason the 2012 Cabrinha Switchblade generates more power for its size (e.g. the flatter canopy), it is also a slower kite than its successor. The 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade is a faster, more responsive kite.
Relaunch
From our experience at the shop, the 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade seems to have more difficulty relaunching in lighter winds than its predecessor, the 2012 Switchblade, did.
Depower
The depower on both kites seems very comparable, one of Cabrinha’s strongest assets.
Bar Pressure
The 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade has identifiably less bar pressure than the 2012, now having a light/medium feel.
Inflation
The new Sprint inflation system, coupled with the elimination of the screw-on attachment, makes pumping up the 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade much easier. The 2013 pump also feels much more ergonomic.
Quicklink Bar
The 2013 Cabrinha Quicklink bar has several modest improvements, including new “ergonomic” depower handles and a locking mechanism to make resetting the safety release easier.
So what does all this mean to you?
Well, the 2012 Cabrinha Switchblade was designed to be much more of an all-around kite, aimed especially at beginner to intermediate audiences who value safety (depower and relaunch) and versatility (marked by the huge wind range). In 2013, Cabrinha has sought to redefine the Switchblade as a kite for intermediate to more advanced riders. It now delivers more speed, less bar pressure, more distinct bridle customization (freestyle/wakestyle knot attachments), and better unhooked ability, attributes aimed at the freestyle, wakestyle, surf, and premium freeride populus. With that said, both are still excellent kites, guaranteed to provide an exceptional kiteboarding experience.
Check out our current selection of Cabrinha kiteboarding kites.