2019 Cabrinha FX Review

The FX, has only been around for a few years, yet in that time, it’s dominated the crossover freestyle category. So much so, Cabrinha has discontinued the Chaos. Making the FX their premier freestyle kite. While the FX has carved it’s place as one of our favorite freestyle kites, it may or may not be the right kite for you.

In 2019, the FX remains for the most part, unchanged from the 2018. Rather than update you on the new features we’l be doing an in depth review of this years kite.

If you are wondering what three strut kite in Cabrinha line up is right for you. Check out our comparison of the new Cabrinha Moto Vs The Cabrinha FX. 

In the last few years, the FX has caught a lot of riders attention. Characterized by its fast turning speed, Aggressive jumps, Agressive kiteloops, Agressive freestyle performance. Are you noticing the trend here? While the FX is a kite that a newer rider could learn on, it’s going to be a better fit for intermediate to advanced riders. Kiteboarders looking for something more potent.

Wind Range.

The FX, is a freestyle kite so naturally, the wind range is reduced in contrast to an all around kite. Granted, compared to a few years ago, all freestyle kites have come a long way in this regard. So what does this mean for you? If you’re an experienced rider not that much.

With it’s faster turning speed, the FX likes to be flown aggressive. This means in lighter winds, unlike an all around kite the FX won’t power through a hole in the wind. You will have to work the kite.

I’ve made the analogy a few times now that you can think of the FX as a stick shift. Meaning how you sine the kite, how you edge the board, what you’re doing with your body is going to impact the kite more.

This is actually an appealing point for more advanced riders looking to up their game. The kite becomes much more an extension of your body. Making for a more connected ride compared to all around kites that do most of the work on autopilot.

Bottom line.

The Fx has a solid wind range, it’s a little less effective than most freeride kites. Think a knot or two maybe. So for new riders, this will be noticeable but not a deal breaker. For intermediate riders, You’ll adapt quickly and it will hardly be noticeable. If your an advanced rider, it’s not going to make much of a difference. Likely it will be a huge upgrade in the wind range from the C kite you were using.

Jumping

People often get annoyed when watching reviews and it seems every kite jumps amazing right?

Well to clarify. the FX does jump amazing, but it also takes more skill. Earlier I mentioned the FX is more aggressive and this hold true when it comes to jumping. If you’ve flown a freeride kite you’re likely used to just pulling the bar in and having a smooth floaty jump. In contrast, the FX is going to have a powerful pop off the water.

Granted, the intermediate rider is going to have a lot more control behind how the kite jumps. So smooth jumps are possible. What this comes down to is how fast you come into a jump, how hard you edge, How you send the kite, How you pop. Back to that stick shift analogy, the FX give the rider a lot more control. If you botch your timing, the kite will jump, but it’s easier to mess up as timing does come into play.

Bottom line.

The FX, doesn't have the same automatic smooth lofty jumps that freeride kites offer. But for the experienced rider, it offers a great deal of control in how you jump. You can get a very lofty jump, or a very aggressive powerful jump depending on how you come into the trick. To clarify, a new rider could jump with the FX fine, but it will take more time to progress as you learn to fly the kite.

Stability

In regards to stability, the FX holds its own quite well. This is an attribute associated with Cabrinha kites in general. They all have a damp shock absorbent feel. I’ve taken the FX out in less than desirable gusty conditions and even now, I’m still surprised how stable the kite is. It’s not going to be as stable as the 5 strut Switchblade. In stronger winds the kite is designed to be more responsive in general. There is some movement but as for feel, the designers did a great job dampening this feel back to the rider.

What I mean is while it’s not quite as stable in the air, when conditions get rough, I never feel uncomfortable in my harness. The kite doesn’t jerk you around in gusty winds. Provided you’re flying it in the correct wind range. Any kite will jerk you around if you push it too much.

Kiteloops

The FX is known for its powerful aggressive kiteloops. If you’re a well versed rider looking to add some showmanship to your riding, you’re going to really like the FX. This was a major point the design team considered when creating this kite. Since the first generation it’s generated a lot of buzz.

Bottom line

You can tune this kite to fit your style and if mega loops are on your radar you’ll likely want to ride the FX.

Surf

The FX gets the job done in the surf. While it is a freestyle kite, it does have some all around characteristics. It’s not my first choice for the waves yet, you can use it. It wasn’t that long ago riders were ripping in the waves with kites that we’re pretty awful from a modern context.

Bottom line here, the FX will work fine in the waves but it doesn’t compare to the Drifter, in that regard.

Unhooked Freestyle.

This is an area we didn’t address in our other reviews as it’s more niche. If unhooked riding or freestyle is on your radar, this is the kite you want to be on.

In 2019 Cabrinha has done away with their long standing C-kite the Chaos moving the FX into the lead as their premier freestyle kite. When tuned for freestyle the FX has a very aggressive pop, and a consistent slack. Making handle passes quite easy. And giving newer freestyles an edge when it comes to load and pop based tricks. The FX as been a staple in our demo fleet here at the shop. I find myself reaching for this kite more than most when booting it up and going for it.

Bottom line.

If you want to progress into freestyle and unhooked riding, you’ll want to get on the FX. It offers most everything you’d want from a C-kite. While delivering a user friendly experience that will encourage progression for years to come. 

Ready to ride?

Learn more about the FX!

Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

Just a dude from a kite shop testing all the gear one session at a time.

Many people dream of quitting their job, traveling the world and pursuing their passions. Rygo is one of those people who pulled the trigger. About eight years into a postal career, he decided to change everything and travel as a freelance videographer & writer. This took him from coast to coast and a variety of countries. Nowadays you can catch him on the phones, doing lessons, or working on videos. Of course, he still makes a point to travel as often as possible. His mission is to help people and share the stoke with his customers and students alike. Get out there and kiteboard.

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Producer of: Ride with Blake I Sessions I Versus I Destinations I Foil Fridays