2019 Cabrinha Moto Review

Heads up, This video is to help clarify where the Moto stands in the Cabrinha line up. As the season progresses, we'll be updating our review with more insights.

The last couple years, it seems that many kiteboarders are looking for something different. Something a more advanced rider can enjoy. Many turned to Freestyle kites like the FX or surf kites like the Drifter. The problem is, not everyone wants to ride a freestyle kite or a surf kite. The Moto is designed for riders who might love their Switchblade but are getting bored. Kiteboarders ready for a lighter, leaner more playful kite. Yet they still want to ride an all around kite like the Switchblade.

Where does the Moto Fit in the Cabrinha line

Cabrinha has 5 models in 2019 

• The Switchblade - All Around freeride
• The FX - Freestyle
• The Drifter - Surf 
• Contra - Lightwind  
• The Moto - All Around Freeride 

Frst things first, let’s talk about where the Moto fits into the line up.

The Moto actually sits right next to the Switchblade in the all around category. So, why have two all around kites? the answer is pretty simple and smart. The last few years, riders have been asking brands to make lighter kites. Lighter in the sky and lighter bar pressure. Kites that turn faster and are more fun to fly.

Rather than redesign their most popular kite, the Switchblade they created the Moto. If you’ve paid attention, in 2013 Cabrinha tried to redesign the Switchblade and it was not well received. In 2014, it returned to its original purpose and has continued to be refined in that area.

The Moto is a lightweight, stable and fast turning three strut all around kite.

So, who is the Moto for? 

Why advanced riders will like it. 

It’s an all around kite! If you’re that advanced kiteboarder looking for something faster, lighter and more playful this is the kite for you.

If you’ve been considering the Drifter or the Fx but you’ve been on the fence about switching to a niche kite and the associated trade-offs, the Moto will likely appeal to you.

The Moto has less grunt than the Switchblade and less power on the bottom end of the wind range. Beneficial in the waves and easier on the arms. The Moto appeals to riders who want to actively fly their kite but may not want a kite that specifically requires and active rider. 

Smooth kiteloop based tricks are a breeze with the Moto.

Why new riders will benefit. 

If you’re a new rider, the Moto is user friendly so it’s a great choice. As it would seem every kite is suitable for new riders. What I mean by this is the Moto is user friendly, and more of an autopilot pull and go style of kite. It can be flow aggressively but does not require an aggressive rider.

The lighter bar pressure will appeal to riders who might lack the strength. Or who may not care for the forearm burn associated with higher bar pressure. While the Moto isn't as powerful as the Switchblade, it's easier to use than the FX. There is a good chance you'll see this kite used in kiteboarding school soon.

The Switchblade does offer some advantages over the Moto for newer riders. Namely, a larger wind range and even more of an autopilot feel. The Switchblade will ride upwind a little better as well. The trade-off for all the attributes of course is the lighter playful feel of the Moto.

Easy to use, light and fun to fly. The Moto is a Modern take on the all around freeride kite. 

How Cabrinha is categorizing the Moto 

Cabrinha is calling this their freeride, surf and foilboarding kite. That can be a bit confusing as we’ve seen many kites associated with foiling that are completely different. For example, most surf kites share a few key traits as do freestyle kites. While foilboarding kites are across the entire spectrum when it comes to design. So we’d like to help clarify this a bit.

The Moto is an excellent all around kite meaning it will do everything you want it to do quite well. Yet, there are other kites that will outperform it. The problem is those kites make tradeoffs to excel in one discipline of the sport. 

The 2019 Cabrinha Moto is a great choice for foilboard 

Foilboarding 

When it comes to foilboarding, the Moto is very fast, responsive and fun. The Drifter is also fast responsive and fun and has been our favorite kite for foilboarding. We’ll be making a point to test the Drifter and the Moto back to back with foilboarding and surfing. Expect a future Versus video on our channel.

What I can say for sure is the lightweight of the Moto makes it useful for foiling in lighter days. The nimble turning speed is going to be a huge advantage in the waves and while riding the foil. For being an all-around kite there are some clear advantages to foiling or surfing on the Moto.

The Moto lacks the grunt of the Switchblade. This makes it a good choice for surfers or foilboarders who don't want to be overpowered by their kite. The lack of grunt not only makes wave riding easier, it will make transitions on the foil easier. 

Surf

The Drifter and the Moto were designed with surfers in mind. It goes without saying, the Drifter is going to benefit advanced dedicated wave riders. The Moto is not as dedicated yet, it still offers benefits a surfer would enjoy.

Check back later this year for a full Versus video on the Drifter and the Moto. This is going to be a fun point to test. From my conversations with the team it sounds like this kite is a gem in the waves.

Freeride 

For freeriders and advanced riders, my gut says this is going to be a very popular kite in 2019. Much like the Switchblade, the Moto seems to meet all Cabrinha other kites right in the middle.

Watch the latest episode of Sessions to check out some behind the scenes on our 2019 product shoot 

If you have any questions feel free to give us a call at 800 - 622- 4655 and we’re happy to consult. 

Ready to ride?

Learn more about the Moto!

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.

#Instagram

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