2019 Cabrinha Moto Vs the FX

At first glance, the Moto and the FX might look comparable. They both have three struts. They offer an alternative to riders who want to upgrade their original quiver. And intermediate riders have been gravitating to three strut kites in droves. All that said, these kites are significantly different and they each have attributes that make a big difference on the wate

Wind Range

The Moto and the FX both like to be flown on the higher end of their respective range but are similar. You will get a little more low end out of the Moto. The high-end performance is pretty on par. The biggest difference here is the Moto is more of a set it and forget it kite. While the FX requires a bit more rider feedback.

They both have a faster turning speed that appeals to to advanced riders. The Moto will have a bit more low-end power. Making it a better choice for riders that want to maximize the wind they can ride in.

The FX is actually on par but it does take more skill to get upwind on this kite. An inherent trait you can expect from crossover freestyle kites. This is a personal preference. Some riders like a kite that does the work, other prefer to be in the driver's seat. 

Think of the Cabrinha FX as a stick shift. It rides upwind well but it does take more skill to do so. 

Bottom line.

Newer riders will have an advantage with the extra power. Intermediate riders who want a faster yet don't want to give up the lost knot or two in wind range will enjoy the Moto.

Riders who want all out performance that don’t mind sacrificing a little wind range will prefer the FX.

Jumping

The Moto is a step close to the Switchblade here as it’s more of a pull and go kite. What this means is it will not take as much rider feedback to jump, the kite does a bit of the work for you.

The FX is going to take more timing to jump and gives the rider more control over their jumps. It can be a bit more aggressive and explosive. Albeit, with practice and tuning the settings you can get a smoother loftier jump from the FX. It’s going to be easier to get big air with the Moto but for the experienced rider, the FX likely has more potential here.

Lucas Arsenault throwing down on the 2019 Cabrinha FX in next to no wind. 

Bottom line

Something many kiteboarders are looking for is a more playful kite. To that end, both of these kites deliver. The FX’s performance depends on the rider feedback. While the Moto is going to be more consistent regardless of feedback. It offers that fast playful feel that lends itself to kiteloop based tricks and transitions.  

Bar pressure and feel

Both kites are on the lighter side. Depending on the settings you use. Between these two, I’ll have to spend more time riding them back to back before giving deeper insight. Stay tuned and I'll be updating this blog as myself and our team logs more hours in on this kite.

What I can say with certainty is both kites are quite enjoyable to fly. The Fx, can be agressive without proper control. While the Moto lends itself to a naturally smoother feel. 

Kiteloops

The FX is going to have an advantage here as it was designed with kiteloops in mind. It even has a kiteloop setting on the bridle. The Moto is fast, light and playful so it’s going to be a fun kite for kiteloops. Remember, it’s an all around freeride kite.

Most kiteboarders who incorporate loops are not exactly going for a king of the air style! They want to do smooth looking kiteloop based tricks to mix up their style. To that end, the Moto might be a better fit. As with most things, this is a personal preference. Riders who desire all out performance, all out control and aggressive loops will love the FX. Riders looking to a fast smooth mellow kite should look to the Moto. 

The FX is simply a kiteloop machine.

Bottom line

It's up to you to decide what style of riding your prefer. If you're learning kite loops, The Moto is more laid back and offers mellow smooth kiteloops. If all out, no holds barred performance is what you’re after, the FX Will be a better candidate.

Surfing & Foilboarding

The Moto is going to be a clear winner in this category. It was designed with both of these disciplines in mind. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve said it before, the FX works fine in the waves or on a foil. Our team Rider Blake Olsen foiled exclusively with the FX for all of 2017 and he’s a savage when it comes to foilboarding.

Blake Olsen "Learning to Foil" on the Cabrinha FX


The Moto is a great tool for foilboarding. It's a lightweight 3 strut kite, It has light bar pressure and it was designed with foilboarding in mind. That said, the Drifter will likely offer a slight advantage when it comes to downwind drift. Not a deal breaker but something to consider. I did notice that the Moto stayed quite stable while Evan Netsch rode right at the kite.

Wakestyle Freestyle 

Something I forgot to include in the video is the unhooking capabilities of these kites. 

I've yet to put the Moto to the test myself. I did witness Evan Netsch throw down some impressive tricks while he was riding the Moto in pretty light wind.  You can expect a full report later on this year as I test the kite further. 

Evan making it look easy in next to no wind on the 2019 Cabrinha Moto

In regards to the FX, it would be an understatement to say this is my favorite kite for unhooking. Granted, this series has never been about what I feel. The FX was designed for unhooked riders! In fact, it's replacing the Chaos as Cabrinha's flagship freestyle kite. That should tell you all you need to know. 

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for the FX. 

In summary

So this video helps give you some perspective on where the Moto Stands. It's Cabrinha's response to what the market has been demanding. A fresh, modern freeride kite without tearing apart the ever popular Switchblade.

Many people have gravitated towards the FX because they are looking for something different. Yet it might not be the best fit for every rider. The Moto is the kite for riders looking for something smooth,playful and well rounded. Yet don’t want to move into a performance freestyle kite that might require more skill.

Ready to ride?

Learn more about the Moto!

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 

14th Aug 2018 Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

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