Brazilian Brothers Review the 2026 Cabrinha Switchblade

Whether you're new to the kiteboarding scene or are an old-timer who learned on a C-kite, chances are you've heard of the Cabrinha Switchblade and perhaps have even owned one or two. The Brazilian Brothers have been putting an early release of the 2026 version through its paces and are ready to share their thoughts now that it's available to the public.

What is the Cabrinha Switchblade?

It's been two decades since Pat Goodman designed the first Switchblade for Cabrinha. It introduced massive depower and a huge wind range, making kiteboarding accessible to more riders. It has been updated ever since, making it one of the most sold kite models of all time. Even the Brothers learned to kitesurf on a Switchblade many years ago.

What's New with the Switchblade for 2026?

You'd think that there wouldn't be anything left to improve after 20 years, but kiteboarding is still a relatively young sport and isn't out of innovations yet. The first thing the Brothers noticed once they launched the 2026 Switchblade was how light the bar pressure had become. It felt much closer to the Nitro, a kite with one of the lightest bar pressures the Brothers have flown.

Also good was what hadn't changed. The Switchblade still has a wide wind range and is intuitive enough for a new kiter. Although the Brothers hadn't been on a Switchblade in a couple years, they felt comfortable on it right away.

How Does the Switchblade Jump?

While it's not a dedicated big air kite like the Nitro, don't let that keep you grounded. The Switchblade is a very capable jumper that allows anybody to hop on it and get some good airtime. The moderate aspect ratio gives the Switchblade more forward speed and lets you fly it across the wind window much faster than older models. This translates into better vertical lift, easy jumping, and soft landings.

Is the 2026 Switchblade Good for Looping?

The Brothers were impressed at how much looping has been improved since they last flew a Switchblade. Loops are tight and fast with a very nice catch. The light bar pressure also helps, making it easier and more comfortable to pull loops. And perhaps best of all- there's absolutely no fluttering and flapping; this kite is quiet!

Is the 2026 Switchblade Easy to Use?

Part of the reason the Switchblade has been so popular year after year is its reputation for being a kite that's accessible to riders of all levels, and it still shines there. Whether you're a beginner kiter looking to improve your jumps or an advanced rider tackling your first boogie loops, the Switchblade is awesome. It has a big wind range, easy relaunch, and a really good amount of depower.

Who Is the Switchblade For?

Anyone can hop onto the Switchblade and have a ton of fun. You can learn to kiteboard on it, but the Brothers were doing boogies on this kite almost immediately, so it is definitely not going to hold back your progression even if you are an advanced rider.

Would the Brothers Recommend the 2026 Switchblade?

Arthur and Rubens were pleasantly surprised with the 2026 Cabrinha Switchblade. It still had the characteristics they loved the last time they rode one, like the big sweet spot for jumping and the huge wind range. But it was the light bar pressure and improved speed that got them the most excited to get back on it. It's definitely a kite they can recommend to riders who like to do a bit of everything.

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