Is the Cabrinha Switchblade a Big Air Kite?

The Cabrinha Switchblade has been around longer than most have been kiteboarding.

It went though a good deal of research and design up until about 2016. Built by legendary designer Pat Goodman, it's still one of the best kites out there, in my opinion.

The past 5 years have seen a huge change in the market. Riders demand lighter, faster kites aimed at big air. The thing is, for some, the Switchblade is still an amazing choice. It's not the fastest kite—it's not the lightest kite. It is, however, still one of the most stable, predictable, and user-friendly, while being lofty and packed with a massive wind range.

While it's not the fastest kite, anything from size 11m and under loops well. Truth is, most people don't like to kite loop on anything 10m and up. That said, I love looping my 14m kites. You're not going nuclear on those days and you don't go high enough to worry about catching yourself, but you are progressing and getting way more sessions than anyone else.

In regards to the Switchblade, I've seen many good riders mega loop the 12m. The kite even has a couple titles under its belt.

It's been a few years since I've covered this kite in detail, but to summarize, it's good enough at just about everything.

I've always felt comfortable taking this kite into any discipline and any wind because it's so reliable. Now, if you are someone who can't stand bar pressure, something faster like the Moto, the Evo, or the Reach might be in order.

If you want something extremely fast, the big Switchblades might not be a prime choice. Now, 9m and under I've found to be more than fast enough for loops and advanced tricks. The stability, the bar pressure and feedback, paired with loft and predictability, have made this kite legendary in my eyes.

Who Is the Cabrinha Switchblade For?

New kiteboarders who need an edge learning just about everything will appreciate the Switchblade. 

Contrary to all the hype on "faster and lighter", it's still a prime choice for all advanced riders, with the exception of unhooked freestyle riders doing very advanced moves. Outside of that, it performs well in the big air category, it's reasonable in the waves, and for entry level freestyle riders any kite will do!

Who Is the Cabrinha Switchblade NOT For?

Someone who needs light bar pressure or someone who has been riding forever and wants something with a modern feel should examine other options. 

Truth is, it's not the fastest or lightest kite out there. It's a true all-around and, in my opinion, advanced riders should opt for the specialty kite aimed at their discipline for prime performance. The Switchblade isn't for everyone, but there is a reason Cabrinha stopped changing it. Every time they do, they are met with backlash from the fans who have come to love this kite.

Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

Many people dream of quitting their job, traveling the world and pursuing their passions. Rygo is one of those people who pulled the trigger. A few years into his career, he decided to change everything and travel as a kiteboarder, freelance videographer & writer. His mission is to share the stoke & help people put the boarding into their kiteboarding. Get outside and kite!

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