North Dice Vs Cabrinha FX - Versus w/Rygo Ep 17

The two leading performance kites that bridge the gap from freeride to freestyle. Both appeal to intermediate to advanced riders looking to push big air, kite loops or unhooked freestyle. Often, when I review kites there are a lot of trade offs and the differences are very clear. Between these two kites, the water can get a little muddy. All that said, I hope to clear this up for you.

These kites are designed to fill the gap between C-kites and user friendly Freeride kites. What’s awesome is unlike their hybrid predecessors from pre 2015. They actually manage to be both user friendly and high performance. Making progression easy for intermediate riders all the while performing for those advanced riders who don’t want to deal with all the trade offs of a C-kite.

Nick Jacobsen looping the Cabrinha FX 

I’ve used this analogy a few times but with kites like the FX and the Dice, you have to imagine that they are more like a manual transmission opposed to an automatic like the Evo or switchblade. All this means is they both require more rider feedback and skill to perform.

This was actually one of the more difficult videos to do as they are so similar.

For example the wind range is near identical, I recommend sizing up on both of these kites, If your used to flying a 9, opt for the 10. Something else that stands out is the Largest FX comes in a 14 and the largest Dice is a 13. And like you would expect, the 14 has a touch more low end.That’s not even a factor I consider when decided between the 13 dice or the 14 Fx. it’s close enough for me.

As well, the relaunch is near identical except you can use a 5th line on the Dice for an edge if you like. The upwind ability is also near identical. All that said, what is actually different? Well, there are a few things.

Whats Actually Different 

The first major difference is bar pressure. The Dice is going to have a touch more bar pressure and a more direct feel. Making the Dice a solid tool for freestyle riders. It's also going to have a faster tighter turning speed and radius. Making it very easy to generate board speed. It’s important to remember that kites like this don’t have the same low-end as freeride kites so you’ll need to work the kite to build up speed in order to jump or pop.

Conversely, the FX has slightly lighter bar pressure and a somewhat damp feel in the bar. What I mean by this is it’s almost like having a shock absorber. This is actually a common trait in most of Carbinha’s line up. There is a slightly disconnected feeling from the kite that I actually really enjoy. You’re going to feel the gusts less when hooked in and it will offer a somewhat smoother ride. However when you unhook the Fx does take on a more direct feel needed for those unhooked freestyle tricks.

As well, the Fx while definitely not a set it and forget it kite it is a little more set and forget than the Dice. Meaning it has marginally more low end. Mostly noticeable between the 14 and the 13. you won’t have to work it as much.

The North Dice has some advantages in the waves.

Kite Loops 

We found that the FX has a bit more power in the loop while the Dice has a tighter slightly less powerful loop. Now,  this can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you want to get out of your ride. The power throughout the loop in the FX makes it a powerful tool for mega-loopers out there but that said, this actually gives the Dice an edge in the waves or for riders who want to learn how to loop with slightly less pull.

The FX tends to be bit more forgiving and this likely has to do with the kite being less direct that the Dice. The more direct a kite is, the more it will respond to rider feedback.

These kites are made to kite loop.

This just comes down to what you like. I prefer a little delay in my kite so I tend to favor the FX but it is important to note that both of these kites are very reactive and lively. Don’t mistakenly thing the FX is not a direct impulse reactive kite because it absolutely is. We just find it to be a little more forgiving and a touch less responsive than the Dice.

In contrast to my other reviews, these kites are very similar.

So while I’ve focused on an overview of these kites in general, 2018 brings changes to both the FX and the Dice and I’d like to address this as well.

Pop and Slack 

This is where it get a little complicated. With previous generations there are some differences to be addressed and for the 2018 this has all but been leveled out.

To sum up the 2017 and earlier, everything covered thus far applies and the takeaway is that the the FX was a little better for unhooked riders, it had a touch more pop, it was easier to slack. Conversely, the Dice was a touch more well rounded. It didn’t quite have as much pop an slack as the FX but it did a little better in the waves. 

In 2018 both of these kites have had some design changes.The 2018 Dice is actually a significant improvement over its predecessors. An extra panel has been added and the leading edge has been redesigned for maximum pop and slack. So like I said, the Dice has always been a firecracker but in 2018 this is one of the few kites that has this much pop and slack and with its responsive steering that’s not going to pull you off a wave it makes for an impressive crossover kite.

The 2018 Fx has also seen some changes as well making it even more customizable and performance minded than previous generations. It still just a touch more explosive than the Dice, albeit not much more in 2018. It still has more power in the loops, but what it makes up for in the loops it’s just a step behind in the waves.

The Take Away 

In summary, this is one of the few cases where I’ll tell you to make your choice off color because these kites are equaly yoked. The main points to consider are with the FX, you get less bar pressure, a 14 m for the largest size, a more forgiving kite, a touch more pop and slack but not much more in the 2018 iterations.

While the Dice, is more direct feeling for riders who like that fast direct C-kite feel. It’s more responsive, less delay. It’s easier to generate board speed. It performs better in the waves. The largest size is a 13m that still rides fairly close to its counterpart, the 14 FX

As always, this is an open forum so I welcome your feedback! Let me know if I missed something and let us know about your experiences on these kites. Tell us what you like and what you didn't like so people researching these kite hear what I had to say and what you had to say as well. 

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. 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. He is passionate about helping people and sharing the stoke with his customers and students alike.