2020 Cabrinha Switchblade Review Update
1/27 Update
We have been using and teaching on the 2020 12m Cabrinha Switchblade for a few months now. What we have noticed on this years model is that the kite has been refined. What we specifically mean is that this kite is better tuned. How that translates in performance is that it is less likely to back stall than previous year models. You can keep the bar sheeted in for longer and still maneuver the kite. You’ll get better all around performance for any discipline of riding.
We just hosted a Cabrinha Demo Day with Watersports West where Cabrinha rep, Damien Leroy, brought a full quiver of 2020 Cabrinha kites. Among the kites was the 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade. In this review we’ll include a summary of what people experienced as well as our experience riding and teaching on this kite.
2020 Cabrinha Switchblade Sizes Tested
9m, 11m, 12m and 14m
The 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade has pull. Its a powerful kite with great low-end power.. If you’re an experienced rider you can also hold this kite down in strong winds and still make it perform.
Our recommended ranges based on weight for a 2020 12m Switchblade kite size
- 110 lb Rider >>> 10 mph – 20 mph
- 160 lb Rider >>> 11 mph – 28 mph
- 200 lb Rider >>> 14 mph – 30 mph
What’s New on the 2020 Switchblade?
Nano Ripstop Canopy
Each year there seems to be a new material that’s lighter and stiffer. How much does this affect the performance of a kite? If you’re new to kiteboarding you may not notice the performance differences but the materials will last longer. Longer lasting materials means a kite that will perform like new for a longer period of time. If you’re an intermediate to advanced rider you will notice a quicker turning Switchblade and that you can handle more wind.
Demo Day Consensus
We had a 9m, 11m, 12m and 14m rigged for the Cabrinha demo this past Saturday (October 26th). We had beginner kiteboarders to advanced kiteboarders riding the 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade.
The most general term we heard people use was that the Switchblade is an incredibly smooth kite. No matter what kite shape, model or brand they ride, it was easy to dial in on the Switchblade. It’s easy to create power and maintain power while riding. When doing jumps the Switchblade is predictable and you can feel exactly where it is.
Another common thing we heard is that the Switchblade is a boosty kite. What this means is that not only will this kite take you up high but will hold you in the air for a long time. Whether you’re new to jumping or want a kite that will hold you in the air longer for boardoffs, the 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade will perform.
A negative about the Switchblade is that it has some bar pressure. We’ve flown Switchblades since 2008 and know that the 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade has significantly less bar pressure than the older models. Cabrinha wanted to keep the Switchblade true to its DNA so part of having bar pressure is knowing where the kite is in the sky at all times. You can adjust the back lines to the “A setting” and furthest knot away from the kite for the least amount of bar pressure. Other Cabrinha model kites with less bar pressure are the Moto and Drifter.
Our Review
We love the Switchblade as a kite that does everything well! It truly is a super smooth kite that’s great for any discipline of riding. The three things we love most about the Switchblade for our personal riding are:
- Low-end Power
- Boosts & Hangtime
- Freestyle
We have been using the Switchblade for teaching beginner lessons to advanced lessons. We’ve had really good feedback using this kite in a variety of wind ranges. This is what we found to be the three most important benefits:
- Easy Power Control
- Predictability
- Broad Wind Range
General Review
The 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade is a kite that masters almost every discipline of kiteboarding. From a beginner level of riding to an advanced level, this kite knows how to perform. It’s a kite that will make your first waterstarts easier and is a kite that will help you boost higher and higher. What we love about the Switchblade is its predictability and that it’s a kite any skill level of kiteboarder will enjoy.
