The Cabrinha Switchblade is Cabrinha’s flagship kite. It has been in their lineup for 15 years. It has undergone design changes, material changes, but the principle profile of the kite remains the same. The 2021 Cabrinha Switchblade is a kite that a beginner can go out on as well as a professional rider. We felt comfortable enough sharing the 9m size in winds of 20 to 30mph.
Here are a few of the key features we love about the 2021 Cabrinha Switchblade:
- High performance for a variety of disciplines
- Large hang times and big boosts
- Smooth power delivery and responsive feel
- Huge wind range
- Easy upwind riding
- Super easy water relaunches
Our 2021 Cabrinha Switchblade Review
From 202o to 2021, not much has changed on the Cabrinha Switchblade. It feels very similar to the 2020 where they introduced the new nano-ripstop canopy. This canopy is stiffer and makes the kite feel more responsive than in years past. The only noticeable difference from 2020 to 2021 is the bridle material. Cabrinha is using a different material that is supposed to be more stretch resistant.
We have been teaching on the Cabrinha Switchblade for two years now. What we love about teaching with the Cabrinha Switchblade is that it is an easy kite for beginners to learn kiteboarding on. What makes this kite great for beginners is that it is predictable. It is predictable in the sense that you know where the kite is in the sky and you can feel the wind through the bar. If the wind picks up, you can push out on the bar and the Cabrinha Switchblade instantly dumps its power. When the kite responds to direct user input, beginners can develop the muscle memory quicker.
Compared To Other Cabrinha Kites
Compared to all of the other kites in the Cabrinha lineup, the Switchblade will be the best boosting, hooked-in tricks kite. It will not be the quickest turning kite but it is a fun kite for kiteloops and megaloops. Nick Jacobsen did win King of the Air a few years ago on a 2017 Cabrinha Switchblade, and Cabrinha has improved the turning speed since then. From our experience, the Switchblade is a kite that can be megalooped and will catch you before landing. Where this kite shines is in its jumping ability. It is a super easy and predictable kite to jump. A beginner rider can have bad timing and still have decent jumps. An intermediate rider will benefit from the “floatiness” of the Cabrinha Switchblade. Once in the air, the Switchblade will keep a rider floating for longer than many other kites. This is perfect for learning simple rotations like a backroll or for learning advanced board-off maneuvers.
Interested in the 2021 Cabrinha Switchblade
Send us a message if you’re interested in purchasing or demoing a 2021 Cabrinha Switchblade.
Where to Buy?
Looking to purchase a 2021 Cabrinha Switchblade kite? Check out Watersports West here.
