Cabrinha has a couple of different control bars available. The one we’re looking at in this blog post is the 2022 Cabrinha Overdrive Quickloop 1x with a trim cleat. In the article below we’ll break down the differences between Cabrinha’s control bars. This post will focus on the specific features of the 2022 Cabrinha Overdrive Control Bar with the trim cleat.
2022 Cabrinha Overdrive Control Bar Features
Adjustable Line Lengths
The new feature that is unique to the 2022 Cabrinha Overdrive Control Bar is the adjustable line length. The control bar comes set at 22m lines. What this looks like out of the packaging is 18m lines plus 4m line extensions that are set up and ready to go. In the packaging are four 2m line extensions. These can be used to adapt the bar for the 2022 Cabrinha FX2 6-line or create a 24m or 20m line length bar.
Why the line length?
The feature to adjust the line length is one worth having. It provides the ability to further customize your riding experience. Longer line lengths, such as 24m lines, will experience more power but slower turning speeds. Shorter line lengths, such as 18m lines, will experience quicker turning kites but less initial power. We recommend trying the different line lengths for yourself to feel the difference.
Adjustable Bar Length and Tuning Options
At each bar end is a little plastic block with an arrow that can be pulled out of the control bar. The arrow signifies where the outside steering lines are. If the arrows are pointing to the outside of the bar then the width of the bar is 52cm. If the arrows are pointing inwards then the bar length is 44cm. A more narrow bar will experience a slower turning kite. This is our preferred setting for teaching and for riding freestyle. A wider bar experiences a quicker turning kite. The bar length adjustment is a nice feature for having the same bar for a variety of different kite sizes.
Tuning Options
If the plastic tabs are pulled far enough out, there will be three knots exposed. The standard setting is the knot furthest in or with two knots hanging below it. The purpose of this is for when the center lines stretch. No matter the brand, the center lines eventually stretch out. This feature on Cabrinha’s control bar enables the outside lines to be extended to compensate for the stretch in the center lines.
Swivel
Above the loop and at the point where the bar is sheeted is a black hexagon shaped piece. This piece is a swivel that untwists the center lines. If the center lines are twisted, spinning the black hexagon piece in the right direction will untwist the two center lines.
Trim Cleat
Just above the control bar and below the split on the center lines is the trim cleat. This feature trims the kite when in the air. It provides the ability to change the kite’s angle of attack. When the tab is pulled and cleated off, it pulls the front of the kite in. This depowers the kite, similar to pushing out on the control bar. We like the trim cleat because it allows us to fine tune the “sweet spot” while we ride.
Safety: Quick Release
The safety systems on the modern control bars are significantly safer, simpler and easier to reset. The safety systems all incorporate a push away motion. It is important to keep everything consistent for if an accident were to occur, the motion is mechanical. Below is a video of how the safety system works.
Cabrinha Bar Options
For 2022, Cabrinha shows three different bar options on their website. The difference between two of the bars is the depower option. The bars are labeled TrimCleat and Recoil. One uses a cleat while the other uses a strap with a black and white tab. One bar is not better than the other. We use both options for our students and would consider them a matter of preference. The third option is a bar that has a modular loop below the control bar. This is for the rider to change their connection point from the harness to the control bar. Another video and blog could be dedicated on that topic. Send us a message below if you have any questions.
