Cabrinha Moto X vs Moto X Apex
Cabrinha took the Apex materials used on the 2023 Cabrinha Nitro and applied them to the Moto X and Moto XL. There may be some confusion between the Moto X and Moto X Apex. Essentially, it comes down to a difference in materials. The shape remains the same, however, the Apex applies higher-grade materials to the kite. This blog post will go over the difference in materials and the difference in performance on the water.
Apex Materials
Three elements of the kite are different on the Moto X Apex. The three components that are considered Apex materials are as follows.
- Ultra HT – Leading Edge Material
- Featherlite Bladders – Material Inside Leading Edge
- Bridle Lines
The materials used in the Apex line are considered premium materials. We first heard about this in 2023 when we were asked by Cabrinha to prototype some of these materials on a stock Cabrinha Switchblade and Contra.
Apex Materials Performance Difference
In 2023 we prototyped the featherlite bladders in a 12m Cabrinha Switchblade and 15m Cabrinha Contra. Before testing the kites began, we were skeptical that the 22% lighter material would make a noticeable difference. Within seconds of flying the lighter bladders, the differences were profound.
The initial feeling was a much lighter and more responsive kite. We set up one 15m Contra with a normal bladder and one with the Featherlite bladder and had different level riders test the two out. It was unanimous amongst the different level riders that they all noticed lighter bar pressure and more responsive turning.
We tested the two kites with Featherlite bladders for about 100 hours. Beyond the initial feel, we noticed that the kite is more rigid and has more performance benefits. These benefits include better ability to boost, greater manageable wind range, better unhooked performance, and tighter, quicker loops. Part of the 100 hours included teaching on these kites. And despite the beating these kites took, the Featherlite bladders held up.
10m Moto X vs Moto X Apex
We took a 10m Moto X and a 10m Moto X Apex for comparison in about 15 kts of wind. We were hoping for stronger winds like the forecast predicted but the lighter winds for the 10m kite made the differences more noticeable.
Like testing the Featherlite bladders, the differences between the Moto X and Moto X Apex are profound and noticeable within seconds. The Moto X Apex was significantly more responsive and had a significant amount more power. In lighter winds, we both much preferred the Moto X Apex. The Moto X Apex was easier to park and ride. And in the lighter winds, it felt fun and easy to boost. Whereas the regular Moto X did not feel there was the same lift as the Apex version. 15 kts did not feel like “light” winds with the Moto X Apex while the Moto X felt like 15kts was the low-end range.
The Moto X Apex, in lighter winds, felt like there was more bar pressure than the regular Moto X. This could be because it was significantly more efficient in lighter winds. It is entirely possible that in stronger winds, it will feel like less bar pressure than the Moto X. If lighter winds is on your radar, you have to consider if you prefer more power with some more bar pressure or lighter bar pressure but less power.
Another difference with the Moto X was that it is easier to backstall and fly. This could be a nice feature if a rider is spending more time in the surf. The Moto X Apex felt like the kite wanted to sit further forward in the wind window. The benefit there is that it makes it easier to ride upwind.
Which Kite To Choose
If a rider is looking for a twin tip kite that has a huge wind range, boosts great, and is super responsive, then the Moto X Apex is the kite. If a rider values surf and freeride foiling, the light and playful feel of the Moto X could be preferable. If you have further questions, we would love to hear from you. Send us a message below.
