This article will review the 2021 Cabrinha FX in the 14m size. The feel is similar to the 2020 Cabrinha FX, but there are some minor adjustments to the materials that change the performance. We’ll go over the changes and the performance of the 2021 Cabrinha FX.
Who is the 2021 Cabrinha FX for?
The 2021 Cabrinha FX is for the kiteboarder that wants control of the “feel” of their kite. It is also for the rider looking for the most amount of hooked in or unhooked performance. The Cabrinha FX is not strictly for unhooked freestyle. This kite has performance characteristics that make it great for a variety of other riding styles. The 2021 Cabrinha FX can be for beginner riders to advanced level riders.
Performance Characteristics
Earlier we mentioned that this kite is for riders who want to control the way their kite feels. What this means is that the main bridle has tuning options. The outside bridle has the “A” and “B” setting for turning speed and bar pressure. The FX takes it a step further with three tuning options on the main bridle. The three options are:
- More Line Slack
- Standard
- More Depower
These tuning options change the kite’s position in the wind window while riding. It will change the specific performance function of the kite and will change the way the kite feels.
Upgraded Performance for 2021
The big change that was made on the 2021 Cabrinha FX is the bridle material. The material has changed to be stiffer and last longer with reduced stretch. The noticeable difference from an immediate perspective is the responsiveness of the kite. This kite responds to every little input from the bar. One of the features we love about the FX that has been improved for 2021 is the ability to feel exactly where the kite is in the sky at all times.
Overall Performance
No matter the way this kite is tuned, the 2021 Cabrinha FX is a well-designed kite. The kite is predictable, difficult to backstall, has a wide wind range, is responsive and easy to water relaunch. Since this kite is well-tuned, it makes it user-friendly for a variety of different level kiteboarders. Some kiters might say the Cabrinha FX is for advanced level riders, but that’s not true. A dedicated C kite would be for advanced riders but the FX is a hybrid C. The hybrid C has a bridle that provides a range of performance, depower, wind range, and is easier to water relaunch.
Standard Performance
The 2021 Cabrinha FX comes in the standard main bridle setting and A outside bridle setting. This setting is great for overall, hooked-in and kiteloop style of riding. The bar pressure will not be as great as if it were on the more line slack or B settings. The rider will still feel exactly where this kite is in the air at all times. In the standard setting, the FX will have the smoothest feeling loops out of all the settings. Both downloops and powered loops will have a consistent and smooth feeling. Another benefit of the FX is the ability to control and feel the kite through kiteloops. This will help on tricks like darkslides or backroll hand drags.
Freestyle Performance
The personal setting we use for riding the 2021 Cabrinha FX is more line slack and B setting. This closes the profile of the kite off slightly making it have more bar pressure and more focused on unhooked performance. In this setting the kite, more technique is required on the rider to push the kite further forward in the wind window. When you load and pop, the kite will lose power and lose tension making handlepasses easier. Even hooked in tricks like a frontroll to blind are enjoyable in this setting.
A vs B Performance
The A setting will provide more depower and lighter bar pressure. The B setting will have less depower and more bar pressure. Experiment for yourself which setting feels better. This has more to do with personal preference. One other aspect we found is that the B setting makes the kite (Cabrinha kites in general) less likely to stall.
2021 Cabrinha FX
Do not dismiss the 2021 Cabrinha FX as an unhooked freestyle kite. This kite can wear multiple hats. It is great for a variety of different riding styles and riding levels. The best analogy we can provide is that this kite is like a performance car. It’s similar to driving a manual in the sense that there’s greater potential for performance. If you’re interested in kiteboarding tricks with a twintip, the Cabrinha FX should be on your radar.
