The 2022 Cabrinha Switchblade has seen a readjustment of the bridle, which effects the flying characteristics of the kite. We have a 12m 2022 Cabrinha Switchblade that we tested in some of the gustiest wind conditions. Wind speeds were 14 – 30 mph.
Any kite will perform well with consistent winds. Feeling comfortable through a variety of styles of riding in 14 – 30 mph winds is a true testament to how great of a kiteboarding kite the Cabrinha Switchblade is.
2022 Cabrinha Switchblade Review
The noticeable characteristics from the ceramic pulley and bridle reconfiguration of the Switchblade is a smooth feeling kite. What we mean by smooth is that in the “punchy” wind conditions, we didn’t feel as much of the turbulence in the bar as what would be typically expected. When boosting, the kite is stable, even throughout the gusts, to feel in control at every point in time. Another aspect of smoothness translates to downloops. Downloops feel more controllable and cushioned than in previous years where there could be a significant amount of pull through the loop.
Key Features
The best feature of the Cabrinha Switchblade is the jumping ability. The 2022 Cabrinha Switchblade builds off the ease of use to do kiteboarding jumps. It truly is one of the easiest kites to learn how to jump, jump big and stay in the air for a long period of time. We would describe the Switchblade as a big air kite with a lot of hangtime. One of the cool parts about the jumping ability of this kite is that beginner and advanced riders can all have fun with it.
Later that day we taught lessons on the 2022 Cabrinha Switchblade 12m. One student who previously learned on another brand was able to make their first waterstarts and ride upwind on this kite! This reiterates how the Cabrinha Switchblade can make the learning process of kiteboarding easier and more fun.
Another feature worth talking about is the comfortable wind range. Each year the brand seems to improve upon the “comfortable” wind range of the kites. This has to do with the aerodynamics and tweaking the bridle through iterative improvements. Kiteboarding in 14 – 30mph is a true test to the range of the 12m Switchblade. At 160 lbs, the extreme gusts not only felt manageable but was fun to jump! To hold down a bigger kite in stronger winds without getting pulled off an edge makes it easier to jump higher and hang in the air longer. This was felt and experienced with the 2022 Cabrinha Switchblade. It is highly recommended!
Cabrinha Says about the 2022 Cabrinha Switchblade
Below is an excerpt of what Cabrinha says about the new Switchblade:
“For 02 we have given the Switchblade a further performance boost. The redesigned and rebalanced bridle gives the option to not only increase the turning speed, but also lighten up the feel of the kite. A lighter faster kite not only extends the reach of this amazing product to different riders, but also allows for faster steering and control for jumping. The five strut stable frame of the Switchblade really comes into its own in the higher wind ranges. Here the legendary boost and hangtime of the Switchblade really shines. ”
Features
- NEW ceramic pulley – ultimate in simplicity, safety and reduced wear characteristics
- NEW bridle configuration for refined flight characteristics
- Heavy duty closing seam construction
- Nano Ripstop Canopy, the benchmark in durability, stability and responsiveness
- High Tenacity Dacron for enhanced arc stability and improved handling characteristics
- Strategic canopy reinforcements in the high stress areas
- Pure Profile Panels for efficient aerodynamics
- Ultimate performance in the widest range of conditions and variety of riding styles
- Ridiculously high hang times
- Large sweet spot and smooth on demand power control
- Excellent upwind performance
- Swept leading edge for effortless relaunch
