2023 Cabrinha FX2 Review
The 2023 Cabrinha FX2 is our personal kite of choice. After riding the 13m in Bonaire for a week in underpowered and overpowered conditions, we developed a good sense of how this kite compares to the 2022 Cabrinha FX2. The features we love most (in the 4-line setup) is that it excels at vertical boost, kite loops, smooth power delivery, and a subtle amount of bar pressure to know where the kite is in the sky at all times.
2023 vs 2022 Cabrinha FX2
The overall shape of the FX2 has not changed on the 2023 model. The big design shape change occurred from 2021 to 2022. The entire profile of the kite completely changed. The standard 4-line setup of the FX2 is not as good for unhooking as the 2021 Cabrinha FX. BUT, the 6-line setup of the FX2 is significantly better for unhooking. The 4-line setup of the FX2 is designed more for big boosts, kiteloops, and floatier jumps. These characteristics hold true from 2022 to 2023 models. The big changes occurred in the materials of the canopy and bridle. This is to make the materials feel crispier longer and make the kite lighter weight. First impressions of the 2023 Cabrinha FX2 is that it feels slightly more responsive. Here is what Cabrinha says about the 2023 Cabrinha FX2:
- NEW: Refined lightweight canopy design for reduced weight and reactive performance
- NEW: Static low elongation bridle for improved reactive feel
- NEW: Sprint 3.0
- NEW: Ultralite bladders for an overall lighter weight kite
- NEW: Trailing edge EVA rigidity battens
- Nano Ripstop Canopy: durability, stability and responsiveness
- HTD for enhanced arc stability and improved handling characteristics
- HTD Hybrid Frame
- NEW: Durable TPU Leading edge bumpers
What Makes the 2023 Cabrinha FX2 Special
One big feature of the Cabrinha FX2 is that there is an option to ride it in a 4-line bridle configuration (standard) or a 6-line bridle configuration. There is a bigger difference than we first anticipated when we tried the two configurations. The bridle configuration has a massive affect on the shape of the kite and where it flys in the wind window. It is not a super easy switch from the 4-line to 6-line like changing the outside bridle from “A” to “B”. But it is well worth the switch if you want two kites in one. Here is how to switch from a 4-line to 6-line:
Features We Love About the Cabrinha FX2
For kiteboarders looking to progress their twintip riding this is the kite. If you’re looking to do all the tricks, this is the kite that makes it easier to progress. We love that the FX2 has lighter bar pressure than the original FX kites, and that it jumps better and kite loops smoother. The FX2 is a well-tuned kite that you can feel in the sky at all times, especially when learning new tricks. It is predictable and covers a huge wind range. The “sweet spot” range of this kite is large and covers a broad wind amount of wind speeds. For example, a 160 lb rider could enjoy their kite session on a 13m FX2 anywhere from 10 to 20 kts of wind.
Where the FX2 Sits in Cabrinha’s Lineup
The Cabrinha FX2 is a kite that beginner kiteboarders can ride. It water relaunches easy, is well-tuned, smooth power delivery, and sits mid aspect in the wind window. Where this kite excels is for intermediate kiteboarders and advanced kiteboarders looking to jump bigger. There is more of an “explosive” pop with the FX2 than other kites in Cabrinha’s lineup. This is great for doing megaloops, unhooking, or just big hooked in jumps.
The big difference between the FX2 and new Moto X is that there is lighter bar pressure on the Moto X. We feel as if the FX2 jumps better, but that is based on our style of riding. Another kite to compare is the FX2 and Switchblade. There is a big difference in feel between the FX2 and the Switchblade. For more intermediate to advanced riders, the FX2 will jump better and kite loop smoother than the Switchblade. More beginner riders will likely have an easier time jumping on the Switchblade.
Want to test ride a 2023 Cabrinha FX2?
Send us a message if you’re interested in learning more about the 2023 Cabrinha FX2, or if you want to try one for yourself!
