2023 Cabrinha Moto X Review
It has been a while since we rode a Cabrinha Moto kite. For the 2023 season we plan on using the redesigned 2023 Cabrinha Moto X. We have a 12m size that we have already tested out in some lighter conditions, overpowered conditions, and normal conditions. We plan on using this kite for freeride sessions and to teach on. Here’s why…
Big Air and Kiteloops
The big improvements with the new Moto X have been directed at big air and kiteloops. It shows throughout the sizes as well. We rode the 12m in over 20 kts, and the 8m in 30 to 40 kts. Our consensus is that the Moto jumps real well, floats you in the air, and is plenty fast for kiteloops. It is a well-tuned kite that would be great for beginners learning how to kiteboard right through to riders learning how to megaloop.
General Feelings
What a fun kite! What makes this kite fun is a combination of how light the bar pressure is, quick turning, and well-tuned. The bar pressure is noticeably lighter than other kite models in Cabrinha’s lineup such as the Switchblade. Bar pressure is a subjective opinion. Some people prefer bar pressure because it helps “feel” where the kite is in the sky. Other people enjoy less bar pressure because it feels easier on the body.
One of the first things we noticed is how quick this kite turns! It is very playful in the sky. The quick and light bar pressure feeling makes for a fun ride. We adapted our style of riding to add more kiteloops into our session because how smooth the kite is through the wind window. Tricks like a frontroll downloop transition feel amazing on this kite. Smaller sizes would definitely be good for throwing some big megaloops.
A well-tuned kite is very important. What this means is that a kite can do just about every style of riding generally well. This is true about the 2023 Cabrinha Moto X. After a few minutes it is noticeable this kite is well-tuned. To push a kite to its limits, we like to do unhooked handlepasses. It was easy for us to do more advanced tricks like a KGB on this kite. A well-tuned kite makes it possible for beginners and pros alike to enjoy the performance.
What a Beginner Will Enjoy About the 2023 Cabrinha Moto X
Beginners will like the light bar pressure feeling. It will make new kiteboarders feel more comfortable with the kite. It will teach good fundamentals that a light grip is all that is needed to control the kite.
One characteristic that will be very beneficial is the easy water relaunching! One of the first things we did was crash the kite in generally light winds to see how well it water relaunches. The 2023 Cabrinha Moto X basically rolls to its side on its own. Little line pressure was needed to water relaunch. This matched the experience of our students that used the Moto X in their lesson. In their first lesson they were consistently making water relaunches.
Compared to Other Cabrinha Kites
The 2023 Cabrinha Moto X sits similar in the wind window to other kites in Cabrinha’s lineup. Other kites such as the Switchblade, FX2, and Contra. The two big differences from the Moto X is that it turns quick and it has lighter bar pressure than the rest of Cabrinha’s kites listed above. Our recommendation is that if you’re looking for a kite similar to the Switchblade but with lighter bar pressure and quicker turning then the 2023 Cabrinha Moto X fits the bill.
The Switchblade still is a fantastic “all-around” kite. Compared to the Moto X, the Switchblade has some more bar pressure, maybe a little more low-end power and potentially floatier boosts. For a direct comparison, try out the Moto X and the Switchblade back to back at a Cabrinha demo day. Cabrinha has been doing more demos, especially in the Florida area. This makes it great for other riders to get a chance to try out all these kites!
Redesigned 2023 Cabrinha Moto X vs 2022 Cabrinha Moto
We are interested to make this comparison! In order to do so we have to ride both kites back to back. We also want your opinion! If you have an earlier years Moto (12m) and want to help us make a comparison then send us a message below.
