The 2023 Cabrinha Switchblade, Moto X, and FX2 may seem similar in nature. There are subtle differences between these three kiteboarding kites that we will go over in this post. Any three will be good for a variety of riders. A trend in the industry is making a well-designed kite that covers a broad range. This range includes wind range, rider level, and styles of riding. The most important factor is a stable, well-tuned kite that makes kiteboarding fun. Any one of these kites will make kiteboarding fun for any level rider.
Kites Tested
- 2023 Cabrinha Switchblade
- 2023 Cabrinha Moto X
- 2023 Cabrinha FX2
2023 Cabrinha Switchblade
The Cabrinha Switchblade is arguably one of the most popular kites in kiteboarding. It is one of the first kites that does “everything” well. Everything includes beginner characteristics such as smooth power delivery, predictable turning, large wind range, and easy water relaunch. It is also a kite that more experienced kiteboarders would enjoy. More experienced kiteboarders will enjoy how easy this kite is to jump and how floaty the jumps are. The profile of this 5-strut, hybrid designed kite has not changed much in 2023. Its big change for 2023 is direct bridle.
For years the Cabrinha Switchblade has had pulleys in the main bridle. The purpose of pulleys was to provide wind range to the kite. Adding pulleys to the bridle extended the wind range of the kite. This means that a rider could take one sized kite out in a variety of different wind conditions. In more recent years, designers have worked to reduce or eliminate pulleys in the bridle. The purpose is to make a more direct steering kite while still providing wind range. This is the first year the Cabrinha Switchblade does not have pulleys in the bridle.
2023 Cabrinha Switchblade vs Previous Year Switchblades
The direct bridle definitely changes up the feel of the kite. It is not like the 2023 Cabrinha Switchblade is not noticeable from previous iterations. The same basic characteristics that made the Switchblade so popular are still there. Without pulleys in the bridle, the 2023 Cabrinha Switchblade turns quicker and is more responsive than years past.
2023 Cabrinha Switchblade vs Cabrinha Moto and FX2
The noticeable characteristics of the Cabrinha Switchblade is that it is the easiest and most floaty kite. The Switchblade will be the most forgiving kite to learn how to jump. A rider’s technique can be off, but the Switchblade will still make it feel like the rider is getting big air. For kiteboarders that have good technique, the Switchblade will hold a kiteboarder in the air for longer than the other kite models.
Who is the Cabrinha Switchblade for?
The Switchblade is for riders looking to jump big and want good low-end power. The Switchblade does have more bar pressure than the Moto or FX2. Bar pressure is not necessarily a bad thing. The benefits of some bar pressure is that it helps the rider feel where the kite is in the sky at all times. The Switchblade does have good low-end power but the FX2 may have a little better low-end power. Both are fantastic in terms of low-end power.
How easy it is to jump with this kite:
Turning Speed:
Bar Pressure:
Beginner Friendliness
Intermediate/ Advanced Friendliness
2023 Cabrinha Moto X
The 2023 Cabrinha Moto X experienced a redesign in its shape. The benefits of the new shape is that the kite jumps better, is quicker turning, and has lighter bar pressure. These were already some of its noticeable characteristics. The new design shape may take away from the performance riding a surfboard. If into kitesurfing, we recommend the Cabrinha Drifter or Cabrinha Contra 1-Strut. The new Cabrinha Moto X is noticeably better for jumping. For our style of riding, this is exciting!
2023 Cabrinha Moto X vs Previous Year Motos
The Cabrinha Moto has always been a versatile kite. In years past, it was a kite that was good for beginners, jumping, and surfing. It did the surfing aspect better than the jumping in earlier iterations. The 2023 Cabrinha Moto X is better for jumping than it is for surfing. Another noticeable characteristic is that it is great for kiteloops!
2023 Cabrinha Moto X vs Cabrinha Switchblade and FX2
The stand apart characteristic of the Moto X is that it has the lightest bar pressure and is the quickest turning. A lot of kiteboarders do not like bar pressure and the Cabrinha Moto X is a great kite to consider for those riders. It is a kite with light bar pressure and that jumps very well! We rode the 8m in overpowered conditions and it performs amazing! Great for boosting and great for megaloops.
Who is the Moto X for?
We recommend the Moto X for smaller riders that want a good jumping kite with less bar pressure. It will have less low-end power as the Switchblade or FX2, but still good low-end power overall. The main characteristics of this kite are quick turning speeds and light bar pressure.
How easy it is to jump with this kite:
Turning Speed:
Bar Pressure:
Beginner Friendliness
Intermediate/ Advanced Friendliness
2023 Cabrinha FX2
There were no major changes to the 2023 Cabrinha FX2. This kite is another kite made for jumping and all sorts of kiteboarding tricks. The Cabrinha FX2 comes with the option for two different bridles. Having two different bridle options completely change the performance characteristics of this kite. It really is like having two kites in one! For more information on the different bridles, check out our review of the 2023 Cabrinha FX2 here.
2023 Cabrinha FX2 vs Previous Year FXs
From 2021 to 2022 the Cabrinha FX’s shape completely changed. The FX1 had a shape that is more of a “hybrid-C” shape. It sat deeper in the wind window than the FX2. What this means is that it was more of a niche kite for unhooked freestyle. The FX2, new shape, sits further forward in the wind window and is much better for hooked in tricks. It feels like it boosts better and has more float to the jumps. The FX2 is also much better for kiteloops. It loops quick and easy with less of a yank through the loop. The downside is that the FX2 in the standard bridle is not as good for unhooked freestyle as the FX1. However, the FX2 6-line bridle option is the best for unhooked freestyle.
2023 Cabrinha FX2 X vs Cabrinha Switchblade and Moto X
The FX2 in the 4-line bridle setup (standard), will have less bar pressure than the Switchblade but not as little as the Moto X. It will be the kite that jumps vertically the highest. It will not have as much float as the Switchblade and it will not be as forgiving as the Switchblade for basic jumps. The FX2 will be the most stable through the jumps making it best for adding style or rotations to a jump.
Who is the FX2 for?
The main characteristics of this kite is that it is a performance kite. It will be the kite that is best for riders looking to do more than just jump. Any kiteboarders looking to add tricks to their jumps will enjoy the FX2. The features that make this kite good for tricks is that it is predictable. This means that riders can feel exactly where the kite is in the sky at all times. It covers a variety of different styles of tricks from rotations, kiteloops, and unhooked freestyle.
How easy it is to jump with this kite:
Turning Speed:
Bar Pressure:
Beginner Friendliness
Intermediate/ Advanced Friendliness
2023 Cabrinha Kites
At the end of the day, this is our subjective opinion of these three kites. We encourage kiteboarders to try them for themselves. If there are kiteboarders in the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg Florida area, we are happy to provide demos in the local area. To inquire about demos, send us a message below.
