2024 Cabrinha Switchblade Review
The 2024 Cabrinha Switchblade has been redesigned from previous iterations. When we heard about this, we were nervous and intrigued. The 2023 Cabrinha Switchblade underwent changes to remove any pulleys from the bridle. So in other words, the 2023 Cabrinha Switchblade was the best one to date. It is difficult to change a product that already performs so well in multiple disciplines.
Our Initial Session’s Review
Everything on the 2024 Cabrinha Switchblade performed excellent. The trademark Switchblade feel is still there. This means that the kite is predictable, boosts excellent, and holds the rider in the air for an extended time. It was actually a bit difficult to discern the differences from the 2023 and 2024 iterations. And this is not necessarily a bad thing when a brand claims a redesign to a model. Our hypothesis is that changes between the 2023 and 2024 will be more noticeable in the high and low end wind spectrums of the kite. Overall, the 2024 Cabrinha Switchblade is a great addition to the Cabrinha lineup!
2023 vs 2024 Cabrinha Switchblade
The 2023 vs 2024 Cabrinha Switchblade will be an interesting comparison! At this point in time we do not have enough hours logged on the 2024 Switchblade to make an accurate assessment. We plan on doing a direct comparison on the water to better assess and feel the differences. To stay tuned, subscribe to our YouTube channel here.
March 5th Update: we have spent a good amount of time on both kites. Here is our breakdown between the two kites:
2024 Switchblade vs Other Cabrinha Models
Compared to other kites in Cabrinha’s lineup, the Switchblade will have the most bar pressure. With this said, the bar pressure on the 2024 Cabrinha Switchblade will be significantly less than in previous year’s iterations. The Cabrinha brand, in general, has been moving towards more responsive and lighter feeling kites. However, having a little bar pressure is good. This allows the rider to feel exactly where the kite is at all points in time.
Another stand apart feature with the Switchblade is the amount of float in the jumps. The Switchblade is a great boosting kite that makes staying in the air feel comfortable and fun. One of the best parts to kiteboarding are the jumps and the Switchblade capitalizes on this! With no pulleys in the bridle, the Switchblade is more responsive than its ever been. On the very big jumps, downloops are easy, fun, and controllable with the 2024 Cabrinha Switchblade.
From a technical perspective, the Switchblade is one of two 5 strut kites in Cabrinha’s lineup. The other kite is the Cabrinha Nitro. A 5 strut design is intended to give the kite more structure and stability in powered up, windy conditions. In other words, the Switchblade and Nitro’s 5 strut profile are made to excel in strong winds.
What Cabrinha Says
The longest running and most successful kite in the industry is back for it’s 17th year, and what a year it is.
The kite that spawned not only a style of riding but also a whole generation of kiters has evolved into the highest performing Switchblade to date.
Taking the known Switchblade DNA, the creatives in the Design Works team have evolved this 5 strut design through use of new technologies, construction techniques and internal adjustments, to give a more playful, lighter feeling kite, while still remaining predictable and stable.
This Lite Series kite utilizes the HTD Lite materials which make this the lightest Switchblade to date. Combined with the Integrated Structural Canopy (ISC) we have been able to greatly reduce the weight of the kite while increasing longevity and improving steering speed.
- NEW: HTD Lite: Lightweight ultra rigid dacron
- NEW: Switchblade DNA, cutting edge handling and performance
- NEW: Revised aerodynamic profiles and design
- NEW: Lighter and more playful control response
- NEW: Bi-directional pure profile panels
- Ultralite bladders for an overall lighter weight kite
- Trailing edge EVA rigidity battens
- Nano Ripstop Canopy: Durability, stability and responsiveness
- Sprint 3.0
- Durable TPU leading edge bumpers.
