I have a Cabrinha Switchblade 2008.
Just wondering what differences there would be moving to a 2013 model? What advantages would you notices as a kiteboarder here?
About from canopy tweaks, the biggest difference is that switchblade kites from 2009 onwards have the IDS bridle and safety system. IMO the IDS system is leaps and bounds ahead of the old bridal system. I would also think that a 2008 kite would now suffer significantly from wear on just about very part...
That was my first SB, (rode the Xbox before that) and rode SB for next 3 years.
Always felt like the kite improved by 5-10% per year, so that is a good indication.
The 08 was really grunty, I remeber it more smoth and refined and turned a bit faster each year.
Big safety improvements, bar definitely got better.
I could feel the wear after 1 year of use (but I think most of this is in front line stretch). Although after 5 years I reckon the 08 would be a bit worn out.
I think the equation is:
1 year for a kite = 4 years for a car = 8 years for a human
Tks guys. Very interesting.
As a beginner is there anything to be concerned about re the safety system on the 2008? I mean the safety release mechanism seems to work ok on it.
The worst thing about this kite its just about impossible to self land. Always have a buddy with you to land it. There are some methods to land it. There is a vid of guy pulling in on the depower strap and it lands but for me it never worked. Its just not worth the risk to yourself. I have the 09 sb and its so much easier to self land. The most dodgy thing about kitesurfing is landing the thing so atleast get the 09 which has the ids. You could probably get an 09 for $300.Whatever you do, don't put your safety on the ring on the steering line on the 08, it will spiral.
A really good bit of advice as a beginner would be to save a couple of hundred dollars, trade in the the kite and get something maybe only 2-3 years old if you are on a budget.
If you have more dollars take advantage of the BWS trade in and I also think there is another good trade in deal out there as well. local kite shops can be real good with trades to get you into newer gear, because they only really make money if they keep you as a repeat customer
Your kite was amongst the best couple of kites going when they were new but 5 years is a very long time in kite development. You will learn faster, and reach new levels quicker. The other thing is if you are starting out with one kite is that having (say) an 2011 SB to start would enable you to add other 2011 SB's to complete the quiver easily and cheaply.
If you cant do this don't stress out too much, I learnt on a 2000/2001 kite and had just as much fun as everyone else, but I know I would have preferred to learn on a 2010 kite. Easier to fly, more depower, better turning, better refined. To give you an example, I regularly fly my kite straight through the power zone (from one side of the wind window to the other), to get the kite where i want it when wave riding. From memory, probably would have avoided this in 2008 because power delivery was more on/off. In 2001 this manouvre would have ended in pain!
The way the 2nd hand market is is that 1 year old kites are worth about 60% of new price and 2 year old kites are worth 40% of new price. 3 year old kites regularly go for about $500-600 each. Therefore for the price of a new kite you could get a quiver of 2010/11 kites that would work really well.
I had a 2008 sb 12m. It pulled like a tractor on roids!, and turned like an 85 year old women. Bar pressure was heavy. Overall I thought it was a pig of a kite. The 10m from that year was a lot better.
I just changed my 2008 this year.
It was a great kite to learn and progress on- stable, predictable, slow but powerful.
As noted it was pre ids so you either ride suicide, which most people do or attach to the flagging line on the bar end. This is fine if your not looping and needing to spin the bar.
You can self land using the flagging steering line which might cause the kite to roll- rear line flagging or take the kite to the edge of the window, drop quickly and pull in an arm length of front line- not for high or gusty wind.
As far as performance a learner probably wouldn't notice the difference apart from the flagging system to a new model. Given its age now it would definately be worth having someone knowledgeable look over the kite for safety condition- lines, pulleys, canopy one of those failing is probably the biggest risk of the kite.
If it wasn't flogged and had a few of the wearing parts replaced (particularly the pulleys) over its life, it will be a decent kite to learn and progress on.
I hear the 2013 switchy is a totally different shape? Not sure on the truth behind that tho....
King of water sports Uk has a special on 2012 switchys @749 pounds, free delivery.
