First of all sorry if this is in the wrong area but I had no idea where to place it.
I just have a simple question and being new to the whole kiting scene I was wondering if there is an answer.
I've bought a 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade 10m and being out on the water and speaking with other people it seems that they're not a go to kinda brand? Or am I just over analysing the situation. I am looking at buying a couple more kites in the near future so I'm not crippled when the wind is too strong or too weak. Is the brand worth sticking with quality wise or should I be looking elsewhere.
Hoping for a non bias reply but I can see that being next to impossible. Thanks in advance.
I am not biased as I have just purchased a quiver of Norths, but previously had a fair few Cabs, and as far as I am concerned they are up there with the best quality kites, maybe even the best.
Whether you like Cabrinha kites or not, (I happen to be a fan) you can't fault the quality. Its really very good, and the bar / safety systems are among the best.
There is also no question that the 2013 Cabrinha Switchblades had less bottom end than the earlier models, which has been fixed in the 2014 kites. This aside, the 2013 switch is a good kite for that genre.
I wouldn't think twice about buy more cabrinha kites if thats the model I wanted.
In my opinion Cabrinha is a quality product, they are owned by Niel Pryde Sails
They would be in the top 5 or 10 manufactures of kites. They where the first to introduce the bow kite.
People do run them down though as they are popular with new kiters and had rep for getting stuck in trees.
Select to expand quoteWikky said..
First of all sorry if this is in the wrong area but I had no idea where to place it.
I just have a simple question and being new to the whole kiting scene I was wondering if there is an answer.
I've bought a 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade 10m and being out on the water and speaking with other people it seems that they're not a go to kinda brand? Or am I just over analysing the situation. I am looking at buying a couple more kites in the near future so I'm not crippled when the wind is too strong or too weak. Is the brand worth sticking with quality wise or should I be looking elsewhere.
Hoping for a non bias reply but I can see that being next to impossible. Thanks in advance.
Don't listen to the brand basher's man!!!
Absolutely nothing wrong with cab's... Ride what ever you have the most fun on!!!!!!!!!!!!
i had major quality issues with canopies on 05 and 06 kites. their warranty was a joke too.
having said that, i have never touched a cab since. they could be a lot be a lot better now
have a look at the vimeo/you tube photage of the other kite manufacturers factories. having been to a few now in person youll piss yourself laughing at the foaming idiots who incessantly talk **** about kite brands like they have half a clue. basicly its the whole holden/ford thing but some of these clowns keep insisting daewoos are better (even tho we all know there pieces of ****)
10m switchy is perfect kite for beginer. can just drop it at 4 and shell sit there in one go. you couldnt of asked for a better kite. should get a few years out of it if not more :)
i have never come across a sport or industry where the mindless sledgeing and pimping of companys is so bloody annoying to the point where you may aswell ignore anything anyone says for your first year or 2 untill you get your own idea on it all.
just thank yourself you got a good one straight up :)
I've had many Switchies over the years. Don't fly them these days but they are a good kite. Just keep an eye on the pullies and bridle lines which will wear with time and can be easily replaced before breakage.
Best kites in the business....
I've had a few over the years and never had a problem..
I have this theory that Cab's supposed lack of 'go to' branding is mere hangover form them having the best and easiest to use safety system that was marketed heavily to beginners years ago. Result? Many, like me, were seen in difficult situations on the end of a Cab. But their bags are the best in the spor - even those super-efficent Germans at Core still rely on trying to stiff a large kite through a small hold closed with a drawstring. These small things matter when you are trying to make a dash for the car when you realise you've spent too much time on the water and have to make it home for the missus' wrath!!!! There may be quicker kites around, there may be more interesting and weird makers about, but they may not hold their prices secondhand like a Cab.
Agreed, it was a numbers game. A lot of beginners used and still use cabs (and experienced riders to) hence the urban myth began...cabs in trees etc.
This is all in the name of a bit of fun, because I personally have flown and inspected plenty of cab kites and they are a wonderfully built kite.
As sparky said, have fun and ride, you have a good quality kite mate.
Select to expand quoteeppo said..
ozone ozone edge edge edge edge ozone ozone oh my goooooddd look at my zephyer edge edge edge edge
:D you sound like the movie marathon carpark sometimes matey nice to see not today :P
Select to expand quoteWikky said..
Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated.
If you want to sell it, let me know.
My favourite kite (for water, as I also land kite) is definetely my 14mt Cab switchy. She flies in anything above 12knots and when most guys are parked on the beach waiting for the wind to pick up, I am out there doing it. When the wind does pick up, I am still out there up to 20knots. A great kite, easy to relaunch and park when riding.
If you ask kiters from WA they will put Sh1t on them
If you ask anyone else in Australia they will tell you there honest opinion.
Personally I have a 2009 cab switch 12m and love it.
Just about to purchase a xbow 2012 with the 2014 bar ( looking forward to the bar ) will make things even safer.
it seems that this site is all about promoting brands and products.....
Not safety and hooking up!
That's my opinion.... which is mine I own it!
Eppo..... please comment as usual!
I had 3 Nomad 2010. The build quality bullet proof. I don't like the bar nor the two flag off lines. This year they have a one off flag line.
Select to expand quotefingerbone said..
If you ask kiters from WA they will put Sh1t on them
If you ask anyone else in Australia they will tell you there honest opinion.
Personally I have a 2009 cab switch 12m and love it.
Just about to purchase a xbow 2012 with the 2014 bar ( looking forward to the bar ) will make things even safer.
Check with the retailer All cabs from 2012 had a double front line safety system. The 2014 bars are single line safety system and may not work properly.
Wikky dude - dont be fooled by any Brand name - sometimes they completely redesign a supposedly good kite.... Because last years model was crap and didnt actually do what it was meant to do properly - thats typical of 'just get a new kite out there - marketing...
if you find a model kite that suits your needs at your personal experience level, then youve found a great kite - whatever brand ;)
2013 switchy was a huge mistake....Cab should recall them......Like the "link" that was a total Muck up with a capital "F".
I have mates who bought the 2013 and are really peeved, always had Cabs....now may never go there again...
A lot of money to lose in a neiche sport I recon..... Do the right thing Cabrinha and recall them.
Select to expand quotestamp said..
i had major quality issues with canopies on 05 and 06 kites. their warranty was a joke too.
having said that, i have never touched a cab since. they could be a lot be a lot better now
Same happened to me with a 2006 Crossbow. Did never buy one again.
However, I rented a Cab last year in vacation and it was a good kite.
Select to expand quotestabber said..
2013 switchy was a huge mistake....Cab should recall them......Like the "link" that was a total Muck up with a capital "F".
I have mates who bought the 2013 and are really peeved, always had Cabs....now may never go there again...
A lot of money to lose in a neiche sport I recon..... Do the right thing Cabrinha and recall them.
Why would they recall a kite that only needed the steering lines shortened to work properly? The 2013's all had too long lines, it was very common knowledge with a simple fix that all store owners knew about, let your mates know so they can become un-peeved.
Select to expand quotePaul1 said..stabber said..
2013 switchy was a huge mistake....Cab should recall them......Like the "link" that was a total Muck up with a capital "F".
I have mates who bought the 2013 and are really peeved, always had Cabs....now may never go there again...
A lot of money to lose in a neiche sport I recon..... Do the right thing Cabrinha and recall them.
Why would they recall a kite that only needed the steering lines shortened to work properly? The 2013's all had too long lines, it was very common knowledge with a simple fix that all store owners knew about, let your mates know so they can become un-peeved.
Because it's not just the steering lines. The safety, the coil-spring, the QR. All fooked. The 2010, 2011 & 2012 models are ace.
Really? Never had a single drama with my safety or any in the area, what was wrong with yours?
Select to expand quotePaul1 said..
Really? Never had a single drama with my safety or any in the area, what was wrong with yours?
I don't own one. I tried one from a shop to test it and as soon as I wanted to depower, I had this spring coil rattling in my face. Nah. I just don't like it. That's the worst of it for me really. Also the Cab depower is a jolt-jolt-jolt affair where you have to yank those depower balls. A simple clam-cleat would have been better.
So let me get this straight.
1. You don't own one and never have.
2. The spring works fine.
3. The safety works fine.
4. The QR works fine.
But you think they should all be recalled because they are all fooked? Wow, we sure get some geniuses on the forums lately......
Mine works fine too , even the old 2005 model which I took out the other day works fine still .I hate with a passion the clam cleat you need to be built like arnie to un lock them ,then if you havn't got a good hold of the rope bang off it goes to full power how bloody stupid is that . Then the cleat just eats up the rope and stuffs it up even more stupid . Well IMO but the cab set up is smart and dose not wear any thing out and you don't have to yank it when there is power in your kite it is smooth as to adjust . I say you above is yanking the wrong thing and if it is in your face got to ask why would you be trimming your kite while you are on a boost as this is the only time it is even close to your face .
Happy days and just saying that iam not bulling any one .
Select to expand quotePaul1 said...stabber said..
2013 switchy was a huge mistake....Cab should recall them......Like the "link" that was a total Muck up with a capital "F".
I have mates who bought the 2013 and are really peeved, always had Cabs....now may never go there again...
A lot of money to lose in a neiche sport I recon..... Do the right thing Cabrinha and recall them.
Why would they recall a kite that only needed the steering lines shortened to work properly? The 2013's all had too long lines, it was very common knowledge with a simple fix that all store owners knew about, let your mates know so they can become un-peeved.
I would assume these kites are thoroughly test and tweaked and tested again until the end product is good to go from the box!
So what happened?
09 , 010 , and 012 models I've owned been more than happy with 
013 even with mods is not the switchy of old
Doesn't even have the feel of a switchy. ....... if i wanted slack line drift i'd buy a drifter
If i didn't want the bottom end grunt they are renowned for i'd buy some other brand
Come on Pete admit you got it wrong and have a recall or at least a good trade for 014 model!
Just my honest opinion (4 year experience, waves only )
And yes have tried many other brands and kept coming back to switchblades
Cheers
