I have a 10m and 14m Switchblade 2. I have been riding the 10 heaps this summer and rode the 14 the other day for the first time in ages and hated it.
I'm considering buying a 12m Switchblade 3 and getting rid of the 14m. Does anyone have this combo and do they feel this is too close. I couldn't imagine having an 8 and 12 as the 10 is an awesome kite and I can't afford 3 kites.
I can use the 10 in up to 30kts fairly comfortably and that is the limit of most winds on the Sunshine Coast.
I have looked on the Cabrinha website and it looks as though the gap between the 10 & 12 in terms of wind range is more than the gap between other kites in the range.
I weigh 85kg and ride a 134cm twin tip in the surf and occaisonally a surf board when the surf and wind line up just right.
Any suggestions?
the size is right but the kite is wrong...
the switchblade is way different to the crossbow.
If you don't want to get going in the lightest possible conditions, then swap the 14M for a 12M, but if you really do want bottom end stick with the 14M, and get a bigger board under it.
If yu are using both kites with just one smallish board, then you will feel like the 14M SB3 sux, but if you ride the 10M a lot, then you will notice the difference even more!
If you want bottom end fun, you need to get some speed and apparent wind going to make the 14M come alive, if you bog it down with a small board it will feel wrong.
Even if you get a 12M, get a bigger board for those light days that hover between 12/15 knots. You will only lose 3-4 knots bottom end between the 12M and 14M, and you will have a lot of days where you could ride either the 10M or the 12M, I reckon the quiver you have with 2 boards (I have a 1.32FLX and a 1.52 X 44FLX) covers wind from 9/10 knots to 30+ which covers every day I want to kite
Cya and
Goodwinds
Steve
Hi SunnyBoy,
The 10 12 combo works great here on the coast.
If your 85kg and under and you can not get going on a 12m in light winds then a 14m is not going to do much more for you either.
The Sweet spot on both the 10 and the 12 is far enough apart and is actually perfect for the winds we get(10-28 avg).
depending on you weight and board size (but lets say your around 75-85kg)
The 10m should take you from 15-18knts right through to 20-25 Yes you could be out in more than 25knts but you would be better off on a 8.
You also could be out in less than 15knts on a 10m on a surf board if you have the right technique but normally under 15knts is perfect for the 12m.
The Switchys are sick ass kites.
Hope this helps
Luke
Also SunSeaker,
The Switchblade 3 turns way faster than the SB2.
So you will find coming from a 14m SB2 to a new 12m SB3 a BIG diference.
The Kind of diference that will make you more than Happy to shell out the extra $$$ for the new one.
Give me call if need help getting rid of the old 14m.
Regards
Luke
You flew tonys SB3 didnt u Sunseeker? You thought of getting a 140 board to complement the 12. The SB3 are an awesome kite however you really need to fly both kites on one of those 13knot days one after the other to make your descision. You should get a TD2 11m one kite quiver... then u have a kite that fits perfectly in the middle of these 2 sizes .
Hey Luke, U know anyone that might want my 14m TD2 yet?
