Rider: 85 kg,Intermediate Mostly Unstrapped Wave
Style: Surf
Weather: 14-18 knots so far
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: Long time Cabrinha Rider, not sponsored, just have liked the gear and service
My Comments:
Had my first rides on the 8m and 10m Switchblade 5 2010 model in the last week. I have ridden Switchblades for the past 3 years and with the new Nomads coming out my decision was "Why change when you are on a good thing?".
I am really happy with my decision to stay on the Switchblades. I remember thinking that all I really wanted this year improvement-wise is that the kites turn faster. I am happy to report that they do and that Cabrinha have improved what i think has been a great kite for the past few years in the key area that I wanted improvement.
I have ridden with a mate who has been on his 2009 Switchblades so it has been easy to compare the two kites. The 2010 definately flys better and faster.
We both have concluded that the truning speed is the main and best improvement. We would say somewhere between 10-20% faster. Done - I am stoked.
I still have a 6m coming.
Other areas you may be keen to hear about:
Flight - It does feel more stable and better in the hand
Bottom end - Very similar
Top end - Haven't really maxed it but it feels like it will have more
Build - I have always been a fan of the build and this year is no exception
Bar - Cleaner than last year with IDS line hidden, swilling donkey for unhooking (yay) and a more robust bar grip. There cannot be a better bar on the market.
Pulleys - 3 per side this year instead of , none on the bar
Bag - Bigger and simpler - prob Cabrinha's best bag ever, but that isnt saying much, they have had some shockers
Graphics - Anything is better than a repeat of the last 2 years
Jumping - As I am unstapped most of the time cant really say, but if it turns and flys better and has more top end, I am willing to bet it is better than last year.
I also think that one of the best things about the Cab's is that they release their new models right at the beginning of the West Aust season.
Sizes - Bigger range this year as they are making them in 1m increments between 6m and 10m, instead of just the even numbers. As I was happy with 6,8 and 10m last year I am sticking with these.
Big ups to Windsurfing Perth, they probably got my kites in before anyone else in Aust and they did that because I am off to Sumbawa in 2 days (already had the kites over a week). I am not sponsored by them but that is a couple of years in a row they have done that for me and any shop that treats you like that deserves a mention.
Summary - A kite I have been happy with made even better.
Stopper is the same, as far as I can see.
I didn't notice if the swivel is different.
