Rider: 70kg Advanced
Style: Strapless, Unhooked, 5' 8" 2013 WAM
Weather: 18-23 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 8/10
Disclosure: Nothing to declare officer, props to the G-spot for the Demo.
My Comments:
Had a ride on the Cabo out at point Moore the other day, some average sets coming through, head high and a bit. Water was clear and glassy, no chop on the face of the wave. If you look at the conditions it was a perfect day for the down the line Cabo, not too windy, clean waves little bit of SE in the wind keeping the faces smooth. The Cabo is a down the line drifter, on the same page as the REO etc. canopy shape is a little different, REO took inspiration from the RPM and the Cabo has taken its design cues from the TS and previous generation Taboo, which is a world renowned wave kite to those in the know. What the Cabo did well was drift, without trimming the kite it unhooked a peach, once in position I was able to get a good handful of turns without loosing any of the waves momentum. The key to flying though is getting into position before attacking, it takes a bit of practise as the Cabo is a little slower than other kites of its size. Medium bar pressure and a constant pull will get light riders going in 18 knots. All said and done the Cabo is a fantastic kite, excellent build quality, these kites are built to last. If you ride perfect peeling waves all the time then the Cabo is for you and those guys who love that drifting feeling, however if you dont always have these conditions then I'd be looking at the Best TS V2 for more speed and versatility. A review will be up later this week.
The RPM came way way before the REO, advertised as a freestyle kite until wave riders clued it was an awesome kite in the surf. Having parked the REO and RPM back to back on the beach canopy shape is very similar, flat c shape, squared tips, this is undisputed on the beach and in the sky. Yes bridles are different but then the RPM has never been designed as a wave kite.
