Just to add to the bucket. Comparing the Helix or Cult to the Switchblade 3 is not comparing apples with apples. They are very different kites and both good in their own ways.
If you want a comparison to the Switchblade 3, try the new Slingshot Rev. Similar kite feel, but maybe a little tougher. Handles better in the surf and doesn't fly backwards. The bar is great with all the release below the bar meaning you don't get leash issues or risk running a suicide safety instead of the correct one on the Switchblade which is above the bar. Like everyone says, try before you buy. Not all kites are the same and not every kite will suit everyones style of riding.
Happy kite hunting.
I used the Cult 9M for about 2 weeks in everything from 10 knots to 22-28 knots-AMAZING range. Used it on a twin tip and various directionals and surfboard unstrapped.
I have no association with any manufacturer. Own Naish, Best and North kites.
I found the kite to be very smooth and with a huge wind range-bar pressure, whilst lighter than many other kites, is still very positive.
The kite is super responsive. Waveriding it hangs of the lines very nicely and just floats back in the window as you depower the kite and surf the wave. Super stable kite.
Relaunches like it's on steroids-almost auto re-launch-bloody great when you drop it in the waves 
.
Bar is super simple-with an easy use (although a little far away to reach) depower system.
Only negatives:
1. relaunch on the beach in light wind.
2. some leach flutter
3. distance of depower from the bar-hard to reach
If I had the $ I'd buy one in a heartbeat!
loco4olas
with the new smart loop, the trim controls are below the bar so well within reach... no toggle trim clutter.
i bought a Helix, and have to say its a very smooth, and very refined kite, and a total joy to fly.....
merman
Up until recently I’ve been using an 8m and a 12m 2004 Liquid Force Spectrum II, both C kites.
The 8 was a nice little zippy one but the 12 was just one big flying jelly fisher.
I now have a SB3 12 and I think I’m in love.
Similar handling to my old c kites but the extra de-power in the kite is brilliant, I can always feel in control and the power range in the bar is heaps more then before, pulling down hard on the bar is almost the equivalent of changing gears while driving.
I just have a few teething problems with being unfamiliar with the new gear. Like I’m used to laying my lines out down wind not up wind and having a bridle means I have new things to look out for. I haven't been caught out yet but I have found my rear lines looped through the front half of the bridle when setting up and also having a lot of difficulties try to pack it all up at the moment.
If I was to complain about anything it would be the bag, its great walking out with such a tiny bag with lines and pump attached on the side, but folding up your kite and putting it into its bag on a windy beach is no easy feat, and to make matters worse if you leave the struts inflated it easier to roll up but it doesn’t fit in the bag even when its pulled out.
If you’re like me and still flying on primitive 2004 models I’m sure you are pretty happy with any of the new models so don’t spend to much time thinking about it otherwise the windy season will be gone again. Just depends on how much money you want to spend. Just make sure you don’t get something that is everyone is calling a dud, I can’t speak for the Helix because I don’t use it and I don’t know anyone who has but the switchblade 3 is far,far from being a dud.
i started 4 years back with kiteboarding, flying different brands, wipika,naish,airush, liked my 12m lift the most for the perfomance(not the quality).
bought in 06 a xbow 12 for its big windrange, but the barpressure and responsiveness is been not good , upgraded for season 07 to sb2 12 & 8 m, the 8m felt alright but the useable windrange dissapointing and the barpressure still high.
have a look @ the sb3 range , the didnt improve much.
currently flying eh rippehr 9m, this kite is fun to fly, fast , huge air, good unhooked,no bar pressure and a big windrange 14 ..30++, if there is a downside to this kite its in the lighter winds, relaunching the 9m in winds under 12 kn is bit difficult but the real fun starts with 15 kn anyway.
for the light winds i keep my sb2 12metre
long story i know....... try a rippehr and you will be hooked
I flew both the Helix and the SB3 12m's on the weekend, I have only ever owned Airush Kites. I found the Helix to be a very fast kite in a straight line, it had very large and floaty jumps but it turned like my 18m Lift, You really had to crank the bar to get it to turn, the relaunch wasn't as good as i expected. The switchblade 3 was just as fast in a straight line, the jumps were as big and floaty as the Helix but the switchblade 3 turns much faster and relaunches off the water with no effort. If i was going to move away from Lifts i would be buying a switchblade 3. Demo both kites it is really worth the effort. I had a great time on both kites.
SB3 construction would be amongst the best in the Industry now.
The current models turn tighter and faster, but still with good power in the turns. This years SB3 12M feels like last years 10M, and this years 10M is one of the best bows I have used.
This years 14M and 16M are excellent, last years felt slow and were hard to steer (they need a longer bar, I have tried them on a 60cm bar they are transformed).
This years 14M feels better than last years 12M.
Easy to get big jumps, easy to get good hangtime, and redirect the kite late for a softer landing. People are enjoying them more in the waves this year too.
The depower length on the bar is shorter, so the kite feels easier to "dial in", when you come from any other type of kite.
Bar is improved, the centre hole is larger and oval and made from a single drop forged alloy piece, the grip is better, and the lines don't have that clear heatshrink at the sleeves.
Bag is way better, its the same as last years Contra bag, kite fits in easily, with a side pocket on the outside for ther bar and a separate flap for the pump.
Nice package this year, from a company that listens to customer feedback, and has outstanding warranty and service.
Cya and
Goodwinds
Steve
thanks for that Steve,
I have tried the 12m SB3 and loved it. I then tried the 14SB 2 and have been disappointed. It was nothing like the SB3 - however the wind was probably part of the reason for this.
My biggest gripe with Cab has been build quality - but as you say its been improved.
Bigmark
After flying the disappointing Naish X3's (naish overhype) I tried to Cabrinha.
Since then I have had quivers of CO2, XB, XB2 now SB3.
Also had a few mates who have also had full quivers of the same kites.
Without a word of a lie I cannot recall a build quality issues in any of the 40 or so Cab kites that between us we have owned over the past 3-4 years. Build quality is one of the key reasons I stay with Cab.
Not sponsored but a pretty happy customer.
New SB3 is a great kite, does everything reallly really well and a much better kite than the XB2 that I was on last year.
Wal
Gents, after starting this thread many weeks ago, I thought I'd drop in an tell you...Just purchased a SB3 10m. Picking it up on the weekend. Nothing gives me wood more than buying a new kite!...uh....I've said too much.
What I'm interested to see is how much more technology can go into this sport. I mean the Sigma series is way out there, but will others follow a similar suit?...how much more can you do with a kite? My guess is this sport's tech bubble will plateau very soon. New kite sales could start to decrease.
But then, think of the technology that goes into Gillette razors and Toothbrushes! Anyone would think they're designed by NASA judging by their advertising...so perhaps kiting has further to go after all
I don't think the kite tech bubble will burst soon. There is still a way to go and many concepts not attempted yet. Not all ideas will be good but that's progression for you. Need to break a few eggs to make an omelette.
There have been a few duds on the way, the Flowbee and Recon system come to mind.
One thing for sure is that kites in 10 years time will be nothing like todays kites.
Jason
BrisKites
Maybe more like next years razors and toothbrushes.
Toothbrushes will be brushless Ultrasinic jobbies and razors will be coated in diamond dust and only need replacing once a year................
I bought an 07 boxer sle 10 weeks ago new. This week the bridle snapped and the stitching on a strut blew out. I don't know if its a warranty job yet but it should be. The boys (myself included) were going to get cults but are getting switchblade because their 06 crossbows have lasted longer and taken more punishment in two years then my Naish boxer took in 10 weeks. I haven't flown a cult or a helix yet but if they fly like a boxer and last as long as a crossbow they should be good.
If you like the SB2 or SB3 and are after a bomb proof kite that doesn't have the warranty rate of the cabrinha's then you should seriously consider the Blade Vertigo. Check out the review in the latest KBM and at $1295 your saving heaps of $$$ compared to the other brands.
