Performance Freeride / Crossover
| Sizes: | 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11/ 12 / 14 |
With enhanced profiles to optimize the low end power production and a bit of fine tuning, the 2016 Switchblade delivers the type of spot on performance its fans have come to expect. The five strut design has distinct segments that hold the canopy true to its intended shape increasing performance no matter the wind conditions or angle of attack. The full draft-forward, rounded entry, aerodynamic profile really sets it apart from the competition. The wide range of attack angles give the SB the incredibly powerful, predictable pull it’s famous for while maintaining maximum control and responsiveness. The Switchblade remains true to the spirit of kiteboarding, making it the industry’s first choice for a high performance all around kite.
Features & Benefits:
- Ultimate performance in the widest range of conditions and variety of riding styles
- Smooth power delivery
- Predictable handling
- Great upwind performance
- Ridiculously high hang times
- Distinctly sharp and precise turns
- Easy relaunch
- Great for huge, lofty jumps
- Featherweight control ensures less work for a nimble,light in the hand effect
- Amazing relaunch
Style Selector
Attributes
Wind Range
Technology
The layout starts in segmented sections in the design software, but, in-flight its natural shape is a smooth arc. In order to make the transition between segmented and curved, we doubled the aerodynamic control by cutting each canopy panel in half at the center section, providing the ultimate curvature control which is where 90% of the performance comes from. When a kite is clean and smooth it will be faster through the sky giving you a broader range of performance.
We offer multiple tuning options this season which completely change the way a kite flies. These options allow you to customize the feedback and bar pressure, adjust where the kite sits in the window, and balance the power/ de-power range of the kite.
Cabrinha highly recommends testing the different settings for yourself to find out what feels the best to you.
A = The lightest bar pressure and lightest steering initiation.
B = Much more feedback, more bar pressure, shortened depower, and more steering impulse to know where the kite is.
Power Control settings quickly adjust the power level of the kite. Each rear line “pig tail” connector has three power positions which you can connect to. The middle position is the factory recommended position. Create more power by connecting the knot closest to the kite or less power by connecting to the knot closest to the rider.
A dynamic arc allows the kite to have two distinct arc shapes. The kite takes on one shape while flying, and another shape while in resting mode on the water. The flying shape occurs as soon as the kite gets airborne and the front lines are under tension. The flying shape is the kite’s intended shape which is optimized for the intended usage. The arc shape is held in place by a simple set of bridling. The dynamic arc shape occurs when the kite is not in flight, such as when the kite is resting on the water in relaunch mode. The dynamic arc allows the kite to open its span and orient the wingtips in a position to facilitate a super quick relaunch.
Cabrinha’s exclusive line of high-quality woven fabrics has been designed specifically for kitesurfing. Unlike many of the generic sailcloths available in today’s kites, the Volae materials have been specially developed to our exact specifications. The development process has taken over 5 years to create this dedicated kite material, which delivers the lowest stretch and highest durability on the market.
All Cabrinha kites are designed and built on a Skeletal Frame foundation. We start by placing the most durable, 160 gsm Dacron material into a framework that locks in the intended shape. We then create the canopy shape and profiles with a light weight yet highly durable 53 gsm polyester woven material. We build on the durability of the canopy material with a second layer of 53 gsm two-ply material over the high stress strut sections. Next, we layer into the perimeter a 75 gsm, double ripstop reinforcement material to combat the extreme loads that are placed on the trailing edge and wing tip areas of the kite. Finally, we complete the kite with details such as molded EVA chafe protectors, robust leading edge protectors, and triple row stitching at the high stress inter-segment seams near the center of the kite. We seal it all up with a woven nylon ribbon reinforcement on the leading edge closing seam.
The Sprint Inflation System with Airlock is the most efficient and easy way to get your kite pumped up. The large one-way Airlock valve quickly feeds air into all of the struts from a single location. The Airlock connection to the Sprint pump now requires no special adapters. Once inflated, you can lock off each strut independently to keep your kite’s rigid frame, and isolate any accidental strut deflation from the rest of the kite. When the session is over, the entire kite will deflate in seconds thanks to the Airlock valve’s large dump feature.