CABRINHA Switchblade
Sizes Available: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14m
Sizes Tested: 7, 9, 11m
Cabrinha Says:
For the savvy rider that wants the highest performance, most versatile, top quality construction kite on the market. 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.
Visit for more info: www.cabrinhakites.com/kite/switchblade.html
Our Testers Say:
“A smooth turning performer,” Davey Beard.
“Whether you’re practicing new tricks or boosting big airs, this kite is a great confidence builder,” Dray Murray.
“Stable, huge boost and airtime, quality build,” Bill Gordon.
TKB Says:
It’s hard to improve a kite like the 2016 Switchblade but when most of our testers get off the water with a huge grin you know Cabrinha did something right. The 2016 Switchblade is a 5-strut SLE with swept back wingtips that Carbrinha markets as a high performance freeride kite. The Switchblade uses a large diameter bayonet style inflation valve that requires no nozzle on the end of your pump hose for a quick and easy pump up. There’s two wingtip steering settings to choose between shorter depower/direct steering and long depower stroke/light steering impulse and the front bridle has a single setting with one pulley.Testers praised the Switchblade for its extreme power delivery and impressive lift while boosting big airs. The Switchblade has medium bar pressure and swift turning speed in a pivot style turn. The relaunch on the Switchblade is excellent: when this kite is in the heart of the wind window it will rotate and launch with the pull of one side of the bar. Testers recommend this kite as a great kite for setting Woo records with highly progressive power as you sheet in which allows a rider to generate a tremendous amount of vertical lift for massive airs.
Cabrinha offers three control bar options for the Switchblade: 1) Overdrive 1X with Recoil (Adjustable bar ends with spring/tuning strap) 2) Overdrive 1X with Trim Lite (Adjustable bar ends with cam cleat tuning) and 3) 1X with Trim Lite. We will discuss the Overdrive 1X with Recoil here and the 1X with Trim Lite in the FX review.
The Overdrive 1X with Recoil is a dual adjustable length bar (48cm/56cm or 57cm/65cm) that riders can adjust on the water. The Recoil features a streamlined single center-line safety depower system, low V, and a fixed length durable plastic sheeting/throw line which combines above the bar tuning with longer travel throw while keeping controls well within the rider’s reach by using extension handles. The plastic depower/throw line doesn’t include an adjustable stopper but the spring loaded controls act to keep the bar within reach when let go. The plastic push away quick release can be cocked off to the side for easy reassembly and incorporates a below the bar hand swivel that doubles as a travel guard. The center lines end in a knot and the outside lines end in loops. Testers commented on the Overdrive 1X’s slightly thicker grip diameter and liked the rubber texture of the hand grip.
Visit for more info on the bar: https://www.cabrinhakites.com/controlsystems/overdrive-1x.html
