Switchblade 12m 2013 or 2014 ?

[wallyman]

After a switchy to replace my 2012 12m have the opportunity to buy a as new 2013 sb 12m for $1100 or a 2014 as new for $1700 . My question is , is it worth forking out the extra $600 for a kite with similar characteristics , an increased bottom end little bit lighter bar pressure etc . I already have a 17m Core for the light stuff and a sb 2012 10m . Would be happy to hear from some people who have tried both , thanks

[bigwave]

After a switchy to replace my 2012 12m have the opportunity to buy a as new 2013 sb 12m for $1100 or a 2014 as new for $1700 . My question is , is it worth forking out the extra $600 for a kite with similar characteristics , an increased bottom end little bit lighter bar pressure etc . I already have a 17m Core for the light stuff and a sb 2012 10m . Would be happy to hear from some people who have tried both , thanks

There is defiantly a difference in the 2013 vs the 2014 Cabrinha Switchblade. The 2013 model has less bar pressure, faster turning speed and less low end grunt than the 2014(and the 2012). The 2014 model is more like your 2012, excellent low end, slightly higher bar pressure and a more typical SB turning speed. The biggest complaint about the 2013 SB from our customers was that it just did not feel the same as there previous models (SB's). The 2014 is great kite IMO, but obviously its very expensive.
The new bar is very nice. Single line safety, adjustability on the fly.
If you can afford the price increase, for you having previous SB experience and owning a 10m 2012 I would be leaning toward the 2014 model.

Dave

www.silentsports.com

dave@silentsports.com

[MCMario]

I totally agree with bigwave, get the 2014 SB if you want to get the flying characteristics of your 2012 SB. I've been riding SB for 6 years and rode every version since then and the 2013 was not my favorite version at all. Not enough low end. The 2014 is, IMO, one of the best version of the SB. Traditional SB low end, turns faster than previous SBs, very stable through gust and lull and great for jumping.
Mario

[Lanc]

The 2013 12m will have a similar low-end to a 2012 11m one size bigger than your 2012 10m . The 2013 has a much better high end than 2012/4. Seeing as you already have a light wind 17m kite this purchase sounds like it might be your higher wind kite. Like previously mentioned the only place the 2013 switchblade notably differed was the lower bar pressure, quicker turning and lower grunt. Otherwise the 2013 still a good booster, good hang-time, stable in the gusts, easy to relaunch switchblade. I've tried/owned every switchblade from 2006 and personally liked the 2008/2013 ones the best but then I also preferred the 2010 nomads and now loving the 2014 drifter. I do not like the new 2014 bar and have had a number of mini 5thline tangle issues after wipe outs. The 2013 bar was simpler and cleaner. It would be best if you could test out a 2013 to see whether you like the differences but if you really want a kite that is most similar to your 2012 then get the 2014.