Page 1 of 1

Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:25 am
by ktflyer381
I finally got to ride my new 2011 Caliber 136. I had a Cabrinha Imperial 133 a few years ago, it was OK. I then got the 2008 Underground Flex 135. I've been riding Ocean Rodeo for the last couple of years and own the Mako 140 and the Mako King. I ride on Lake Ontario, mostly in ohshore winds - lots of chop.
I got the Makos because they're good in the chop. What I was looking for with the Caliber was an improvement in jumping over my Mako 140. I was finding that I could do what I wanted to with the 140 - front roll downlooping transitions, unhooked rolls and raileys etc, but the timing had to be really good and I was getting some firm landings. The Underground Flex I had was better at jumping than my Mako 140 but the Flex was a really loose/skatey board and not nearly as good in the chop as it was hyped up to be.
After riding my Caliber for two and a half hours today (it's still cold here) I have to say that I am truly amazed with this board. It is an absolute dream to jump, absolutely everything was easier on this board. Pop was good in the flatter sections between waves and was excellent using the waves as kickers. The landings were unbelievably smooth and soft, and it had a perfect blend of being able to land off axis and yet still having enough bite to land with lots of speed (this is where my Underground Flex would often slide out).
What I found most surprising though, is that this board is really good in the chop. I could have ridden this board all day long, and given my sensitive knees this is a big deal to me. The bindings are incredible. I was skeptical of the syncs but the pads have more than enough padding and the straps are much better than the OR straps. I didn't have a foot come out once today and yet I didn't have to have them tight. I must say, Cab has a winner with this board. Oh yeah, it looks even better in person.
K

Re: Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:00 pm
by asdf
Hi, i also ride on lake ontario, i was just wondering how easy to use this board is. ( user-friendlyness) and how well it rides in light wind.

Re: Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:04 am
by ktflyer381
I got another great session on the Caliber and I can say that it is really easy to ride. I can't seem to trip a rail, but yet there's a nice amount of bite whenever I need it - not skatey at all when landing with lots of speed. I am selling my Mako 140 because the Caliber is just as smooth as the Mako riding in the Lake Ontario chop, but the landings are so much softer, and the pop on this board is just wild. I've found I've had to adjust my rotations because with the Caliber I'm still up a few feet in the air after my rotation when I would have been landing in the past.

It is obviously not a light wind board, but I had it out in 12 knots on my 14m SB and had a blast, lots of power for jumping. The 42 cm width is enough to get you through the lulls.

The syncs have been awesome, I seem to be able to get such a great grip without having to tie them tight, unlike the more traditional straps on my Mako 140 which I really had to crank down to keep my feet in. There seems to be enough cushioning in the pads as well.

I'm definitely pumped about this board. BTW, I pay for all my gear, if I didn't like it I would tell you.

K

Re: Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:07 am
by Uride2
Thanks, its a board of interest to me.

Re: Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:01 am
by poser
I ride lake ontario too and just got the 2010 dre signature 140 and freaking love it
I am 225lbs and the board is great.
came off of a mako 150 that i liked but it didn't have that bite i like just before takeoff for big boosts.
this board has everything i wanted and nice boost bite.
Cabrinha is making some nice boards and i got mine cheap for last years model.

Re: Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:31 am
by blacktip
those are positives sounds. Cant say im surprised, Cabrinha boards are offering a smooth ride for quite some time now.
Mako is always advised for chop, but that such a bull..... Glad you found out.

K, how tall are you? How much do you weigh?

Re: Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 12:16 pm
by ktflyer381
5'10", 175lbs, love long walks on the beach, romantic movies etc.

K

Re: Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review

Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 1:06 am
by asdf
There is also another board that i'm looking at right now, i was wondering if anybody knows anything about the Cabrinha prodigy 2011. Thanks.