Cabrinha Caliber 136 Review
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:25 am
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
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