Cabrinha Switchblades 2010 - 2013

[buffmasterbran]

Hi everyone, I have come across a little bit of a problem hopefully I can get a little help on. I am looking to buy a new(actually used, but new to me) kite because I can't afford a new kite. I have found that I would really like a switchblade, but before I bite the bullet, I frustrated my self by reading reviews.

Every review I say about them said it was so great, but other than slight difference in bar pressure, they were very similar. Anyone that has progressively moved up, please let me know if buying a 2010 is nearly as good as buying a 2012, assuming the condition is very good on all of them.

The price difference is quite great, so the older, the cheaper.

Thank you in advance.

[bigwave]

The main difference between the 2010 and 11 model was the rear attachment went from a pulley on the 2010 to a single direct attachment on the 2011/12. The new CL bar was introduced in 2012(similar to the present one). Aside from the typical,better construction,faster relaunch( true in the 2012 14m IMO) they are pretty close in performance. IDS is on the 2010-12 as well.

[dyyylan]

I've flown a 12m 2010 and 2012 back to back and I couldn't tell the difference. 2012 is direct connect for the rear line so it's a little more straightforward, but since it's such an unresponsive slow kite it feels almost exactly the same. FWIW, I think the 2011 bar is the best out of the 3, the quick release on the 2012/13 is ridiculous.

[IWB2]

BmB,
If you can, go for a 2012, over a 2011, and a 2011 over a 2010 i think that would be the best choice.. All very slight differences, performance and feel wise. For me the 2012 bar is easily the best.. ie great for unhooked and hooked moves.., QR1 and QR2 have been improved, spinning leash and center lines is a huge plus. Maybe. for someone just starting out the 2011 bar would be a better choice as the bar is a little more basic but still very good. The 2010 bar if i remember correctly was not as durable to the 2011 where the eva foam was more vulnerable to wear. The 2010 canopy also wasnt as good wearing as the 2011 and 2012. Good luck with the purchase.

[Caesar]

Hi everyone, I have come across a little bit of a problem hopefully I can get a little help on. I am looking to buy a new(actually used, but new to me) kite because I can't afford a new kite. I have found that I would really like a switchblade, but before I bite the bullet, I frustrated my self by reading reviews.

Every review I say about them said it was so great, but other than slight difference in bar pressure, they were very similar. Anyone that has progressively moved up, please let me know if buying a 2010 is nearly as good as buying a 2012, assuming the condition is very good on all of them.

The price difference is quite great, so the older, the cheaper.

Thank you in advance.

I have/had all of them (and still have a 2011 and 2012 SB). As IWB2 already mentioned, the canopy is different. The 2011 canopy is slightly better as that crap 2010 material, but the 2012 has improved a lot over the crap 2011 material.
So if you can afford the 2012 kite, go for that. You wont regret it. Spend a few bucks more and drink a few beers less.

Cheers
Caesar

[buffmasterbran]

Thanks for all the feedback. I have found a 2012 that is only $200 more than the original 2010 that I was looking at, so that is a no brainer. I will definitely drink the fewer beers in that case. LOL.

It is unfortunate that I have been kiting for over 2 years and have only ridden 3 kites. 2006 Waroo Pro, Nemesis HP, and a Kahoona. I have a another question, maybe not as easy to answer. I have narrowed it down to 3 kites now, all in the price range I am looking to spend and not sure of the build quality or which would be a better option? Any help would be awesome.

2012 12m Liquid Force Envy
2012 12m Cabrinha Switchblade
2012 12m RRD Obsession MKIV

If it helps, I ride in wind ranging from 14+ ( have a 10m kite if its to high) mostly in the surf in South Florida.

Thank you again.

[buffmasterbran]

Oh yea, I ride by my self a lot, so I have to self land and launch often. Launching isn't usually the problem, but I have read it is nearly impossible to self land the 2012 switchblade because the centerlines are together. Not sure if that helps.

[Caesar]

Oh yea, I ride by my self a lot, so I have to self land and launch often. Launching isn't usually the problem, but I have read it is nearly impossible to self land the 2012 switchblade because the centerlines are together. Not sure if that helps.

Hi mate,

The Cab self-launches perfectly fine (with center lines twisted each other or not).
The Cab would be my choice (but watch now the LF and RRD fans- they will tell you their kites are the best).
It's all personal choice mate...

Cheers
Caesar

[alexeyga]

The Cab would be my choice (but watch now the LF and RRD fans- they will tell you their kites are the best).
It's all personal choice mate...

Cheers
Caesar

Sorry bud, I am nor an RRD or LF fan, but it sounds to me that for Florida+Waves+fairly experienced rider, LF Envy is a lot better choice than the RRD and RRD is a lot better choice than the Cab. Nothing against Cabs... (besides the fact that every second clown with no imagination to go try other better kites rides these ), but it simply isn't up for the task, at least not the SB. Vector our the Nomad would work tons better! Not to mention the fact that they have only sorted out the excessive bar pressure in 2013 models.

[bigwave]

Oh yea, I ride by my self a lot, so I have to self land and launch often. Launching isn't usually the problem, but I have read it is nearly impossible to self land the 2012 switchblade because the centerlines are together. Not sure if that helps.

I never had any issues when self landing the 2012 SB. Using the centre line method, you just have to get to the V where the lines split. A 2012 SB would be a very good choice.Ok relaunch,great upwind,nice boosting, moderate bar pressure. But I'm a clown ,what do I know...lol