Share your Cabrinha SB 2014 Experience

[kiteontario]

Maybe this has already been asked on this KiteForum, but I'm wondering if anyone has ridden both the 2012 Switchblade and the 2014 version? Can you say whether you like the 2012 or 2014 better? I have the 2012 Switchblade in the 10m size, but looking to maybe replace an older Crossbow that fits my lighter days. Maybe a 12m. So I could look for a used 2012, or look for a deal on the 2014. Any feedback?

[tr3v]

I replaced my 2012 12m SB with a 2014 one. My vote would be for the 2014 kite - it feels quite different from 2012. The 2014 seems to have a lot more low end like the older SBs, and steering feels a lot more direct. I guess this is due to the new bridle/line config.

[Timop]

The new 2014 bar, with the lower V and ultra thin outer lines is a definite improvement. I have tried the bar on the 2013, 2012 SB and the turning speed is better. I replaced my CB 11, 2011, with the 2013SB and was super stoked about the difference, although many do not like the 2013 models, because of the lower bar pressure. The 2014 11 has a lot, almost too much pressure. I am disappointed that at times it has so much pressure, but no power...if that makes sense. However I found that it (11) jumps, floats and loops better than the previous models, although you have to get it plenty air out of the loop, unlike the 2013, but like the 2012.

Some of the differences between the 2012 and 2014 is the bar, slight change in the bridal config, the new valve, and new rip stop. If you are going to use the 12 only now and then in light wind, the 2012 would be the choice - However if you are going to use it often in very light wind, the Velocity may the better option than trying to work a 12sb in a puff.

[DionisKiter]

My experience with 2014 SB 10m.
I have 6,8,10m 2014 switchblades. Before I owned 2011,'12,'13 switchblades. Also flew '12 SS RPMs10 and 12m. Tried my friends North evo 9m for a few min.

I think 2014 is the best year for the switchblades in terms of performance.

I had 2 hour sesh. on '14 10m kite and cab custom 140 twintip. I am 180lb ,5'6"" at the beginning of the sesh wind was avg 18 mph at the end wind was avg 25-27mph.

In 2014 switchblades the bar pressure is medium. Just like on 2013 and a bit lighter than on '11 and '12 year kites. But at the end of my sesh wind increased and bar pressure felt pretty heavy.
With the lower V in front lines, slightly shorter bridle, and one pulley per side kite felt more direct
in handling ,you can feel the kite better, where it is positioned in the window without looking at it. And i felt much less "sponginess" in the kite and faster response from my input. I think it is a great improvement over the previous year kites including 2013s.

Turning speed of '14 10m is much faster than on '11, '12. and I think the same as on 2013 kites. I didn't feel that '14 kite turns faster than '13 . I also felt that kite has a bit of a pivotal turning than arc turning when flying across the window.

All the switchblades that I flew from different years are very stable kites over the head. I have never had problems with them over flying or back stalling when flying in recommended wind range.

I haven' t had chance to test the low end of 2014 in lower wind range. I felt that 10m has way more power compare to 2013 10m. I think low end is the same as in 2011, '12 kites.
I laid '14 8m over the '12 8m to see what are the differences. 2014 is a little wider in the center of the wing, a bit shorter in length, and the wing tips are wider. Trailing edge curve is a little different also. Overall flat area of the kites the same.

2014 SB is a powerful kite! Feels like you behind a truck. If you looking to use SB with surfboard get 1 or 2 square meters sizes less, because SB generates too much power in turn. It will rip you of your board.

Boost and the hangtime is unreal !!! A was lit at the end of my sesh. I had kite set up in the middle knot on rear flying lines. With depower strap pulled in completely. I felt like I could jump to the moon. And hang there forever. This is why I like the Switchblades! SB has a huge wind range. Flew my 2012 SB 6m in 50mph winds with gusts to 60. While others were on 4.5m kites. So the wind range is good. Just don' t try this at home...

SB drifted really well , when I rode straight towards the kite. I tried to ride at it when kite parked at 9 o'clock kite drifted great. I also have ' 13 Cab Drifter . I think SB drifts just as good as a Drifter.

Upwind and relaunch on 2014 is really good! Water relaunch is Much better on '14 than on 2011 and 12 kites. Those wide wing tips makes kite turn around much faster on it' s back ...

I am 100% satisfied with new SB. The new colors looks great! Stitching and construction is top notch. Double rip stop is a good improvement also.

One thing I didn' t like is how thin the rear flying lines on Overdrive bar are. If you doing a lot of kiteloops, back roll transitions these "skinny race" lines will fray and fail much sooner than the previous year lines.

[kenn f poulsen]

i ordered 5,5 and 8 drifter 2014. but thinking to get at SB 10m for surfing in 13-14 knot wind small waves, just strapless fun or i will get the 11 vector??? don't surf bigger then 10m now (naish park 10m 2012) but can't find out what to get.. 10m SB or vector 11m.. the drifter 11m start to late, the wind chart show 15 knots???

[greenmachine]

Maybe this has already been asked on this KiteForum, but I'm wondering if anyone has ridden both the 2012 Switchblade and the 2014 version? Can you say whether you like the 2012 or 2014 better? I have the 2012 Switchblade in the 10m size, but looking to maybe replace an older Crossbow that fits my lighter days. Maybe a 12m. So I could look for a used 2012, or look for a deal on the 2014. Any feedback?

I have a lightly used 2012 12m SB if interested. Great kite, huge boost, just looking to pass along and get something that turn quicker for wave riding. PM me if interested

[markymarc]

I have a 2014 Cab SB 10 and 7.

I had SB's from 2009 onwards. So 2009,10,11,12,13 and now 14.

I have kited with both several times. All the positives said above are all true. Hugh boost, low end, stability, durability etc. etc. Didn't find anything negative (yet) apart from the fact that the end obviously is a bit less than the 2013 series...

The 2014 is the best Cab SB series ever, serious!

And damn I am not a dealer or have any commercial interest or so, but just a fanatic kitesurfer enjoying his hobby (I mean way of life... )

[matth]

I have a 2014 Cab SB 10 and 7.

I had SB's from 2009 onwards. So 2009,10,11,12,13 and now 14.

I have kited with both several times. All the positives said above are all true. Hugh boost, low end, stability, durability etc. etc. Didn't find anything negative (yet) apart from the fact that the end obviously is a bit less than the 2013 series...

The 2014 is the best Cab SB series ever, serious!

And damn I am not a dealer or have any commercial interest or so, but just a fanatic kitesurfer enjoying his hobby (I mean way of life... )

How's the bar pressure. I have been hearing conflicting reports.

you were great in Boogie Nights

[BigR]

2014 Switchblades 7, 9 and 12M that I tried are all exceptional low end, fast turning (in a pivotal way)
but still smooth and very predictable power. Huge air and boosting. I could go out on a smaller kite than other people even tho' I weigh more, weird. Compared to 14M 2013 I had as well as 2012 6M, 8M and 10M Switchblades. I also had 2010's previously. The 2014's I tried are definitely better than any other ones before it. Bar pressure seemed between 2012 (higher) and 2013(lower) kites, but I actually prefer higher. Even then, it is not very much at all. I really really liked the bar a lot. The outside lines have molybdenum sulfide (drylube) on them for some reason. Overall, I like these kites a LOT!

[wetdog]

Does anyone know how the lower Y split will affect the flight charasteristics? And is it possible to use a older SB version with the new bar and vice versa?