Why pay more ?
80% of the performance is related to the kiter.

Can´t comment on Cabrinha

I´m ridding Blade for the last ~2 years, having both the Trigger, Prime and Fat Lady

The Trigger is easy and super fun as you found out.

On durability I would say it´s about average probably in the light side, not better or worst than most. Never had a durability issue with neither of the Blades i own, if you ride hard and crash them you will have wear and tear issues as with any other kite.

The down-side is really the bar but think Blade will up-grade per the Epic one (i suspect). Not that the current bar doesn´t do his function, it does.

The low price tag is a plus.

It´s really a hidden gem.

Cant´ much comment on re-sale value, the local market is f-up due to economics. but suspect it would be easier to dump a Cabrinha, North or any other kite from the big 5 than the Blade.

Wow, you guys are great. Thanks for all the feedback.
I'm seriously considering the Trigger... gonna start looking around where I can get the best deal.
See ya out on the water!

Don´t know how it will fit into your quiver but take the Trigger 9m² (2012)

My quiver in the last years was 7/10/14 but this year Trigger 9 is a bombastic size, feels better than 10m² (my opinion) I´ve tested both
Nearly the same power but a better windrange and faster, great for all, one of the best allround kites I´ve ever flewn.

definately a trigger its an allround better kite with good bar pressure and fast turning, the Cab is a slow beginers kite. yeah it is shown with good sponsored riders in pics but those guys can make anything look good for a price!

i hear this years Blade kites have some cool new features that could make them a big name brand in no time

artbrushing,

Is there really that much difference in a 9 and 10m?
Don't they perform the same (with the exception turning speed), but for slightly different wind conditions?

not sure if this is a good thing

Just something to consider ... If you like to change over kites regularly, then the Cab SwitchBlade has much better resale value/chances than Blades ... never had probs selling 2nd hand SB's at good prices ...

Can't agree on this one as Cab always has a huge sale at the end of every year because they produce so many kites and are not able to sell them at full retail price.
Happens every year and fu##s up their second hand market.

Don't touch Cabrinha kites with a barge pole! Their canopies are made out of seriously crappy 2nd rate materials...they're horribly slow aswel. Also, the PU coating of the bar wears badly causing a dreadful black oily residue to cover your hands! This doesn't happen with other brands PU coating, which leads me to believe that Cabrinha are also using shitty quality materials for their bars aswel.

Cabrinha's philosophy is: 'make cheap crap and sell for premium price'. Pathetic!