Description

Now in its 8th season, the Cabrinha 2013 Switchblade IDS remains the premiere Wakestyle Freeride kite. The Cabrinha Switchblade is designed to perform in a wide range of conditions, hooked or unhooked.

 

The Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 is not only perfect for wakestyle manoeuvres but is also regarded as an excellent all-round freeride kite. With it's feather light bar pressure and easy handling, the bow kite outline makes relaunch super easy!

 

The Switchblade 2013 has become synonymous with versatility. Its reliability and predictability are two of the reasons why it excels as a performance wakestyle kite as well as an all round freeride kite. The number one choice of Wakestyle riders world wide, the Switchblade delivers a stable source of power which transfers into incredible pop. Once in the air, the kite will steer effortlessly with minimal input from the rider. The Switchblade is excellent for unhooked or hooked in riding in just about any conditions. If there is one kite that can back up all of the accolades being thrown at it, it's the Switchblade wakestyle, freeride kite.

 

The steady predictable pull and it’s ability to fly forward when unhooked makes the Switchblade perfect for hitting kickers, sliders and just about any wakestyle trick in the book. In 2013 improvements have been made to increase the Switchblade’s turning speed and relaunch. Core Wakestyle’s ultimate power source can be found in the Switchblade 2013 IDS. Now 100% dedicated to the cause, the 2013 Switchblade IDS delivers pure wakestyle performance to the masses.

 

The Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 IDS is a performance kite with a direct, light bar feel, and easy handling capabilities. The Switchblade excels in the competition wakestyle arena but is simple enough to make any rider feel like a pro.

 

The Switchblade 2013 IDS handles the task of unhooked riding by delivering a constant steady powerband. When unhooked the kite continues to fly forward, making the power predictable during your tricks. On the fly depower is extremely linear which means you’ll always have the correct amount of power for the job at hand.

Kite loops, handle passes, and rail slides are the kinds of things the Switchblade IDS calls routine. When hooked in, the Switchblade 2013 IDS has the ability to tame gusts with its high depower capabilities and proven Override 2 security function.

 

The Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 IDS has a familiar feel of a classic kite with the increased performance and security of a flatter, high depower kite. With no pulley’s on the control system there is virtually no bar pressure.

 

The Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 IDS is as comfortable in professional level competition as it is in your backyard riding spot. The Switchblade IDS. Making pro level wakestyle kite performance accessible to all.

 

Made famous for its performance and ease of use, the new 2013 Switchblade steps up to the plate once again with the addition of Cabrinha's Sprint™ single point rapid inflation system and our improved Override™ 2 security system.

 

The Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 IDS has one of the widest wind ranges in Cabrinha's kite offering. The efficiency of this kite led to the creation of the “two kite quiver”. A unique condition in which two kites will handle the needs of most riders. A situation where less is definitely more.

 

The performance in the Cabrinha 2013 Switchblade IDS comes from the flatter, Pro Span™ Extreme arc and is fast flying profiles. The combination of these two produce more power per square meter than a conservative arc classic kite.

 

The pin point control of the power comes from the Switchblade's ability to depower on demand. You can fully depower the kite at anytime just by placing the bar into the Override™ mode.

The Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 IDS can not only boast about what’s been added but about what’s been taken away.

 

Cabrinha Switchblade / Siren:

Designed specifically for women, the top performing Switchblade has been tuned to provide less bar pressure and easier steering. The depower throw is closer to the rider and the IDS system activates with less pressure as standard to provide you with the ultimate in safety. The Cabrinha Siren is available in 6m, 8m, 10m and 12m sizes.

 

Features:

 

Quicklink IDS (Intelligent Depower System): The all new QuickLink™ control system with IDS is all about connections. Without a doubt the most important piece of kiteboarding equipment is a control system with the ability to securely connect and dis-connect on demand. It shatters the status quo and sets an entirely new standard in design. From its functional form to its ergonomic geometry to its proven handling of security, the QuickLink control system raises the bar to a new untouchable height.

 

The Intelligent Depower System (IDS) provides an amazing level of control with minimum rider effort and input. IDS is a simplified bridle and control system exclusive to Cabrinha.

 

IDS produces virtually no bar pressure while delivering precise control of the steering and power of your kite. IDS is so intuitive that it seamlessly provides 2 stages of depower. Interactive Depower on Demand while riding, and an Absolute Depower method to land your kite.

 

Absolute Depower functions similar to a 5th line system, but without the complexity of the unnecessary 5th line. Cabrinha IDS equipped kites use only 4 lines for a simple, uncluttered method of control and security. Additionally, the IDS bridle maintains all of the instant relaunch functionality the Cabrinha kites are famous for.

Durability: This season Cabrinha have taken durability head-on with the addition of transitional strut panel materials and reinforced LE closing seams. Cabrinha have also reinforced the high load areas of theirkites with a transitionally weighted material.

 

This well-placed material acts as a buffer zone between the rigid strut areas and the canopy. The entire canopy of all kites are flat seamed and taped prior to sewing. This is 20% stronger than the free hand sewn method of a top stitch.

 

The leading edge closing seams now impliments a hot melt glue tape in the leading edge closing seam for added strength. The entire trailing edge implements a two-ply of tough 70 gsm material for added durability and strength.

 

The full contact between the strut and the leading edge helps to ensure a rigid frame. The positive connection not only provides stability while the kite is in flight but delivers added durability and a rapid relaunch.

 

Sprint: The Sprint™* inflation system is a simple to use feature to quickly inflate your kite to an even pressure. The Sprint™ system uses a single inflation point to connect your high volume, two way Cabrinha pump. As you pump your kite with air, all struts and your leading edge inflate quickly and simultaneously to the desired pressure. The supplied leash pump and threaded valve connection keeps your kite under control even when pumping up directly in the wind.

Once the kite is pumped you can choose to clip off, or isolate the air contained in the struts. This way if you damage a strut while in use, the rest of the kite will continue to maintain its pressure. At the end of the session you can choose to deflate your kite completely by disengaging the strut air clips, or you can keep your struts inflated and put your kite away rolled up so that the next session will take just minutes to set up.

 

The Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 IDS wraps all of these features into one kite to deliver:

 

• Absolute and total control of the power of your kite.
• The widest wind range of any kite on the market.
• More power per square meter than a classic arc kite.
• Incredible hang time.
• The highest level of security.
• A relaunch feature that does not require a 5th line or any wing tip tension fittings.

 

The Switchblade 2013 IDS is essentially a flatter 4 line inflatable kite which has incredible efficiency and depower capabilities. The flat arc of the kite, also known as Pro Span Extreme, produces more raw power than a classic arc kite of the same size. The flatter arc and unique leading edge bridle are the elements responsible for the Switchblade's incredible depowering capabilities. The Cabrinha 2013 Switchblade IDS, together with the new IDS control system provides a level of security that can only be described as revolutionary.

 

Kitesurfing has finally arrived to the 21st century and the 2013 Switchblade IDS is here to announce its arrival.

 

Pro Span™ Extreme
The implementation of Pro Span™ Extreme into the Switchblade 2013 IDS has provided Cabrinha with huge gains in the power equation. The flatter arc of the kite now means that the majority of the kite’s surface area is working for you in a lifting capacity. Unlike a classic arc which only uses approximately 50 percent of it’s arc for lifting, the Switchblade’s main lifting area is expanded to an incredible 80 percent of the kite’s surface area. This means that the smaller, lighter, Switchblade kites deliver the same power as a larger classic arc kite.

 

Usable Wind Range
Raw power is useless if there is no way to control it. This is where the Switchblade 2013 IDS shines. The Switchblade 2013 IDS has approximately 30 percent more power range than any classic arc kite. This means that a 12 meter kite, for example, can be powered to the equivalent of a 14 meter by sheeting the control bar towards the rider. At the same time it can be depowered down to the equivalent of a 8 metre just by pushing the bar towards the kite. When the control bar is pushed into Override Mode the kite achieves total depower.

 

Switchblade 2013 Bridle System
The Switchblade's unique patented bridle delivers on two important fronts: Stability and Trim. The obvious benefit to the performance of the kite is the way that the bridle fully supports the leading edge of the kite under the constantly changing loads of pressure. This increased stability allows the kite to react to the riders input from the bar without the deformation that can occur with a traditional kite. The other revolutionary feature of the bridle is its ability to drastically change the angle of attack of the kite while keeping equal pressure on all load points. This in turn creates an unprecedented range of power and trim including total depower.

The Switchblade 2013 IDS bridle serves two functions. The most obvious function is the way that it fully supports the flat arc of the kite (also known as Pro Span Extreme). This helps to keep the kite flying rock solid even when riding through choppy water in gusty wind. The second function of the bridle is to allow the kite’s angle of attack (AOA) to radically change. This is the main feature responsible for the Switchblade's incredible range and depowering capabilities.

 

The bridle even allows for the AOA to reach a zero point where the kite stops pulling altogether. The interesting thing about this bridle is the way that it places equal tension on each attachment point even while depowering. Jelly fishing is not possible with the Switchblade IDS.

 

Instant Relaunch
The Switchblade 2013 IDS has a built-in relaunch function. When the kite is leading edge down on the water or snow, just pull on either the left or right leader line to choose which direction you would like to launch the kite. The wingtip will rise out of the water. You can then choose to hot launch the kite from the bottom of the window or you can put the kite in a side launch position at the edge of the window for a slower relaunch.

 

 

Keep in mind that this technique works best when most of your forward movement is stopped. If you have your board with you, put your feet in the straps, and sit upright with your board in front of you to slow or stop all of your forward movement. This will keep tension on the lines. Do not swim towards the kite as you would with a classic kite relaunch method.

Bar pressure: The Switchblade’s bar pressure is virtually non existent. Because the Switchblade comes complete with Cabrinha's IDS 121 control system without pulleys, they have been able to eliminate most of the bar pressure while retaining all of the performance of a bow kite. This makes the Switchblade 3 the hands down favourite kite for the Cabrinha pro team when it comes to handle pass or kite loop combination tricks. But don’t let the lack of bar pressure fool you.

 

Conclusion:
The Cabrinha Switchblade IDS from Cabrinha. Whether you are pushing the limits of wake style / freestyle or freeriding, the Switchblade IDS is hard core performance in a simple to use package.

 

The Cabrinha Switchblade IDS wraps all of these features into one kite to deliver:

 

Features:

 

• Cabrinha Switchblade IDS 2013 Bridle
• Moderate Aspect Ratio
• 5 Struts
• Quicklink Powerdrive IDS Control System
• High Performance NEW Freeride Design
• Improved Leading Edge Closing Seam
• Tuning Options
• Ultra Bomb Canopy Reinforcement
• Flat Seams
• New Bridle Pulleys
• New Pulley Bridle Line
• Industry Leading Quick Release System
• Improved Airlock Valve
• Absolute Depower / Depower On Demand
• Simple Relaunch Feature
• SPRINT Single Inflation System
• Dynamic Arc Progression
• Pro Span Extreme™
• Full Contact™ Strut Connection
• IDS 2013 Depower
• Light Bar Pressure

Construction:

 

• Hot Melt Leading Edge Closure
• Improved Leading Edge Reinforcement
• Transitional Strut Reinforcements
• Flat Seam Panel Construction
• 70gsm Trailing Edge Material
• Toughened Canopy Material
• Full Contact Strut Connection
• Reinforced Strut Tips
• Two-Ply Trailing Edge
• Improved Bridle Lines

The Kite Only Package includes:

 

• Cabrinha Switchblade IDS Kite
• Expanding Bag
• Large Pump
• Repair Kit
• Cinch Strap

The Complete Package includes:

 

• Cabrinha Switchblade IDS Kite
• Expanding Bag
• Large Pump
• Repair Kit
• Cinch Strap
• 22m Flying Lines
• Switchblade Quicklink IDS Carbon Control Bar Powerdrive IDS in 42cm / 48cm / 55cm and 65cm

Cabrinha Switchblade Kite Selector:

 

	* A Harness is required to fly this kite - click for harnesses >>
	* You can learn how-to setup and fly water relaunchable kites using the Kiteboarding Progression DVD - click for info >>

Wind Range

 

Download Product / Instruction Manual (PDF) >>

You can purchase spares for this item here >>

Depower Control Bar

Riders of all levels, from pros to newcomers, will all gain substantial advantages from the new Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 Quicklink IDS System. The Powerdrive IDS is equipped to take advantage of the new Intelligent Depower System features. With Powerdrive IDS you now have complete control of your kite whether it is flying powered up, or resting completely depowered on the water or land.

The all new QuickLink™ control system with IDS is all about connections. Without a doubt the most important piece of kiteboarding equipment is a control system with the ability to securely connect and dis-connect on demand. It shatters the status quo and sets an entirely new standard in design. From its functional form to its ergonomic geometry to its proven handling of security, the QuickLink control system raises the bar to a new untouchable height.   With the increasing demand for increased function and kite control the 2013 Quicklink Powerdrive IDS steps up to the plate to meet the challenge. The all new Quicklink Powerdrive IDS control system has been redesigned from the bottom up to accommodate many new features while streamlining its user interface. The result of this intensive development effort is our most refined and evolved control system to date.   The Quicklink Powerdrive IDS is equipped to take advantage of Cabrinhas new Intelligent Depower System features. With Quicklink Powerdrive IDS you now have complete control of your kite whether it is flying powered up, or resting completely depowered on the water or land.   In a huge industry first, Cabrinha has managed to internalize the IDS landing line into the main depower line. The landing line now occupies its own chamber alongside the depower main line for added protection and a streamlined interface. With the all new internal IDS security system, Cabrinha makes good on its promise that performance and security are no longer mutually exclusive. The all new internal Intelligent Depower System (IDS) puts the industry leading 4 line security right at your fingertips when you need it and out of your way when you don’t. Cabrinha have internalized the landing line to protect it from the elements and to simplify the control system. The new IDS landing line is virtually invisible while riding but right there when you need it.   The all new OverSlide™ stopper unit is a sliding system that allows the rider to temporarily let go of the control system to unspin the twists in their control lines. It also serves as a means to contain the bungeed power adjusters. OverSlide™ is designed to slide out of the way when forcefully pushed with the control system. OverSlide™ can be positioned anywhere on the main depower line and the rider can choose their desired sliding tension. The all new OverSlide IDS now gives you the freedom to spin your bar when and where you want along the depower main line. You can choose the release tension and position Overslide where you want.   The Intelligent Depower System (IDS) provides an amazing level of control with minimum rider effort and input. IDS produces virtually no bar pressure while delivering precise control of the steering and power of your kite.   IDS is so intuitive that it seamlessly provides 2 stages of depower. Interactive Depower on Demand while riding, and an Absolute Depower method to land your kite. Absolute Depower functions similar to a 5th line system, but without the complexity of the unnecessary 5th line. Cabrinha's IDS equipped kites use only 4 lines for a simple, uncluttered method of control and security. Additionally, the IDS bridle maintains all of the instant relaunch functionality the Cabrinha kites are famous for. The Powerdrive IDS control system features a new reduced diameter bar with softer, embossed EVA grip end to end. It has a smooth stainless center section for improved durability where the Quick Release meets the bar. It integrates a stainless steel swivel into the top of the harness loop.   The Powerdrive IDS is equipped to take advantage of Cabrinhas new Intelligent Depower System features. With Powerdrive IDS you now have complete control of your kite whether it is flying powered up, or resting completely depowered on the water or land.   The Powerdrive IDS control system comes standard with Cabrinha's Override 2 stopper unit. In addition to its hands free spinning feature, the Override 2 stopper integrates bungeed power adjusters. The easy to use power adjusters puts the trim of your kite easily within reach. This often imitated but never duplicated feature keeps your entire control system simple, streamlined and free of clutter.   The Powerdrive IDS control system now implements a new forged alloy section with an expanded entry and exit opening for the depower line. This feature increases the ease of bar movement over the depower line even at extreme angles.   Soft Bar Ends: The Powerdrive IDS is the only bar on the market with soft EVA multifunction ends. The EVA ends create a seamless transition from the center of the grip all the way to the ergonomic, protective ends. This provides added comfort when doing aggressive turns at the ends of the bar. The ergonomic geometry of the bar ends also serve as line winders to adequately manage your line set.   Lower Pivot Point: The soft EVA ends have also allowed Cabrinha to lower the pivot point of the steering lines right down to the bar. This reduces the turning impulse required to steer your kite.   Floatation: The EVA bar ends have sufficient buoyancy to float the control bar and lines, allowing Cabrinha to eliminate the cumbersome external floats for an even more streamline, uncluttered look and feel.   Recoil: Recoil is a spring loaded function which always keeps the bungee trim adjusters contained and well within reach, making it the cleanest trim adjustment system on the market.   With Recoil there is never a loose adjustment tail as seen with most above or below the bar trim systems.   The Recoil spring always returns the bungeed trim adjusters to their proper place along the depower mainline even after the kite has been fully depowered by the control bar.   When you return the bar to the powered position, the bungeed trim adjusters automatically reset themselves to a place which is easy to reach. Recoil also provides adequate resistance to momentarily unspin the bar to unwind the lines.   No Pulleys: The new Powerdrive IDS control system is completely void of any pulleys. The IDS equipped kites all work on a direct 1:1 method of control. This produces virtually no bar pressure, and leaves the bar free of added lines and pulleys.   Proven Quick Release: Industry leading Quick Release. Safety is an integral part of the Cabrinha design culture. This is why they have used the same quick release method for three years running. Their quick release has very little moving parts and is not susceptible to salt or sand.   Cabrinha do not make their Quick Release perform any other function than to “Quickly Release”. It is easy to activate with a right or left hand, whether the kite has power or not. It’s simple. Time tested. Proven.   If at anytime during the Absolute Depower process (after the main QR has been activated) you need to completely separate yourself from your kite, you can pull the secondary QR where the landing line attaches to the harness loop.   Depower on Demand - 1st Stage:   Depower on demand allows the rider to interactively power and depower the kite. By pushing the control bar away from the rider the kite depowers. When the bar is near its stopping point, the kite will depower and immediately begin to fall from the sky. It will land on the water or land with very little power or pull on the rider.     Absolute Depower - 2nd Stage: By activating Absolute Depower, the kite will flip onto its back and diffuse any remaining power left in the kite. This is especially useful when self landing a kite on the water or land.           Advanced Depower System: One of the features responsible for the Switchblade's IDS incredible depowering capabilities is it’s 1-2-1 pulley system on the rear lines. This allows the rider to achieve twice the depower for the same amount of distance the bar travels as a normal control system.   Secure Release Harness Loop The new quick release is a simple and effective way to separate the rider from the kite. The spring loaded action keeps the QR engaged until manual activation is needed. Since activation of the QR will separate the rider from the kite, it is only recommended when separation from the kite is absolutely necessary.

Overslide IDS: The Overslide IDS unit is a convenience item which provides the user a temporary place to let go of the control bar to unspin their lines. It is now a sliding mechanism which does not have a fixed position on the depower main line. The Overslide IDS sleeve is free to interactively move to the position you select. Overslide IDS can also be used to manage the tension and placement position of your bungeed trim adjusters. The optional installation of this accessory item will modify the IDS Operation instructions on page 20 of the user manual Specifically, these instructions will supersede the subsection for Depower on Demand (stage 1) operation.   Installation does not affect Absolute Depower (stage 2), which remains as the method of releasing residual power from your kite. Override Stopper Ball The Override™ stopper ball is used as a point to let go and spin your bar to untwist your lines. The ball is seated onto a sleeve and can be released by pushing your bar firmly against it. By pushing the bar into the stopper ball and releasing it, you will enter the Override™ mode. Letting go of the bar or pushing it to the end of the depowerline, will immediately depower and fall from the sky. To re-seat the stopper ball, pull the ball back onto the sleeve until it clicks. Note: The stopper ball is provided as a convienence feature. It is not intended to be used as a permanent stopper in which to ride against. For best results, sheet the control bar up to the ball prior to letting go of the bar to unspin the lines.

Relaunch Assist: The Switchblade's IDS unique bridle allows the rider to perform a water relaunch by simply pulling on the left or right rear lines. The wingtip will rise out of the water and allow the rider to position the kite into a more secure side launch position. This is all possible without the use of a 5th line or additional wing tip fittings.

 

Cabrinha Switchblade 2013 IDS Powerdrive Control Bar
Switchblade 2013 Size	Control Bar Size
5.0	42cm Powerdrive IDS
6.0	42cm Powerdrive IDS
7.0	42cm Powerdrive IDS
8.0	48cm Powerdrive IDS
9.0	48cm Powerdrive IDS
10.0	48cm Powerdrive IDS
11.0	55cm Powerdrive IDS
12.0	55cm Powerdrive IDS
14.0	55cm Powerdrive IDS
16.0	65cm Powerdrive IDS

 

Download Product / Instruction Manual (PDF) >>

You can purchase spares for this item here >>

Reviews

Best all-round kite! James Cox

This kite is what everyone needs! Its an excellent all-round kite with very little bar pressure making it excellent for previous SLE owners but also people just starting out not used to the power of kitesurfing.

The safety is excellent with the simple but very effective "let go and everything stops" control bar and the relaunch is also very easy even if you are treading water.

 

Its great for unhooked riding and the one pump system is also excellent for getting up and riding as soon as possible as well as packing down when the rain starts!

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