Tell Me About It: Cabrinha Switchblade Apex

When you started working on the latest version did you know what you were aiming to achieve or was it a more fluid process as you tested different prototypes?

The Switchblade is always an interesting project for me. The goal is always to make small revisions which improve the performance and feel of the kite, but without losing the DNA of the Switchblade that allures its cult following. This is a tough one. Little by little as the skill level of the average Switchblade rider improves, I can sneak in some performance attributes that are attractive and preferred by higher skill level riders. These diehard Switchblade riders are also getting better at their riding skills and tend to also appreciate the advancements we have made over the past few years. Basically, the kite performance and rider skills are growing in harmony.

So will these diehard fans be pleased with the new model? And what sort of riders are you hoping to win over to the Switchblade?

Yes, I truly believe that the newer Switchblade designs are suitable for all skill level of riders. For the diehard “old school” Switchblade riders we ship the kites on the “B” wingtip bridle setting to increase the bar pressure somewhat and the steering impulse as well – a bit more of a traditional Switchblade bar feel. If one uses the “A” bridle setting on the wingtip, the kite is noticeably lighter in the bar pressure and more responsive in the steering. This setting is likely to be most attractive to the higher skill level riders. We encourage everyone to try both settings and use what best suits their individual riding style. But any higher-level rider interested in checking out how much the Switchblades have evolved over the past few years, I highly recommend they try it first on the “A” wingtip bridle setting.

Did you make any material changes or were you happy with the new materials implemented in the previous model?

Yes, this season we have introduced a new 75gsm material from Teijin in the trailing edge of all of our kites. It is the perfect balance of performance and tear strength using a slightly softer finish coating for a longer life span. We are also now using the 1.4mm spliced Dyneema bridle lines on all models reducing drag and increasing breaking strength at the same time.

Any other design or technical features you’d like to highlight to our readers?

There is ongoing internal development happening all of the time. As the design software evolves it opens up more and more control over every parameter in every location in the design. So as the software gets better, so do the kites in many ways. Even if it is just helping to reduce wrinkles and make a cleaner profile entry this can be seen and felt by most riders.  So every year there is always a small amount of internal evolution happening regardless if we make more obvious larger design changes.

Who else was involved in the R&D process?

Pretty much everyone has something to say about where the product is going and looking at weaknesses and areas we can improve. So the samples team and marketing also have plenty of things to consider as well as feedback from riders at demos, and kite centers and schools as well. But I work closely with a large group of riders with various levels of riding skills, weights, and in a variety of locations with different riding conditions.