Cabrinha Nitro Apex

Alongside the Cabrinha Switchblade we reviewed in the last issue, we also received the brand-new Nitro Apex 2026, so we’ve had plenty of time with this one on the water to properly put it through its paces.

The “Apex” designation is used when Cabrinha incorporates its latest, highest-performance materials. In the case of the Nitro, this primarily means the use of Ultra HT for the airframe – a stronger, more responsive and more stable material than traditional Dacron, which also reduces overall weight. For the canopy, Cabrinha has stayed with the proven D2 fabric by Teijin, which continues to offer an excellent balance of durability, weight and performance. The kite also features refinements such as super thin bridles and carefully placed reinforcements, contributing to a distinctly robust and confidence-inspiring feel in hand. The Nitro 2026 remains a 5-strut kite, featuring a high-aspect, high-sweep design. After numerous sessions across a wide wind range, from low-end to top-end survival conditions, we discovered a kite that reveals two distinct personalities depending on the conditions.

In lighter winds, the power delivery feels appropriate for the kite size, with smooth, manageable pull. The Nitro behaves like a well-balanced freeride kite: easy to control, with average turning speed for its size and consistent feedback through the bar. Bar pressure sits on the medium side, contributing to a comfortable, predictable ride. Lift is solid, hangtime is more than adequate and the jumping sweet spot is wide and forgiving, making the kite accessible even to riders first stepping in to the world of Big Air. However, it’s in stronger winds where the Nitro truly transforms. The kite becomes noticeably more alive: sharper, more agile and exceptionally engaging to ride. Bar pressure increases slightly but never to the point of fatigue. Lift becomes impressive and hangtime provides ample time for technical maneuvers. Importantly, the kite retains the same forgiving jump timing as in lighter winds, making it remarkably easy to send it big with confidence. We rode the 9m in winds well above 30 knots and never experienced a sense of losing control. This left us with the clear impression that the smaller sizes, such as the 6m and 7m, would offer an almost unlimited high-end range.

And loops? Surprisingly approachable. Kiteloops felt impressively manageable, especially considering we were on a 9m. The kite delivers a pivotal turn with steady, predictable pull and consistently catches on the way down. This makes it an excellent platform for learning loops and progressing into variations. Landings feel intuitive, aided by clear feedback and an easy, reliable heli-loop.

So, what’s our final verdict on the Nitro 2026? Cabrinha markets it as a Big Air kite, and while it certainly delivers impressive lift and hangtime, after testing it alongside many competitors, we would describe it more as a high-end freeride kite with plenty of Big Air capabilities in the high range.

The magic of the Nitro lies in how approachable it is. It’s easy to handle, predictable and suitable for most twintip riders, making advanced performance accessible to a wide range of skill levels. While it may not be as razor-sharp at the extreme high end as some dedicated Big Air kites, the way it combines controllable power, massive jumps, and smooth handling in all conditions is what makes it truly special. The Nitro delivers big results without the intimidating learning curve, making it special because almost any rider can unlock its potential. For anyone starting their Big Air journey or looking for a solid, reliable companion to progress with, the Nitro should be at the very top of their “must-test” list. It’s a kite that brings massive air and confidence to the masses.