Switchblade vs. Drifter? TJ blogs about the differences.

The employees here at Big Winds have had the opportunity to fly the 2012 Cabrinha Switchblades and are all asking: "How does one make one of the 2011 kites of the year any better?" Leave it to the crew at Cabrinha to create one of the most versatile kites on the planet!

Having two bridle adjustments on the leading edge for "Free-ride" or "Wake-style", the 2012 Switchblade has a generous wind range/de-power when set to "Free-ride", and an ultra stable feel when un-hooked on "Wake-style" mode. My first ride on the 8m was at the Hood River Slider Park, and I had the kite set on "Wake-style". When you un-hook, you can pretty much forget about the kite, and expect a very consistent pull downwind. It's perfect for concentrating on your slides across the "Dancefloor", and hits off the kicker.

The Oregon Coast was the perfect place to experiment with the "Free-ride" setting, giving the kite tremendous range, and a "kill-switch" like de-power. The Switchblade sat back in the window, making turns down the line effortless!

The 2012 Quicklink IDS control system is clean and very easy to use with two nice new features: manual center line spin under the bar and a leash connection that swivels. In the worst case scenario, the Quicklink IDS may be the closest to five line safety that a four line kite offers!

All in all, the 2012 Switchblade will continue to be a kite that performs wonderfully for all disciplines of riding!