Advise on true wind range of 12m Cabrinha Switchblade 2016

[espana2323]

On my 2015 12m SB I can stay upwind on my Shinn King Gee if the wind is a steady 10 knots, and I am 10 lbs heavier. You might need more wind initially as a beginner and board size has a lot to do with it as well, but 12 to 14 knots and I think you would be quite happy. If I had to guess, people are recommending a 12m because it is a typical kite to build a quiver around. If you get a 10 or 11, many of us would then need a 13 or 14 plus a 7 or 8 and end up with a 3 kite quiver. Depending on the wind and water conditions in your area, if you get a 12 to start you might just need a 9 in the future and be covered from around 10 to 30 knots.

Your first kite will take some abuse, don’t sink too much money into it. I know what a 12 looks like after climbing a tree to cut it out of the branches. I called that kite Treefinder and it taught me a lesson - if you are self landing and the area is tight, activate your safety in the water to land the kite. It will be wet but still in one piece.


K

Yes, the quiver part might have something to do with it. It definitely sounds convenient having only 2 kites and covering such a big wind range. Your Treefinder story sounds funny, but I wouldn't want to be in your position.

[espana2323]

12 is a good sice for your weight if you live in a spot with good wind conditions, if your spot mostly have light wind conditions go for a real light wind kite 15-17m2.
Later you should have 7,9,12,15-17 to cover the hole wind range. If you have a kite friend of different sice than you, you can share kites and save a lot of money because you will not use the same kitesice anyway.
A lightwind kite and a true lightwind board will give you the best and easiest start for sure and you can keep and use them for many years to come.

Thanks for the info.

[Cab Driver]

Reference 2015 versus 2016 kite. 2013-2015 Switchblade is the same wing with modifications to construction technique and a new bridle for each of those years. Don't discount new bridling - it makes big changes to a kite's performance. Just ask someone that owns both a 2013 and 2015 Switchblade.

2016 Switchblade is a completely new design with better performance all the way around - this is fact. We are talking evolution and not revolution here. A great kite like the Switchblade has incremental small changes generally, but in 2016 we went with a total new design. Also, the feeling in the bar starting in 2016 is so light, that I actually ride the kite on purposed in the heavier setting. I work for Cabrinha and know this product very well. I hope this helps your buying decision.

[espana2323]

Reference 2015 versus 2016 kite. 2013-2015 Switchblade is the same wing with modifications to construction technique and a new bridle for each of those years. Don't discount new bridling - it makes big changes to a kite's performance. Just ask someone that owns both a 2013 and 2015 Switchblade.

2016 Switchblade is a completely new design with better performance all the way around - this is fact. We are talking evolution and not revolution here. A great kite like the Switchblade has incremental small changes generally, but in 2016 we went with a total new design. Also, the feeling in the bar starting in 2016 is so light, that I actually ride the kite on purposed in the heavier setting. I work for Cabrinha and know this product very well. I hope this helps your buying decision.

This is very informative. Thanks a lot.

[Cab Driver]

Reference 2015 versus 2016 kite. 2013-2015 Switchblade is the same wing with modifications to construction technique and a new bridle for each of those years. Don't discount new bridling - it makes big changes to a kite's performance. Just ask someone that owns both a 2013 and 2015 Switchblade.

2016 Switchblade is a completely new design with better performance all the way around - this is fact. We are talking evolution and not revolution here. A great kite like the Switchblade has incremental small changes generally, but in 2016 we went with a total new design. Also, the feeling in the bar starting in 2016 is so light, that I actually ride the kite on purposed in the heavier setting. I work for Cabrinha and know this product very well. I hope this helps your buying decision.

This is very informative. Thanks a lot.