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CABRINHA - Second Generation Bow Kites

Our range of bow kites is now divided into 3 distinct categories, which cover a large range of riding styles. All kites offer state of the art materials and construction techniques; in most cases, all kites share many of the same technologies.

Bow Kites	CONTRA	CROSSBOW 2	SWITCHBLADE
Features	Sprint™ Single Point Inflation Pro Span Extreme™ Relaunch Assist Bow Kite Bridle Full Contact™ Strut Connections	Sprint™ Single Point Inflation Pro Span Extreme™ Relaunch Assist Bow Kite Bridle Full Contact™ Strut Connections	Pro Span Extreme™ Relaunch Assist Bow Kite Bridle Full Contact™ Strut Connections
Control System	Powerlock 3 Control System Override™ 2 Security Depower System 2 to 1 Pulley Depower Reduced Bar Pressure Quick Release Powerlock™ Compatible	Powerdrive 221 Control System Override™ 2 Security Depower System 2 to 1 Pulley Depower Reduced Bar Pressure Quick Release	Powerdrive Alloy Control System Override™ 1 2 to 1 Pulley Depower Quick Release
Aspect Ratio	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Size Range	17 • 14 • 12	12 • 9 • 7	16 • 12 • 9 • 7 • 5

Which Cabrinha is Right for You?

Lift and Hang Time
The Crossbow, Contra and Switchblade kites are all great kites for getting air. But the Crossbow and Contra have a higher level of Pro Span Extreme™ which produces more lift. Therefore these kites have the edge over the Switchblade when it comes to hang time.

Verdict:
If hang time is a big part of your riding style the Crossbow is your kite. (But the Switchblade is no slouch either) Since the Contra is mainly used in lighter winds, hang times are not as high by default. That said the Contra will have the best boosting ability in the light wind arena.

Power and Range
The Switchblade kite's optimum wind range is slightly lower than the Crossbow and Contra. In other words, when using the same size kite, the Switchblade will feel more "grunty" (powerful) in the low end than a Crossbow and Contra. It will also have less effective range than the Crossbow and Contra. The Crossbow will behave better in the upper end of its wind range than the Switchblade. The Contra is designed to work best in the lower end of its wind range.

Verdict:
The Crossbow has the widest wind range. The Switchblade will have the feeling of more power on the low end. The Contra operates best on the lower end of its wind range.

Freeriding
The Crossbow and the Switchblade have redefined freeriding. The Contra now brings performance freeriding to the light wind arena. All kites excel at all levels of the discipline. However the feel between them is different. The Crossbow and Contra will respond to every gust which gives it the edge in top end performance but means that it takes more rider input to control the power. The Contra and Crossbow has the fastest flying speed through the sky which means it gets from point A to point B in the power window much quicker. The Crossbow is nearly as fast. On the other hand, the Switchblade delivers a more steady power band. The Switchblade does not lunge forward with each new gust which makes the power delivery more consistent and steady.

Verdict:
All kites are great freeriding kites. The Crossbow and Switchblade are higher performance. The Switchblade is easy handling.

Surfing
The Contra, Crossbow 2 and Switchblade are all incredible kites for surfing. They all have similar levels of control when it comes to riding waves. All kites have been reinforced in the areas that normally take the abuse from getting rolled in the surf.

Verdict:
All kites are great for surfing. The wider range of the Crossbow allows for a clean top turn with little pull from the kite. While all kites have undergone enhanced durability measures, special care must be taken to avoid dropping kites into the impact zone. Waves by nature can be a very powerful and unpredictable force and may damage equipment.

Relaunching
This is one of the biggest differences between the Crossbow, Contra and the Switchblade. All kites will relaunch with generally the same speed and efficiency when the kite lands leading edge down on the water or snow. Because the Switchblade has slightly less Pro Span Extreme™ it will support itself on its side better than the Crossbow and Contra. The Switchblade will also have less tendency to take off inverted and when it does, it will correct itself much quicker. This is a feature which will obviously benefit the entry level riders the most.

Verdict:
The Switchblade is more user friendly to relaunch.

The Bottom Line

The Crossbow and Contra are higher performance, more efficient kites. The Switchblade is a rugged more user friendly design with a predictable steady powerband.

If ultimate performance and hang time are most important, then the Crossbow is your kite. If ease of use and constant steady power are what you are looking for, then the Switchblade would be a perfect match. When looking for the best possible kite for the light wind arena there is no better than the Contra.

Crossbow II

The second generation of the revolutionary Crossbow kite continues its legacy as the leading performance bow kite. The Crossbow 2 is designed for maximum performance and efficiency. Two of the key elements which provide the Crossbow with its now legendary hang time and freestyle reputation. By adding on to the foundation of it’s Pro Span Extreme™ arc, the Crossbow’s performance has improved yet again through the use of faster flying profiles, increased durability and the addition of our new Override™ and Sprint™ systems.

It’s ease of use is greatly enhanced with the addition of our Sprint™ rapid inflation system. Sprint is our new single point rapid inflation system that will get you off of the beach in record time. Because after all its all about less time rigging and more time riding. Sprint properly inflates you kite to the desired pressure by delivering a uniform amount of air to each strut equally, from a single inflation point. You will ride with confidence knowing that you kite is perfectly balanced each time you inflate it.

The Override™ security system introduced the concept of Depower on Demand. With Override™ 2 we have once again redefined it. Override’s Depower on Demand is as simple as it gets. Simply push the control bar into the Override mode and the kite will immediately depower and begin to drop from the sky. You can avoid many accidents before they happen by maintaining control of the power of your kite at all times.

Override 2

Now with Override™ 2 this often imitated concept has gone one better. We’ve added a new user adjustable Override stopper unit. Unlike the competition, you, the rider can now choose the release load of the Override stopper unit. A new integrated tension ring can be adjusted for either a lighter or more positive release load depending on your skill level or riding preference.

Security Depower System
Cabrinha introduced the concept of Depower On Demand with the release of the innovative Override™ system. Now, with the introduction of Override™ 2, Cabrinha has once again redefined it. One of the most valuable features of a Cabrinha bow kite is it’s ability to immediately depower the kite on demand by simply pushing the control system into Override mode. With Override™ 2 you can avoid many accidents before they happen by maintaining control over the power of your kite at all times. Unlike many other kites, the Cabrinha bow kites can be depowered without ever taking your hands off of the control bar.

Another useful feature of Override is that you can temporarily let go of the control bar to un-spin your lines. When the Override stopper unit is seated on its sleeve it will temporarily stop the bar from entering the Override mode while you spin you bar to untwist your lines.

Override™ 2 Tension Ring
The stopper unit is set set to release at a load of approximately 10kg. A tension ring is supplied if you would like to increase the release load. With each click of the ring the tension is increased around the stopper and the release load becomes higher. It should be noted that increased loads will require more force to unseat the stopper and put the control bar into Override mode.

Powerdrive 221

The new Powerdrive 221 control system is a study in refinement. We’ve reduced the clutter and have streamlined the rigging for a much cleaner operation of all the system functions. The first thing you’ll notice is the power adjusters are now integrated into the Override™ stopper unit. The bungeed power adjusters now stay aligned with the depower line to reduce the chance of tangling.

The Powerdrive 221’s center section has been reduced in diameter. It now boasts a more positive hand feel especially when doing one handed unhooked tricks. The new, softer EVA grip now covers the entire bar.

If hang time, performance freestyle or freeriding is your thing then the Crossbow is your kite. Ride the second generation of the bow kite which started the revolution and see for yourself why kitesurfing has changed forever.

CONTRA Light Wind Bow Kite

The Contra bow kite from Cabrinha has by-passed several generations of traditional design to emerge as the leading light wind specialized kite. What makes the Contra so incredible is its unmatched efficiency and performance in the light wind arena.

Through the use of Pro Span Extreme™, faster flying profiles, and the latest in cutting edge bow technology we are able to make your largest kite feel and behave

like a smaller performance kite. We have substantially reduced the Contra’s bar pressure through the use of our unique bridle configuration.
 

Light wind riding is no longer a second rate alternative. With the Contra’s incredible range of depower you can ride with confidence knowing that the power control is now where is should be.... right in your hands.

Moderate Aspect Ratio High Performance Light Wind Design Reduced Bar Pressure Sprint™ Single Point Inflation Immediate Depower On Demand Simple Fast Relaunch Feature Pro Span Extreme™ Bow Kite Bridle System Override™ 2 Full Contact™ Strut Connections 2 To 1 Pulley Depower Quick Release Harness Loop Powerlock™ Compatible

Powerlock 3

The Contra specialized light wind kite comes with an enhanced control system that allows you take full advantage of all the Contra has to offer.
 

We’ve made many tweaks and modifications based on our invaluable customer feedback to deliver the most cutting edge control system to date.

Override™ 2
The new Override™ stopper has been re-designed for more positive engagement and disengagement. The new internal catch mechanism is now mechanic instead of friction. It makes re-setting Override onto its sleeve a snap. Literally!

The external shape of Override™ 2 accomplishes two things. First, the new ergonomics allow for a much better grip on the fitting when re-setting it onto its sleeve. Secondly the design integrates the CAS Power Adjusters for a much cleaner and more streamline operation of the kite’s trim. We’ve added elastic to the Power Adjusters so that they maintain positive tension no matter where they are positioned.

Power Adjuster
The CAS line extenders keep the adjustment of the centerline adjustment strap within easy reach at all time. The added bungee in the line helps to keeps the extenders free from tangling with your leaders by keeping them parallel with the centerline.

2 to 1 Pulley System
The Powerlock 3 Control System features pulleys on each end of the bar which reduce the length the rider must push the control bar to achieve the desired amount of trim or depower.

Softened EVA grip
We have reduced the diameter of the control bar and have softened the EVA grip for a more hand friendly feel.

Powerlock Ready
The Contra Control System is ready for the optional Powerlock accessory.

Switchblade

Easy Handling / Bow Kite Performance
The Switchblade is the second kite in our series of revolutionary bow kites. The Switchblade uses the exact same technology as the Crossbow which has made a profound change in the performance and security of our sport. The Crossbow and the Switchblade are the industry leading kites which have introduced new levels of power, depower and security which all other kites are now judged by.

The Switchblade differs from the Crossbow mainly in its degree of Pro Span Extreme™. The Switchblade has a slightly rounder arc than the Crossbow which lends itself to smooth and easy handling. Especially when relaunching from the water. The less aggressive Pro Span Extreme™ means that the Switchblade has slightly less lift than the Crossbow but is incredibly more stable. The reduced lift means that the Switchblade is less influenced by gusty and unpredictable wind. The Switchblade kite is ideal for Wakestyle, Surfing, and Freeriding.

Advanced Depower System
One of the features responsible for the Switchblade's incredible depowering capabilities is it’s 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. The 2-1 purchase also enhances turning by exaggerating the differences in line lengths when the bar is turned.

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.

Cabrinha Boards

Custom

Performance Freestyle / Freeride
The Custom 28, 33, and 38 represent a changing of the guard in board design. The new ABS side wall constructed boards will pop, slide, and carve on demand. Although these boards were developed for the new school of wake tricks where pop is absolutely necessary, the wider outline and raised tips make it the ultimate freeride board as well. The combination of rocker and a lively flex pattern make the Custom fit well into choppy water without the usual face shots from a too flat rocker line.

 

The Custom comes standard with our pro model footplates and pads and our Widebody Adjustable Footstraps. If dedicated wakestyle is your thing, we've added inserts to accommodate standard wakeboard bindings.

Icon

Performance Freestyle / Freeride
The Icon series of twin tips follow the line of the original high power series. The slightly narrower outline of the 138 and 144 models lends itself to riding fast and riding hard. Load up the rail prior to a pop and feel yourself spring into air. The ABS sidewall construction not only delivers durability but also a lively flex. The Icon series are comfortable in any and all conditions which make it the perfect Freestyle / Freeride board.

The Icon comes standard with our pro model footplates and pads and our Widebody Adjustable Footstraps. Four 2 inch fins, and a handle.

Features ABS Sidewall Construction Twin Tip Outline 3D Foot Plates & Pads Widebody Adjustable Foot Straps 4 Fin Design Padded Trick Handle Base Components Custom Cut moderate Density Footpad Widebody Adjustable Footstraps Four 2.0" G10 Fins Handle Sizes 138cm x 37cm 144cm x 39cm

Prodigy

Performance Freestyle / Freeride
The Prodigy is the easiest way to get yourself up and riding with the least amount of effort. The Prodigy 48 and 58 is designed to provide a stable platform with fantastic edging capabilities. Built with an ABS sidewall and polyurethane core construction, it is made to withstand the type of abuse that a first time board usually is given. The 2006 Prodigy comes with a custom cut, moderate density footpad and widebody adjustable footstraps, four G10 fins, and a handle.

http://www.cabrinhakites.com/

Send mail to info@boostkiteboarding.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 01/13/06

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