In Focus: Cabrinha 02 Collection | Here & Now
Features / Mon 24th Jan, 2022 @ 9:00 am
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The wait is finally over; the all-new Cabrinha 02 collection has arrived. With an exciting new range of kites, twintips and wings, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got the full scoop for you in this ‘In Focus’ feature, so check it out!
Kites
Switchblade
Performance Freeride / Big Air
No kite has done more in the sport of kitesurfing than the Switchblade. World Titles, World Records, Podium topping, all on a stock production kite that has also brought so many people not only into the sport but given the perfect platform to evolve, improve and push their boundaries of what they thought possible.
For 02, we have given the Switchblade a further performance boost. The redesigned and rebalanced bridle gives the option to increase the turning speed and lighten up the feel of the kite. A lighter, faster kite not only extends the reach of this fantastic product to different riders but also allows for faster steering and control for jumping. In addition, the five strut stable frame of the Switchblade comes into its own in the higher wind ranges. Here the legendary boost and hangtime of the Switchblade shine.
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Features
- New Ceramic Pulley: Made from Zirconia, the new ceramic pulley provides the ultimate simplicity, safety and impact resistance with reduced wear characteristics.
- New Bridle Configuration: A redesigned and balanced bridle gives a lighter feeling and faster turning kite, allowing for a broader range of users and control for jumping.
- Ultimate Performance: The most versatile kite in the industry, it allows for use in the widest range of conditions and various riding styles.
- Ridiculously high hang times: The 5 strut stable platform allows for stability in higher winds, and the wide arc allows for increased glide.
- Excellent Upwind Performance: The unique profile of the canopy allows for effortless upwind performance.
- Swept Leading Edge: More sweep allows for the increased range and easy relaunch, the increased range, and information on Cabrinha’s 02 Switchblade, please click here.
FX2
Freestyle / Crossover
Every coin has two sides, two sides to every story, and two sides to the new FX2.
With a nod to its heritage but with a completely updated design, we have been able to push the performance of the FX2 further into the big air realm. Fast, powerful loops with the ability to catch you on the way down. Height and hang time that this kite has not seen before. We have created a progressive modern flying machine that will take you to all-new levels.
Keeping with the original Freestyle Crossover naming, we have also developed a pro-level 6 line bridle system that gives the rider the C kite feel they are looking for to help with the latest tricks needed to get onto the podium.
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Features
- 2 Personalities: Where you choose big air or freestyle, both seamlessly combine into one high performing freeride kite.
- Butter Smooth Control: The FX2 combines a smooth power delivery with excellent on-demand depower. This culminates in an incredibly high performing kite that is exceptionally easy to fly.
- Kiteloop Machine: Forward pull and quick recovery from kiteloops are achieved by the rigid 3 strut hybrid C shape.
- Direct Steering: The no pulley bridle offers direct steering input and feedback.
- 6 Line Setting: Adjustment to the 6 line’ ultimate freestyle’ mode unshackles the FX2 into a new beast: the more speed and pop, the greater the slack and recovery.
- Explosive Pop: The hybrid C arc design allows excellent line slack after release, designed explicitly for freestyle manoeuvres.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 FX2, please click here.
Moto
Versatile Freeride Crossover
No matter what the conditions or what style of riding, the Moto has something for every rider.
The most versatile kite in our range, the Moto provides lightweight control and immediate response through its unique blend of Pure Arc Segments and Pure Profile segments. This gives the smoothest, cleanest arc shape on the market and incredibly clean airflow.
Whether riding a twin, surfboard or hydrofoil, the Moto is the ultimate one kite does it all in the Cabrinha range.
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Features
- Pure ARC Segments: Specifically designed for the Moto, the Increased leading-edge segments provide a smooth, high definition and aerodynamic arc.
- Forward Drive: The Moto’s unique profiles combined with the reduced coning of the arc shape allow the Moto to fly incredibly fast through the wind window.
- Unrivalled Versatility: Excellent for freeride, surf, freestyle and foiling.
- Simplicity Personified: The Moto’s light bar pressure & fast steering make it as easy to use as it gets.
- No Pulley Bridle: Light, simple and responsive. No pulleys provide incredible feedback.
- Direct Steering: Bar input immediately translates into kite adjustment.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Moto, please click here.
Drifter
Surf / Freestyle Surf
It’s in the name.
Drift Stability is a term created and defined by this kite and is often used by other brands but rarely duplicated. The worlds most iconic surf kite gives the rider the ultimate ability to quickly control the on-off switch of the power, giving the ultimate versatility to either use the kites power or the waves.
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Features
- New Ceramic Pulley: Made from Zirconia, the new ceramic pulley provides the ultimate simplicity, safety and impact resistance with reduced wear characteristics.
- Offshore / Onshore – Choose between 2 Leading Edge options to optimise performance in a wide spectrum of conditions. The Onshore setting provides a maximum amount of drift and tighter turning. The Offshore setting facilitates better upwind ability allowing for easier cutbacks in offshore wind.
- Slackline Drift: The secret behind every Drifter that has become iconic in the industry. Focus on the wave while your kite ‘Drifts’ effortlessly down the line.
- Bomber Construction: Like with any Cabrinha kite, the Drifter comes packed with features to give you freedom to push your limits, whether in 1 foot or 10-foot waves.
- Pure Profile Panels: Strategically placed panels allow for a seamless and smooth airflow over the most important area of the flying surface, creating an efficient and true design profile that no others can match.
- Rapid Power Control: No wave is the same, and the on-demand rapid depower and power of the Drifter allows you to stay in the right place or get to where you need to be.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Drifter, please click here.
Contra 1 Strut
Performance Lightwind / Freeride
The Contra 1 Strut has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the best kites for lightwind freeriding and has proven a versatile addition to any kite quiver.
With its single strut design, this light and nimble kite allow the use of much smaller sizes to maximise foil boarding true potential. Featherweight control and amazing drift characteristics allow for low angles of attack while on foil, and the rear line tension increases steering impulse even when depowered.
This dynamic kite design will put an optimised Contra light wind kite in your hands whether you ride a twin tip, surfboard, or foil board.
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Features
- Featherlight: The ultra-lightweight 1-strut design shaves weight off.
- Minimalistic: Through intensive research and development, the Contra 1S comes with one rear line attachment option. Simply put, this is the best possible option straight out of the bag.
- Effortless Relaunch: Even in the lightest of wind conditions, the Contra 1S gives you the confidence to try tricks, knowing any mishaps won’t mean a swim in.
- Drift: Superior drift characteristics allow for low angles of attack while on the foil. Rear line tension is carried through even when depowered.
- Lightwind Optimisation: Designed with the main focus to be ridden in the threshold winds where most kites can’t perform.
- Agile and Nimble: Single strut design allows the kite to twist and react like no other.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Contra 1 Strut, please click here.
Contra 3 Strut
Performance Lightwind / Freeride
In 2003 a kite was launched to help people maximise their time on the water. The name became synonymous with light wind riding and has become a staple in many kiters quivers.
The Contra 3 Strut continues this legacy and provides the rider with the ultimate blend of light wind power and agility to maximise time on the water in threshold winds.
Its supported three strut frame allows not only to drive forward when using more a traditional selection of kiteboards, but it also provides a stable canopy and an increased high-end range.
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Features
- Effortless Relaunch: Even in the lightest of wind conditions, the Contra 3S gives you the confidence to try tricks, knowing any mishaps won’t mean a swim in.
- Refined Low End: The Contra specialises in incredible upwind performance even in minimal wind speeds. Dubbed the ‘Session Saver’, the Contra has become synonymous with light wind riding and a favourite with many who never want to miss a day of kitesurfing.
- Agile Steering: Big kite, small kite feeling thanks to the Contra’s agile and responsive steering and increased power delivery.
- Ultimate Performance: No matter what your craft or discipline, the Contra’s performance features make it a standard kite in every quiver, not only to maximise water time but to thrive and progress.
- Lightwind Optimisation: Designed with the main focus to be ridden in the threshold winds where most kites can’t perform.
- Park and Ride Simplicity: Efficient control and power allow the rider to concentrate on their riding, not the kite.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Contra 3 Strut, please click here.
Twintips
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Ace Wood
All-round Freeride / Big Air
Sizes: 133 X 38.5 / 135 X 40 / 138 X 41.5 / 141 X 43
The exceptionally versatile Ace Wood combines performance freeride characteristics in an easy use & forgiving ride. Its outline is a hybrid of freestyle and freeride, which gives you the freedom to be covered no matter the conditions on the day.
The wood construction allows ultimate comfort in rough and choppy waters, which translates to greater edge control for jumping big and loaded freestyle take-offs.
Features
- Optimal construction for specific flex characteristics and unparalleled durability.
- Forgiving flex characteristics for comfort in all conditions
- Rail channels for enhanced and effortless grip
- Medium rocker line for early planing lift and reliable edge hold
- Quad channels in the tips for added grip when loading off the back-foot
- Smooth, predictable and stable landings
- Maximum upwind drive
Included with the board: 4x 40mm fins, 4x washers, 10x 6x16mm screws, grab handle.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Ace Wood, please click here.
Ace Hybrid
High-Performance Freeride / Big Air
Sizes: 135 X 40 / 138 X 41.5 / 141 X 43
The Ace Hybrid is a do-it-all performer combining state of the art construction techniques in an incredibly fun, performance freeride shape.
At the core of the Ace Hybrid is a honeycomb foam/paulownia hybrid construction. The perfect combination of these premium materials results in an optimised strength to weight ratio that is incredibly lively underfoot.
Multiple unidirectional carbon strips lock in the core on the top and bottom, improving response and facilitating an explosive pop. This ultra-lightweight responsive board has a lively feel underfoot and is guaranteed to impress.
Features
- High-end hybrid core construction for lively performance in all conditions
- Exclusive and strategic use of Japanese Toray UD carbon for precision feedback
- Innovative, lightweight and responsive future hybrid/carbon construction
- Moderate/low flex pattern for a rapid response & intuitive pop
- Medium rocker line for early planing lift and reliable edge hold
- Quad channels in the tips for grip when loading off the back foot
- Rail channels for enhanced and effortless grip
- Maximum upwind drive
Included with the board: 4x 40mm fins, 4x washers, 10x m6x16mm screws, grab handle.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Ace Hybrid, please click here.
CBL
Wakestyle / Cable
Sizes: 139 X 42 / 142 X 43
The CBL is a dedicated crossover wake style cable board designed for progressive riders to maximise performance and time on the water.
The quad concave, generous rocker line, stiff flex and unidirectional basalt allow for soft, comfortable landings when going big with a kite or cable. In addition, the durable grind base puts it at ease in the park on rails or off kickers.
Features
- Fluid power transfer from any source
- Excellent wake style performance
- P-Tex grind base bottom sheet
- Engineered reinforcements and strategic use of carbon for directed flex control
- Tip channels for finless tracking & smooth release
- Flat centre for hitting any type of obstacle
- High rocker for cable and wake style
- Rail and tip channels provide good grip
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 CBL, please click here.
Spectrum
All-round Freeride
Sizes: 133 X 40 / 136 X 41 / 140 X 42 / 144 X 43 / 148 X 44 / 152 X 44
The Spectrum has become an iconic board with a huge following at the heart of the twin tip line. What’s so special about the Spectrum is how easy it is to ride and the vast range of use and ability levels it caters for.
The Spectrum has incredible upwind tracking while the softer flex pattern turns choppy water into a smooth, forgiving ride.
Features
- Rocker and flex are designed for the widest range of conditions and riding styles.
- Excellent upwind tracking
- Soft landings
- Excels in choppy water
- Smooth and predictable board control
- Single concave bottom
- Large fins for grip
Included with the board: 4x 50mm fins, 4x washers, 10 x m6 x 16mm screws, grab handle.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Spectrum, please click here.
Stylus
Lightwind / Freeride
Sizes: 150 X 45 / 160 X 47.5
The Stylus is a high-performance, light wind model that maximises your time on the water. Its clever design allows you to generate speed and power at minimal wind speeds, and the offset binding positioning enhances edging and allows greater control over the board.
When paired with Cabrinha’s Contra kite, the realm of light wind kiteboarding is opened up to what was previously deemed unrideable.
Features
- Excellent performance in light wind conditions
- Versatility beneath your feet
- Excellent upwind ability
- Offset binding inserts to the heel edge
- Asymmetrical stance for better grip, control and light wind planing
- Rail channels for grip
- UD basalt to support light wind low rocker line for early planing
Included with the board: 4x 50mm fins, 4x washers, 10x 6x16mm screws, grab handle.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Stylus, please click here.
Tronic
Freeride / Wave
Sizes: 137 X 41 / 141 X 42
The Tronic screams fun from the moment it hits the water. This easy to ride board has been designed for riders who want twin tip capability for use in the surf where It is entirely at home on rail carving turns and throwing buckets of spray.
Tronic is a twin tip with an outline and rocker made for rough water and surf. The Tronic cuts through chop with ease and pushes through G-force inducing turns with power and control.
Features
- Powerful carving ability
- Buttery soft turns
- Flexible construction for comfort in all conditions
- Great upwind performance
- Maximum edge control for boosting
- Outline with narrow tips which facilitates a smooth ride and carving
- Quad concave to V-tips provides easy rail-to-rail transition and grip control
Included with the board: 4x 50mm fins, 4x washers, 10xm6x16mm screws, grab handle
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Tronic, please click here.
Tronic SS
Freeride / Wave
Size: 149 X 44
The Tronic Surf Stance is for riders who want twin tip capability for use in the surf.
The Tronic SS is the larger, surf-inspired shape of the series. The Tronic 149cm model has a shape that favours an offset surf stance strap positioning.
Features
- Directional outline and stance for use in the surf and on downwinders
- Powerful carving ability
- Buttery soft turns
- Great upwind performance
- Maximum edge control for boosting
- Insert configuration allows it to be ridden as conventional TT
Included with the board: 4x 50mm fins, 4x washers, 10xm6x16mm screws, grab handle.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Tronic SS, please click here.
XCAL Wood
All-round Performance Freestyle
Sizes: 133 X 40 / 135 X 41 / 138 X 42 / 141 X 43
When it comes to versatility, the Xcal wood shines brightly. It seamlessly blends performance with comfort in all types of water conditions. In addition, the wood core helps absorb heavy landings from powered tricks while offering locked in landings at speed from kiteloops and boosts.
Defined tip channels allow for aggressive take-offs and excellent hold & traction through the water. A board equally at home throwing down handle passes to technical big air tricks, the Xcal Wood is the go-to choice for many in the modern-day freeride scene.
Features
- Refined shape
- Aggressive quad-tip channels for back foot grip and improved pop
- Rail channels for maximum edge control
- Double concave in the centre for smooth and controllable landings
- Tough, lightweight & responsive
- Predictable pop & low spin weight
- Early planing lift & reliable edge hold
- Excellent upwind drive
Included with the board: 4x 40mm fins, 4x washers, 10xm6x16mm screws, grab handle.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 XCal Wood, please click here.
XCAL Carbon
Competition Freestyle
Sizes: 135 X 41 / 138 X 42 / 141 X 43
When performance freestyle & big air is at the top of your list, the Xcal Carbon is a proven podium winner of a board. With the strategic use of our exclusive Japanese Toray Carbon, we’ve fine-tuned the board’s response, leading to an explosive pop and fast locked in landings. In addition, defined tip channels make for a more aggressive take-off, whether that manifests as an explosive pop of flat water or a high line tension release from a wave into the sky.
Paired with any of Cabrinha’s performance kites, you will be swift to reap the rewards.
Features
- Refined shape
- Aggressive quad-tip channels for back foot grip and improved pop
- Rail channels for maximum edge control
- Double concave in the centre for smooth and controllable landings
- High-end construction for performance and speed in all conditions
- Exclusive use of Japanese Toray structural carbon
- Stiff flex pattern for a rapid response & explosive pop
- Excellent upwind drive
Included with the board: 4x 40mm fins, 4x washers, 10x 6x16mm screws, grab handle
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 XCal Carbon, please click here.
XO
Freestyle / Freeride
Sizes: 133 X 38.5 / 136 X 39.5
The XO is a high-performance freestyle / freeride model optimised for lighter weights and generally smaller riders. The flex pattern is softer for a smoother ride, and the stance widths are slightly narrower than the rest of our range. The XO is built on the design platform of our popular ACE model to give it a wide range of performance opportunities.
Features
- Tough and lightweight construction
- Sized for women
- Dynamic pop & low spin weight
- Early planing lift & reliable edge hold
- Maximum upwind drive
- Quad channels in the tips for grip when loading off back-foot
- Rail channels for grip
Included with the board: 4x 40mm fins, 4x washers, 10xm6x16mm screws, grab handle.
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 XO, please click here.
Wings
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Mantis V2 – Wind0wless
The original Mantis set a benchmark regarding leading-edge rigidity, and this year it has been even further refined, culminating in an ultra-rigid frame and refined profile. Combined with a pre-tensioned canopy, this gives a crisp high, performing product that maintains its performance through a wider range of conditions.
Refined sizing and wingspans allow for more progressive power in small sizes. At the same time, the wingtip shape adjustment helps deflect water during start-up and provides deeper profiles to aid in power delivery.
The Mantis V2 showcases Cabrinha’s forward driving wing program and puts the ultimate in technology and efficiency into your hands to maximise water time and performance.
Features
- NEW increased dihedral: Balanced dihedral for power to stability ratio
- NEW revised twist for improved range
- High Center-LE diameter and progressive taper, for improved stiffness & canopy tension, with upwind efficiency.
- Controllable power in a wide range of wind conditions
- HD large-diameter closing seam construction
- Balanced dihedral for power-to-stability ratio
- High rigidity single strut for low weight and predictable depower
- NanoTech Ripstop
- High Tenacity Dacron LE
- Sprint Inflate Valve
- Extremely safe operation
- Kevlar wing tip reinforcement
- Safety wrist leash included
- *Window version: TPU window
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Mantis VS (Windowless), please click here.
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Crosswing X3
Already into its 3rd iteration, the Crosswing X3 sets a new standard in efficiency and on-demand power.
To date, Cabrinha’s R&D team has done detailed work into the wing profile and new radial canopy panel layout to achieve our most high-performing and reactive wing.
We have created an exceptionally stiff framework through an increased leading edge diameter with load distributing centre section construction, which is further enhanced by the X3’s innovative double strut. This framework gives the rider the ultimate feeling in efficiency and performance both in the lighter winds, where pumping and efficiency are required and in higher winds where stability and control are greatly increased.
Strategic window placements with the combination of the double strut allow for a wide field of view.
Whether you are boosting to new heights or simply relaxing into your ride, take advantage of all of the X3’s new cutting edge technical attributes.
Features
- NEW: Ergonomic widespan handle layout for micro-adjustment/trim
- NEW: Increased LE diameter with load distributing centre section for improved stiffness & canopy tension
- NEW: improved low end
- NEW: HD large-diameter closing seam construction
- NEW: Improved balance, linear power delivery and upwind drive
- NEW: Ultra rigid flared Double Strut for aerofoil support and improved response
- NEW: Radial canopy layout for improved response and stiffness
- High tenacity dacron LE
- Sprint inflate valve
- Nanotech ripstop
- Safety wrist leash included
- Kevlar wing tip reinforcement
- Harness line attachment points
For more information on Cabrinha’s 02 Crosswing X3, please click here.
To view all Cabrinha products, please click here.
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.