Cabrinha Switchblade or Crossbow - which size?

> 10 years ago
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jimmyj
jimmyj
WA
2 posts
WA, 2 posts
23 Oct 2010 9:52pm
Hi,

Hoping I can get some help with selecting the best size kite to buy.

I am currently riding two old C kites - a 9M and 12M Cabrinha C02's (2002).

It's time to upgrade (well overdue infact!) and I'm thinking of buying a couple of Switchblades or Crossbows, or one of each. Probably look to get the 2009 or 2010 models second hand.

Question I have is what would be the best size? I weigh 70kg and have often found I am overpowered on the 12M CO2, but I understand the bow kites have a lot more wind range. Would you suggest an 8 and a 10, or 9 and 11, etc?

I'm based in Perth (28 knots today!) - I was overpowered on the 9M today but I suspect if it was a 9M bow I would have been fine??

Cheers!
SLIDA
SLIDA
WA
41 posts
WA, 41 posts
23 Oct 2010 10:44pm
I have found the 2010 Switchblade 9m to be a good all round kite for Perth's varing wind conditions. I weigh 80kgs and it's lighter wind performance 15-18knots is quite impressive, whilst still managing up to around 25knts before things start to get a bit uncomfortable. So at your weigh you should have no problems! I have previously owned Crossbows but found them to be slighty slower in turning speed etc (admitadly they were older models ie 2008.. so maybe the newer models are better??). My 2010 Switchy is up for sale in the 'buy and sell' section at the moment due to an upgrade to an 2011 kite. I'm located in Peth as well, so your more than welcome to take it out for a test run if you are interested
jimmyj
jimmyj
WA
2 posts
WA, 2 posts
23 Oct 2010 11:14pm
Ahhh i did see that one! Sorry it's a bit more than I want to spend on one kite because I am looking to get two so it starts to get a bit pricey!!

Based on your comments, and given i am 10kg lighter (70kg), should I consider maybe an 8M and an 11M?
Bertie
Bertie
NSW
1351 posts
NSW, 1351 posts
24 Oct 2010 2:32am
for normal perth i'd try a 10 and a 7 switchy.
i've got 2011 11m and an 8 atm, but the 11 is new this year so ya cant get em 2nd hand. i'm 72kg but am concentrating on the kiting for the lighter winds with a surfboard right now.
from all reports the 7m from 2010 is an absolute weapon!
I used the 8, 10 and 12 2010 SB heaps when i was in Greece and really enjoyed the 8 and 10, but spent more time on the 12 due to the wind having heaps less power than it does here.
i cant comment on the crossbows but it depends on your style of riding and what ya want the kite to do. AFIK th SB is a real all terrain grunty beast.
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