Cabrinha / 2025
Switchblade
freerideall-aroundboosting
Cabrinha's legendary all-around kite now in its 20th+ iteration. The Switchblade delivers reliable performance across all conditions with excellent depower and a forgiving power delivery.
Best for: All-around freeriding
Review verdict
Twenty-year icon gets lighter: the Switchblade's Apex upgrade is a real step forward.
4.0/ 5 review synthesis
Strength: Noticeably lighter feel thanks to new Apex material in the leading edge
Tradeoff: Only tested in moderate conditions (~15 knots), high-wind and low-wind performance not assessed
Evidence: 1 unverified source · Kiteboarding St Petersburg
Read the full evidence-backed verdict ↓Style Placement
Riding Style
FoilBig Air
Kite Shape & Aspect
Low Aspect · C-KiteHigh Aspect · Bow
Specifications
Aspect Ratiomedium
Struts5
Bar TypeLow-V
Turning Speedmedium
Low-End Power7/10
Depower Range8/10
Relauncheasy
Wind Range10–30 knots
Sizes5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14m
Review Summary
Mixed sourcesBased on 1 unverified source. Each source is labeled below; brand-made content is never used in ratings.
4.0/ 5.0
The 2025 Cabrinha Switchblade continues its legacy as a reliable all-around freeride kite, now upgraded with Apex material in the leading edge for a noticeably lighter and more responsive feel. It delivers smooth, predictable power that works both hooked in and unhooked. With only one short first-ride impression available, deeper performance nuances remain to be seen.
Pros
- +Noticeably lighter feel thanks to new Apex material in the leading edge
- +Smooth and predictable power delivery
- +Strong kite awareness — easy to feel where it is in the window
- +Versatile hooked-in and unhooked performance
- +Forgiving enough to build confidence after injury or time off the water
Cons
- −Only tested in moderate conditions (~15 knots), high-wind and low-wind performance not assessed
- −Very limited reviewer feedback — single short session, no detailed technical breakdown
- −No commentary on turning speed, bar pressure, or relaunch
Best for
Freeride riders who want a dependable, versatile kite that performs confidently across disciplines without demanding technical finesse.
Not for
Riders seeking in-depth performance data or specialized wave/big-air capabilities — this iteration hasn't been thoroughly reviewed yet.
Distilled from reviews by: Kiteboarding St Petersburg Unverified
Video Reviews
Kiteboarding St PetersburgUnverified
Kiteboarding St PetersburgReview takeaway
Anthony from Kiteboarding St Petersburg shares his first-ride impressions of the 2025 Switchblade in around 15 knots. His headline takeaway is that the kite feels noticeably lighter than previous versions thanks to the new Apex material in the leading edge, while remaining smooth and predictable. He highlights its versatility for both hooked-in and unhooked riding, and was confident enough on it to land his first backside 360 since an ACL injury.
Rider Reviews
Loading reviews...
Where to Buy
New
Or search popular retailers
Direct retailer pricing changes often. The links above run a search at each shop for Cabrinha Switchblade 2025.
Similar Kites
Naish / 2025
Pivot
One kite for every condition — the Pivot's versatility is its superpower.
Freeride
4.0 · 1 source
$1,599
F-One / 2025
Bandit
The Bandit finally nails waves without losing its all-around crown.
Freeride
4.5 · 1 source
$1,549