The start of 2023 marked the highly anticipated release of the new Cabrinha 03 collection. With loads of changes behind the scenes in the company coupled with some exciting athletes joining the crew, all eyes are on Cabrinha. The team gives us the low down on the latest gear they love in this feature!

The 03 range of kites sees the largest materials and design updates of any new product range in Cabrinha's history. One intrinsic area that funnels into the test program is the regular product feedback from team riders. One thing that differentiates Cabrinha from others in the industry is the calibre of experience and fine-tuned feedback that these athletes are able to deliver. 

Across all disciplines of product, from surf to freeride to freestyle, team riders with 15+ years of high-level performance play their part in a complex road to production each kite undertakes during its development cycle. Product photoshoots are often the first time a team rider finally comes together with the final version, so James Boulding asked some key riders about the kites they love to use and how the new developments translate in terms of handling and user experience.

Contra

Dubbed the 'session saver', the kite needs no introduction. It's been around for some years, and the 15m always finds a spot in my quiver as the go-to when the wind is light. With the new 03 features, the kite has upgraded performance in key areas. What stands out the most is the ability to hold in the sky with little to no wind. The wind range is equally impressive, from low-end grunt to the depower. I'm able to push this kite freestyling in boots or take out a beginner for the very first time. The kite has a very comfortable, predictable feeling that can help you progress in all areas of the sport. Talk about versatility! - JAMES BOULDING

Contra Aether

The Contra Aether is unbeatable for freeride kitefoiling, thanks to its lightweight, one strut design. This kite has an incredible capability of flying in almost no wind, and with the wide range of size choices, it's an extremely fun kite in stronger wind on the smaller sizes. I love the fact that you can try rotations and kiteloops and have complete confidence it won't stall. – THEO DEMANEZ

Switchblade 

Confidence. That's the first feeling I get when flying a Switchblade in any sort of conditions. Pat Goodman has put his finest work into this new design, a pulleyless, supercharged Switchblade. From light wind to gusty and gnarly conditions, I always feel in control and able to commit to whatever discipline I'm into. From freestyle to looping or riding a surfboard, it's the one kite I can fly with my eyes closed and always know where it is and how it is going to react. – ALBY RONDINA

Ace Hybrid 

The Ace Hybrid is my go-to board for riding straps. The thin rails make the board really grippy, and the new double concave bottom helps a lot in landing soft but with a nice locked-in feel. The new shaping on the deck is perfect for doing the craziest board off also without using the handle. The Hybrid core gives the board a pretty insane live feel under your feet, keeping the board light and with plenty of pop. – ALBY RONDINA

Moto X

WOW. Just wow. The most fun, fast and lifty kite I have tried in a while! It's crazy where new designs and materials have taken the performance of three strut kites. The new Moto X is extremely rigid and stable even when really overpowered in crazy conditions; it has a very soft and direct feel on the bar, delivers smooth power and has got unbelievable lift! – ALBY RONDINA

The Moto X is one of those kites you need to feel for yourself. It has the smooth feel of the Switchblade but a very different feel in the bar and is on a different level speed-wise. It pulls hard but really drives upwind; it also drives through a loop really well. I normally wouldn't consider a kiteloop on a 12m, but I had nearly no issues with the Moto X coming around and catching me, which was pretty nuts for a 12m! I suspect the smaller sizes will be good for double loops as the kite is so fast. Too fast for unhooked freestyle in the smaller sizes, I imagine, but I think this is what makes it shine for big air and looping, especially in the larger sizes, and will also allow it to work really well in the waves. Between the light feel in the bar and sky and being super powerful and quick to turn, it is exactly what I'd hope to feel in a fast yet boosty three strut kite. Normally I'd never give up my 8m and 9m Switchblade in the quiver, but I think times may be changing... This is a totally new Moto, not just a refined version of the previous model. – EVAN NETSCH

FX

The FX2 fits perfectly in my quiver as my do-it-all kite. It's the perfect combo of freestyle and progressive big air riding. The modern shape provides optimum hangtime combined with great forward drive, with the refinements of the Cabrinha 03 collection. The hybrid frame provides a more direct response which pushes this kite to another level of performance. The FX2 is a simple do-it-all kite you'll want in your board bag. – LUCAS ARSENAULT

COS – Cabrinha Operating System

The COS is the perfect connection between me and my kite. It gives me complete control and awareness while in the sky and allows precise input when I need it most. The ergonomic new safety system gives me complete confidence in the wildest of conditions while allowing a full range of movement when the bar is pulled in and levered on either side during kiteloops. It's a do-it-all bar for any level of kiteboarder. – LORENZO CASATI

Nitro

The all-new Nitro gives me a lot of confidence during my kite sessions. The kite makes a session so much more fun and gives me a bunch of motivation to practise new big air tricks. The Nitro is super reliable, and you can fly incredibly high, which allows me to do multiple rotations during a loop without any problems and also take my board off when I am upside down. I am landing new tricks every session. I am certain I will break new height records in strong winds this year. Last week, I landed my first double loop and S loop on the first attempts without any fear. This is a game changing feeling in a kite. – STINO MUL

The Nitro is a performance freeride big air big hangtime kite that we've developed specifically for boosting. It's one of those kites where you get on it, and you just go, 'WOW, this is why I started kitesurfing!' It's just so much fun going really fast and boosting huge airs. It's an absolute blast in addition to being a performance freeride big air kite. – PAT GOODMAN

Drifter

The Drifter has been a staple in the Cabrinha range for a long time, but it's nice to see a fresh new look for 2023. A completely new shape and bridle allow faster turning and better performance without compromising that drift stability we've all come to know and love. For those that like a lighter bar feel, the A setting makes for the lightest bar pressure on a Drifter yet, but the B setting still delivers that solid, reliable feel that allows you to focus on wave riding without worrying about the kite. I love that it's still a kite I can trust in what heavy conditions are thrown at me! – KEAHI DE ABOITIZ

 

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The Cabrinha 03 Collection
By IKSURFMAG

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