Cabrinha Switchblade Apex 10m 2026
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The Switchblade Apex takes one of the most iconic kites in the sport and gives it a serious performance upgrade for 2026. Built around the same proven five-strut platform, this version introduces a lighter, stiffer airframe using HT140 material in the leading edge. The result is a kite that retains the legendary stability of the Switchblade, but with a more refined, responsive feel in the air.
The thinner Apex bridle reduces drag and improves efficiency, while the updated construction helps the kite hold its shape better under load. That translates to more consistent power delivery, improved hangtime, and a cleaner aerodynamic profile when you’re pushing it hard in overpowered conditions.
Despite the performance upgrades, the core DNA remains the same. This is still a five-strut freeride and big air machine, designed to be incredibly easy to use, but now with a polished, high-performance edge to ensure just about every level of rider can get something out of this kite.
In The Air
The first thing you notice with the Switchblade Apex is just how stable it is. It’s one of the easiest kites to fly, with a very predictable and confidence-inspiring feel from the moment you launch. It sits exactly where you expect it to in the window and just stays there, even in gusty conditions.
The power delivery is smooth and constant, helped by a longer depower throw. This makes it incredibly forgiving, especially for riders progressing in the sport, as you’ve got plenty of range through the bar throw, so the kite doesn’t feel twitchy or surge forward in the window as you sheet in and out. At the same time, more advanced riders will appreciate this, as it means you always have power on tap when you load up your edge.
Jumping is where the kite really comes alive. Take-offs are smooth and predictable, making it easy to build confidence and push higher. Once you’re in the air, the hangtime is excellent, with a floaty, controlled descent that gives you time to spot your landing or add tricks into the mix.
The turning is more dynamic than you might expect from a kite with this level of stability. When you really engage the bar, it responds well and moves with purpose, giving you enough speed to redirect cleanly without ever feeling aggressive or unpredictable.
One of the most noticeable things is how quiet the kite is in the air. Even when boosting and redirecting, there’s no canopy flutter, just the clean whistle of the thinner bridle cutting through the wind. It’s a subtle detail, but it really highlights how stable and refined the kite feels when you’re riding. Silent kites are not something you come across often, and this one barely makes a whisper, a nod to the design by Pat Goodman and just how refined this canopy shape is, and how well it works in harmony with the frame and bridle.
Relaunch is also exceptional. In most cases, you can simply let go of the bar and the kite will work its way back to the edge of the window and roll up with minimal input, making it one of the easiest kites to relaunch out there.
Overall
The Switchblade Apex builds on everything that has made the Switchblade such a long-standing favourite, and refines it with lighter materials, improved efficiency and a more responsive feel.
It’s a true freeride and big air machine. Beginners will love how easy and forgiving it is to fly, while more experienced riders will get a lot out of its stability, boost and hangtime.
If you’re looking for a kite that delivers consistent performance, inspires confidence, will improve your riding, and still has the ability to go big when you push it, the Switchblade Apex is a compelling choice.
This review was in Issue 115 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit CabrinhaRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
