A Preview of the 2005 Cabrinha Products
August 21, 2004
iKiteboarding.com takes a preview of what Cabrinha has on offer for 2005
This year (like last year), the major changes seems to be in the functionality of the control bar. The Recon system is now in its second year of development and offers some improved functionality and smoother functioning over the first version.
Cabrinha has made a lot of improvements that will make your kiting experience safer and easier and almost effortless. Collapsing your kite can be done without letting go of your kite, relaunching your kite can be done without swimming.
Currently Cabrinha has the most advanced control bar in the industry. Apart from packing so many features into one bar, it is also the cleanest design on the market. No loose lines, leash lines or 5th lines. Simple, clutter free and easy to use.
With the previous powerlock and Recon control bars there were problems with the powerlocks, bars that broke and even with the Quick Release system. The powerlock system boasts a new design and the Quick Release problems along with all other issues has been sorted out early last year.
There is a huge emphasis on security with the option to be able to collapse the kite instantly with the “tap out“ feature. Although this seems feasible in theory, only time on the water will tell if this feature will work problem free. Ocean Rodeo has a control bar with a similar push safety system, and it is a known fact that people often activate the safety system unintentionally by pushing the bar forward when kiting in gusty conditions.
The Recon Relaunch system is a big plus in lighter winds, but is not always safe or an option in moderate to strong winds as the Recon system lets your kite launch in the middle of the power window and this can be dangerous in moderate to strong winds.
With the new Recon system it seems that the front lines move up a long distance after collapsing your kite, meaning that you will have to pull in your leash line if you want to reassemble in the water. This makes reassembling slightly more difficult.
Although Cabrinha did manage to make the bar rounder, resulting in a softer grip when compared to the shape of the previous control bars, they didn't seem to have replaced the hard plastic with a softer more rubber like feel like that of the Naish / North bars.
There is also a brief mention of line winders but it doesn't look like these are fixed to the bar as in the case of the North and Naish bars. if that is the case it can easily be lost.
The V point has been bought right down which means that the slightly awkward feeling you got from flying the older Recon system will now be gone. The kite will now have a more direct and responsive feel to it.
All this aside, all these points are very minor. The purpose of this is to give the reader a different perspective not found in the brochure. Cabrinha is way ahead of any of their competitors in terms of innovation and features offered. From the multiple features that the control bar offers to the innovation in kite design - there is no doubt that you will get the most features per dollar if you plan on buying a 2005 Cabrinha.
