Surface2Air Sports have been out testing again and boy do we have some great kites for 2008!
Cabrinha Xbow 3 12m
At A Glance:
For the last three years the Crossbow, or X Bow as it is now known has been leading the charge at the head of Cabrinha’s kite line up. At the end of 2005 when it was first released it was on of the most ground breaking kites of its time, starting the whole bow kite revolution. Then last year the X Bow 2 came out and improved in many areas where the Crossbow was lacking. Improving performance and adding features like the Sprint one pump system. The bar was also greatly improved and the overall response to the kite was very positive. This year the shape is very similar to last years excellent design. It looks totally different though with a new panel layout and a bold step away from the traditional colours that have long been associated with Cabrinha. The effect is a funkier more striking kite that really stands out from the crowd. Cabrinha have also done a good job on beefing up their kites for the 2008 season, the entire canopy has been flat seamed and taped before the stitching process and there are loads of heaver weighted materials in the high stress areas. The leading edge and struts have also been heavily reinforced for the coming season, creating a kite that should prove very durable.
In the Air:
The X Bow 3 comes standard with the top of the range 2N1 control bar, which is a 2:1 pulley bar, which offers unrivalled control over the power of the kite. It effectively doubles the sheeting range you have at your finger tips and eliminates the need for a long throw in order to fully depower the kite. When you are flying the X Bow you really do feel in control and the kite is very steady and stable in the window. The bar pressure is quite positive and you will certainly feel the heavier bar if you are not used to riding with a pulley system. The low end power that the 12m delivers is very impressive indeed, in the lightest of airs the X Bow will get you up and riding. The steering of the kite is progressive, the pulleys remove the direct feel you get with a standard bar, but once you have initiated the turn then the kite really starts to arc round with a solid pull. Un hooked the kite is very stable indeed, in fact it is almost like kiting behind a boat the kite is that solid in its power delivery and positioning. It will also excite you when you kite loop it, giving the rider a definite yank as the kite goes around. Lastly the re-launch on the X Bow 3 is just as good as it was last year, and back then it really was leading the pack. The 2:1 at the bar means you can really depower the kite as it flips up onto its wingtip which helps with a fast easy re-launch.
What Surface2Air Sports say:
For:
Improved durability, outright performance and control. Awesome wind range and exciting hangtime.
Against:
Not quite as responsive in the turn as some kites out there
In Short:
A well thought out design with lots of great improvements. In the air it is a very high performance kite that has great light wind ability.
Cabrinha Crossbow 3 Cabrinha Xbow 3
S2AS Team