Below is our top 3 - C or C/hybrid kites.......We have included an image of each kite along with the rrp of a 9m complete,each kite has the manufacturer's hype,but first we have given you our thoughts and summary below:
Do these kites still have a place in the market?
YES......a there is a niche for these kites,they are not for beginner's or even intermediate's,there twitchy and unstable,the wind range is small,5 lines can be a serious pain in the ****,but hell they can be fun.I have been on my cabrinha converts all summer recently i borrowed a mates FUEL what a buzz no depower dont touch the trim strap set the kite up and go use your edge to control the power,2 knt wind range u find yourself asking why?.....would i own 1, probably not this kite is to hardcore for me as much as i loved it and i cant afford to buy enough of them to cover the uk weather, if i lived in Brazil maybe.....but saying that those who are looking for a balls out C kite the Slingshot Fuel is your weapon of choice so much fun.The Nomad & Vegas both a little more hybrid in design still those C characteristics but definately toned down from the Fuel.We are still not saying these are suitable for most people but if u going for unhooked or thinking of handlepasses there will be benefits with these kites.Although these 3 kites are seiously nice even for the high level riders we would probably still recomend the Cabrinha Swithblade,Slingshot RPM or the North Evo.These kites are strictly for those with deep pockets who are prepared to compromise on wind range and ease of use for pure performance.
2011 Cabrinha Nomad (9m complete rrp £1149)
The all new Cabrinha Nomad 2011 IDS continues it's foray into the Freestyle Wave Kite Arena. The non-bow hybrid IDS kite combines the best of both worlds…a moderate C-shaped arc and an IDS bridle to deliver Cabrinha's fastest turning kite yet.
The Cabrinha Nomad creates the type of kite turns that increase in power throughout the turning arc by pivoting off of the wing tip. This makes for powered kite loops unlike anything on the market.
If throwing kiteloops or towing yourself into the surf with a kite sounds like your thing, then the Nomad 2011 IDS is the kite for you. New and improved material and construction are the foundation of a totally new design which enhances it's quick turning and high depower characteristics.
Emphasis on low end power has been a top priority for 2011 and it is where Cabrinha has made a subsantial gain including lighter weight specialised bladders in the 13m!
The Cabrinha Nomad IDS comes with two distinct turning options:
Freestyle Bridle Setting:
The freeride bridle setting is aimed squarely at the professional freestyle rider and is balanced to fly perfectly while unhooked. This setting is ideal for intermediate to pro level freestyle tricks or un-hooked surfing.
Wave Bridle Setting:
The wave bridle setting allows a greater level of depower for hooked in surfing. The fast turning speed of the Cabrinha Nomad combined with the quick and short depower throw, make for a finely tuned, predictable surfing kite like no other.
The Cabrinha Nomad 2011 turns off the wingtip and generates a lot of pull in kite loops. The Cabrinha Nomad is ideal for anyone looking to do huge unhooked wakestyle tricks while still having the safety and depower of the IDS bridle and control system.
In the surf, the Cabrinha Nomad 2011 kite sits back in the pocket and pivots so that it's always in the right place. The Cabrinha Nomad floats as you rip down the line while wave riding and gives you plenty of depower and turns fast.
The Cabrinha Nomad handles the task of unhooked riding by delivering a constant steady powerband. When unhooked the kite continues to fly forward, making the power predictable during your tricks. On the fly, depower is extremely linear which means you’ll always have the correct amount of power for the job at hand.
Features:
IDS (Intelligent Depower System): The Intelligent Depower System (IDS) provides an amazing level of control with minimum rider effort and input. IDS is a simplified bridle and control system exclusive to Cabrinha.
IDS produces virtually no bar pressure while delivering precise control of the steering and power of your kite. IDS is so intuitive that it seamlessly provides 2 stages of depower. Interactive Depower on Demand while riding, and an Absolute Depower method to land your kite.
Absolute Depower functions similar to a 5th line system, but without the complexity of the unnecessary 5th line. Cabrinha IDS equipped kites use only 4 lines for a simple, uncluttered method of control and security. Additionally, the IDS bridle maintains all of the instant relaunch functionality the Cabrinha kites are famous for.
Durability: This season Cabrinha have taken durability head-on with the addition of transitional strut panel materials and reinforced LE closing seams. Cabrinha have also reinforced the high load areas of their kites with a transitionally weighted material.
This well-placed material acts as a buffer zone between the rigid strut areas and the canopy. The entire canopy of all kites are flat seamed and taped prior to sewing. This is 20% stronger than the free hand sewn method of a top stitch.
The leading edge closing seams now impliments a hot melt glue tape in the leading edge closing seam for added strength. The entire trailing edge implements a two-ply of tough 70 gsm material for added durability and strength.
The full contact between the strut and the leading edge helps to ensure a rigid frame. The positive connection not only provides stability while the kite is in flight but delivers added durability and a rapid relaunch.
Sprint: The Sprint™* inflation system is a simple to use feature to quickly inflate your kite to an even pressure. The Sprint™ system uses a single inflation point to connect your high volume, two way Cabrinha pump. As you pump your kite with air, all struts and your leading edge inflate quickly and simultaneously to the desired pressure. The supplied leash pump and threaded valve connection keeps your kite under control even when pumping up directly in the wind.
Once the kite is pumped you can choose to clip off, or isolate the air contained in the struts. This way if you damage a strut while in use, the rest of the kite will continue to maintain its pressure. At the end of the session you can choose to deflate your kite completely by disengaging the strut air clips, or you can keep your struts inflated and put your kite away rolled up so that the next session will take just minutes to set up.
Cabrinha Powerdrive IDS Control System: The Powerdrive IDS is equipped to take advantage of Cabrinhas new Intelligent Depower System features. With Powerdrive IDS you now have complete control of your kite whether it is flying powered up, or resting completely depowered on the water or land.
With the increasing demand for increased function and kite control the 2011 Powerdrive IDS steps up to the plate to meet the challenge. The all new Powerdrive IDS control system has been redesigned from the bottom up to accommodate many new features while streamlining its user interface. The result of this intensive development effort is our most refined and evolved control system to date.
In a huge industry first, Cabrinha has managed to internalize the IDS landing line into the main depower line. The landing line now occupies its own chamber alongside the depower main line for added protection and a streamlined interface. With the all new internal IDS security system, Cabrinha makes good on its promise that performance and security are no longer mutually exclusive. The all new internal Intelligent Depower System (IDS) puts the industry leading 4 line security right at your fingertips when you need it and out of your way when you don’t. Cabrinha have internalized the landing line to protect it from the elements and to simplify the control system. The new IDS landing line is virtually invisible while riding but right there when you need it.
The all new OverSlide™ stopper unit is a sliding system that allows the rider to temporarily let go of the control system to unspin the twists in their control lines. It also serves as a means to contain the bungeed power adjusters. OverSlide™ is designed to slide out of the way when forcefully pushed with the control system. OverSlide™ can be positioned anywhere on the main depower line and the rider can choose their desired sliding tension. The all new OverSlide IDS now gives you the freedom to spin your bar when and where you want along the depower main line. You can choose the release tension and position Overslide where you want.
The Powerdrive IDS control system now implements Cabrinha's new forged alloy section with an expanded entry and exit opening for the depower line. This feature increases the ease of bar movement over the depower line even at extreme angles.
The Powerdrive IDS is the only bar on the market with soft EVA multifunction ends. The EVA ends create a seamless transition from the center of the grip all the way to the ergonomic, protective ends. This provides added comfort when doing aggressive turns at the ends of the bar. The ergonomic geometry of the bar ends also serve as line winders to adequately manage your line set.
The soft EVA ends have also allowed Cabrinha to lower the pivot point of the steering lines right down to the bar. This reduces the turning impulse required to steer your kite.
The EVA bar ends have sufficient buoyancy to float the control bar and lines, allowing Cabrinha to eliminate the cumbersome external floats for an even more streamline, uncluttered look and feel.
The new Powerdrive IDS control system is completely void of any pulleys. The IDS equipped kites all work on a direct 1:1 method of control. This produces virtually no bar pressure, and leaves the bar free of added lines and pulleys.
Industry leading Quick Release. Safety is an integral part of the Cabrinha design culture. This is why they have used the same quick release method for three years running. Their quick release has very little moving parts and is not susceptible to salt or sand. Cabrinha do not make their Quick Release perform any other function than to “Quickly Release”. It is easy to activate with a right or left hand, whether the kite has power or not. It’s simple. Time tested. Proven.
If at anytime during the Absolute Depower process (after the main QR has been activated) you need to completely separate yourself from your kite, you can pull the secondary QR where the landing line attaches to the harness loop.
The same patented technology that provides the Cabrinha Nomad's IDS high performance, is also the core technology responsible for it's high level of security. security, performance, and handling are no longer mutually exclusive.
The Cabrinha Intelligent Depower System (IDS) provides an amazing level of control with minimum rider effort and input. IDS is a simplified bridle and control system exclusive to Cabrinha. IDS produces virtually no bar pressure while delivering precise control of the steering and power of your kite.
IDS is so intuitive that it seamlessly provides 2 stages of depower. Interactive Depower on Demand while riding, and an Absolute Depower method to land your kite. Absolute Depower functions similar to a 5th line system, but without the complexity of the unnecessary 5th line. Cabrinha's IDS equipped kites use only 4 lines for a simple, uncluttered method of control and security. Additionally, the IDS bridle maintains all of the instant relaunch functionality the Cabrinha kites are famous for.
The Cabrinha Nomad IDS wraps all of these features into one kite to deliver:
- Absolute and total control of the power of your kite.
- The highest level of security.
- A relaunch feature that does not require a 5th line or any wing tip tension fittings.
- Depower on Demand: 1st Stage of Depower
- Absolute Depower: 2nd Stage of Depower
- Improved, direct steering. No pulleys on control bar
- Instant Relaunch
Cabrinha Nomad 2011 IDS Bridle System
The Cabrinha's IDS unique patented bridle delivers on two important fronts: Stability and Trim. The obvious benefit to the performance of the kite is the way that the bridle fully supports the leading edge of the kite under the constantly changing loads of pressure. This increased stability allows the kite to react to the riders input from the bar without the deformation that can occur with a traditional kite. The other revolutionary feature of the bridle is its ability to drastically change the angle of attack of the kite while keeping equal pressure on all load points. This in turn creates an unprecedented range of power and trim including total depower.
The Cabrinha Nomad 2011 IDS bridle serves two functions. The most obvious function is the way that it fully supports the flat arc of the kite (also known as Pro Span Extreme). This helps to keep the kite flying rock solid even when riding through choppy water in gusty wind. The second function of the bridle is to allow the kite’s angle of attack (AOA) to radically change. This is the main feature responsible for the Nomad's incredible range and depowering capabilities.
The bridle even allows for the AOA to reach a zero point where the kite stops pulling altogether. The interesting thing about this bridle is the way that it places equal tension on each attachment point even while depowering. Jelly fishing is not possible with the Nomad 2011 IDS.
Instant Relaunch
The Cabrinha Nomad 2011 IDS has a built-in relaunch function. When the kite is leading edge down on the water or snow, just pull on either the left or right leader line to choose which direction you would like to launch the kite. The wingtip will rise out of the water. You can then choose to hot launch the kite from the bottom of the window or you can put the kite in a side launch position at the edge of the window for a slower relaunch.
Keep in mind that this technique works best when most of your forward movement is stopped. If you have your board with you, put your feet in the straps, and sit upright with your board in front of you to slow or stop all of your forward movement. This will keep tension on the lines. Do not swim towards the kite as you would with a classic kite relaunch method.
The Cabrinha Nomad size for size generates about 1+m kite size less in low end than our other bow kites.
Features:
- IDS Bridle
- 6 Struts
- Non-Bow Hybrid for faster turning
- Powerdrive IDS Control System
- High Performance NEW Design for Freestyle, Kiteloops and Waveriding
- Improved Leading Edge Closing Seam
- Tuning Options
- Ultra Bomb Canopy Reinforcement
- Flat Seams
- New Bridle Pulleys
- New Pulley Bridle Line
- Industry Leading Quick Release System
- Improved Airlock Valve
- Absolute Depower / Depower On Demand
- Simple Relaunch Feature
- SPRINT Single Inflation System
- Full Contact™ Strut Connection
- IDS Depower
- Light Bar Pressure
Construction:
- Hot Melt Leading Edge Closure
- Improved Leading Edge Reinforcement
- Transitional Strut Reinforcements
- Flat Seam Panel Construction
- 70gsm Trailing Edge Material
- Toughened Canopy Material
- Full Contact Strut Connection
- Reinforced Strut Tips
- Two-Ply Trailing Edge
- Improved Bridle Lines
The Kite Only Package includes:
- Cabrinha Nomad 2011 IDS Kite
- Expanding Bag
- Large Pump
- Repair Kit
- Cinch Strap
The Complete Package includes:
- Cabrinha Nomad 2011 IDS Kite
- Expanding Bag
- Large Pump
- Repair Kit
- Cinch Strap
- 22m Flying Lines
- Nomad IDS Carbon Control Bar Powerdrive IDS in 42cm / 48cm / 55cm
Cabrinha Nomad Kite Selector:
2011 North Vegas (9m complete rrp £1149.00)
North Kiteboarding is proud to introduce the new North VEGAS 2011 - this is North's New School moves, competition kite. The Vegas 2011 particularly appeals to newschoolers and to riders who do not want to renounce on the conventional C-kite feeling but at the same time, retaining its freeride capabilities.
The North Vegas 2011 is a pure C-shape kite that embodies radical new school riding and delivers the precision feel needed to stomp today's most technical tricks and challenge tomorrow's limits. A no-compromise design that delivers massive pop, steady pull and a predictable, direct turning radius. Pull the trigger on massive mega-loops or unhook and launch into a mobe with the assurance of rock-solid pull and steadiness.
The Vegas delivers high de-power with the widest range of use although it’s a C-kite and gives you virtually no de-power for full-on powered wakestyle. The 2011 Vegas: Style and conviction without compromise.
Further development of the 5th element system, allowed North to develop a true C-kite with great stability and rock-solid power, combined with maximum safety and de-power abilities. Reduced canopy segments and special construction translates into smooth, intuitive and playful turning characteristics that are easily recognized in kite loops where the kite climbs back up overhead for controlled landings.
All sizes offer an incredibly similar feeling in both turning speed and bar load, requiring nearly no adjustment time when switching kite sizes.
Two trim options allow you to set up your Vegas in either “Classic” or “New-school” modes. Classic freestyle mode provides high de-power and gives you the most versatile range for doing big jumps, un-hooked freestyle and even venturing into the surf. New-school mode gives you less de-power, extreme stability while unhooking and less sensitive bar reaction for doing loaded power moves.
5th line Freestyle High Depower Classic Setting: Plenty of de-power and the classic Vegas feel you‘ve come to expect! This setting offers the most versatility and is ideal for free/wave riding, jumping and un-hooking.
5th line Freestyle / Newschool: Dedicated new-school feel, little to no de-power, extremely steady when unhooked and less sensitive to bar input for loaded power moves. All the safety and relaunch benefits of the 5th Element.
Front / Backline Power Distribution: When riding with full power in the Freestyle mode, the forces on the lines are split into 60 % on the front lines and 40 % on the back lines. Therefore, less steering impulse is needed to make the kite turn quickly. When riding with full power in the New School mode, the forces on the lines are split into 75 % on the front lines and 25 % on the back lines. This makes the back lines less sensitive, causing less movement while you are throwing an unhooked trick. More steering impulse is required to get the same turning as that of a Vegas in Freestyle mode.
Tip Turning Area:
In Freestyle mode the tip has a wider surface aff ected by the rider’s bar input. Therefore, the kite is much more sensitive and reactive in steering. In New School mode, a smaller surface of the tip is affected. More bar input is required for quick steering reaction. More bar stability means the kite will not “rise up” when you unhook making it easier to throw mind-blowing New School tricks.
Depower Behaviour:
With the New School set up the Vegas 2011 still retains some Depower but becomes less sensitive to bar sheeting and steering making it ideal for unhooking.
North have completely re-worked the Vegas 2011 to cover a wider range of conditions and riding styles than ever before! A slightly lower aspect ratio and wider wing tips means very constant pull, extremely tight kite loops and improved low end grunt to please the C-kite lover in you.
As progressive freestyle kiteboarding evolves, the Vegas 2011 adapts and conquers! The '2011 Vegas is a high de-power C-design tuned for direct bar-feel and constant power to give you confidence when loading up, unhooking and throwing powered tricks and jumps.
Smooth, reactive steering gives the kite a very lively and crisp feel and also makes the Vegas perfect for kite-loops. 5th Element safety lets you go for glory with peace of mind while the Vegas' quick, easy re-launch gets you back up and riding hassle-free after a wipe-out.
Direct bar feedback allows you to feel exactly where the kite is for maximum control when un-hooking and jumping.
Using a redefined leading edge arc, canopy profile and swept wing tips, the VEGAS challenges what was previously thought possible with a five-line kite, changing angle of attack instantly to deliver a huge power/de-power range.
Simply rigged on North's 5th Element, the VEGAS 2011 has the direct bar feel and instant turning response of a c-shape kite, without the hassle of bridles or pulleys normally associated with a flat kite.
The North VEGAS 2011 makes setting up for a jump almost effortless by allowing you to depower as you position the kite above your head, then sheet in for power and lift.
If you’re looking for competition performance and safety with the simplicity of five lines, then look no further . . . The VEGAS 2011 will give you all the tools you need! Simply put, the North Vegas 2011 is the ultimate freestyle kite with explosive pop to elevate your riding to new levels and to refine your style. In 2011 the Vegas easily lives up to it's reputation as the definitive freestyle kite, robust construction and unmistakable style.
New Cam Battens >
The new CamBattens give the kite two key advantages: Lower drag at normal angles of attack and better profile stability at low angles of attack! At normal angles of attack, the CamBattens keep the shape smooth and stable along the front part of the canopy. Aerodynamic theory tells us that this is the most important part of the profile for generating power with low drag.
As you let the bar out to de-power, the wind tries to collapse the front part of the canopy and push the kite back. CamBattens resist this by keeping a full, stable shape near the leading edge, allowing the kite to fly at lower angles of attack for more depower.
Combine the CamBattens with Trim Tips, the new tip geometry lets the kite tilt even farther, and de-power to the maximum.
All of this gives the VEGAS 2011 a very direct feel on the bar, better low end performance due to reduced drag, and a much wider wind range. On the water you will notice that the wind just seems a lot smoother, with less holes and gusts.
This simple yet high performing kite can be used with any 5th line control bar providing the depower line is more than 45cm long.
North 04/05 5th Element Control Bars can be used but upgrading to the Iron Heart Chicken Loop is recommended.
The Difference between Vegas 2010 V Vegas 2011:
The Vegas 2011 is an evolution of the 2010 model. It was really essential to keep the basic characteristics of the 2010 model. Like a VW Golf VI is the best in his class being an evolvement of the Golf V, North also changed a lot of small things without loosing the typical Vegas gene.
The most important and most challenging innovation is the new Technoforce D2 material. This especially for North Kiteboarding developed double rip stop material was introduced with the Fuse and is now used in any kites of North Kiteboarding. Flying and handling characteristics are changed a lot so the kites have been finetuned a lot to fulfil the expectations of the test crews.
The stiffness of the D2 is way higher then at common materials and tensions in the kite can be used to improve the handling and the performance of a kite. This was a main reason for being able to change the profile in the centre and the tension on the trailing edge. The result is a more powerful and more constant pop.
Unhooked tricks can be done easier because the kite offers a more constant line tension. Handling and feedback of the kite are finetuned and enables to have enormous control of your kite.
The sizes 5, 7 and 9 offer a second brake line attachment, which is slowing down the turning speed of the kite.
Main Features:
- Real C-Kite Feeling
- 2 Setups: Freestyle Newschool / Freestyle High Depower
- Constant Power
- Moderate Aspect Ratio
- Competition / New School kite
- Cambattens - crispier feel, better range, better low end
- Easy water relaunch
- Massive depower / huge wind range
- Easy to jump
- 5-Line Compatible
- Inflatable Tips
- Designed for 5th Element Control Bar
2011 Slingshot Fuel (9m complete rrp £1049)
10 years of refinement translate to 10 years of commitment, integrity and passion to the highest performance C kite that ever lived. It’s the kind of dedication that legends are born.
The 2011 Fuel is the most unrivalled C kite ever! It derives all of its performance from the truest form of C kite DNA. Characteristics such as unmatched deliberate power, fearless looping and unwavering recovery make the Fuel the C kite expert riders weapon of choice.
Leading the charge is freestyle global team rider, Ruben Lenten as a calculated part of the design and development process of the Fuel. Innovative features such as One Pump [original Slingshot patented single point inflation system], Custom Fuel Injection [fine tune for wake or freestyle], unique FUEL canopy [consistent grunt and power through the stroke] and Slingshot’s legendary construction position the Fuel as the pinnacle of all C kites.
Day after day the Fuel delivers, without excuse, uncompromised C kite performance. Fuel your passion!
The Slingshot Fuel is a freestyle kite .
Rider Profile:
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Freestyle
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Advanced
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Advanced skill level looking for a kite that boots, loops and recovers
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Uses board to depower
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Focused on overdriven conditions
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Looking for maximum response with least amount of bar input
Features:
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Traditional C kite platform - Consistant grunt and power through the power stroke. Boosts, loops and predictably recovers.
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Co-developed by Ruben Lenten - Expert project design and developed
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Refined Sizing - Allows riders to precisely build quivers to their specific riding conditions
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Compstick Control Bar Compatibility - The Compstick Control Bar offers the highest level of safety, performance and convenience in a single system. It is the most versatile control bar you will ever own.
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Progressive Power Steering - Progressive custom line lengths synchronizes rider and kite to match wind conditions. Benefits include optimum tracking, precision feedback, custom power and range
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Custom Fuel Injection - Truely customized kite performance for riding style and conditions. Set to wake or freestyle
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One Pump - The original tried and true Slingshot patented single point inflation system. Inflate your kite with ease
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Reinforced Struts - Ensures strength and durability
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Scalloped Trailing Edge - Reduces flutter
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Surf Tough Seams - Developed by Tony Logosz and equipped standard on all Slingshot performance kites since 2002. Surf Tough Seams set the standard for minimizing and containing canopy tears
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Ballistic Aramid Scuff Guards - Increases durability in key wear point areas
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Mark Cloth Reinforced Trailing Edge - Increases durability and aerodynamics by reducing flutter on the trailing edge. This allows for a "clean" exit of air from the canopy which reduces drag
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Ergonomic Onepump Nipple Placement - Reduces aerodynamic drag, eliminates incidental bridle snagging
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Slingshot Legendary Construction - World renown bomber quality
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Lifetime Rider Hotline Support - Communicate directly with Slingshot's in house pros for unsurpassed personal customer service
The Fuel Package:
