The life of a kite model is a complex thing. Every year, undergoing careful and calculated refinement from it’s companies R&D team, before emerging ‘All New!” at the beginning of the season. Some change for the better, some for the worse, and some have been changing little-by-little for over 10 years.

This week Cabrinha released a great video talking about the Switchblade, now in production for 10 years. Which got us thinking, what other kites out there have stood the test of time?

1. Slingshot Fuel First to mind is the Slingshot Fuel. This was in fact Slingshots first model of kite back in 2001, with four lines and a mylar leading edge. You might be hard pressed to find a 2001 model in flyable condition these days, but you could certainly get your hands on a 2002 model, and every model from then to now! Known for their bullet proof construction, Slinghshot Fuels are still the flagship kite for freestylers in 2015. With wider wingtips and even a mini bridle on offer for 2015, it’s been 14 years of balls-to-the-wall action for the Slingshot Fuel, the worlds longest running kite model.

2. Cabrinha Switchblade The Switchblade burst onto the scene in 2005, as the answer to kiteboarding’s dilemma of the year. Riders wanted a performance ‘bow’ kite, so Cabrinha came up with the Switchblade. Fast forward 10 years, the Cabrinha Switchblade has become an icon in the industry for it’s performance, durability and ease of use. The 2015 model features more subtle refinements, with the same ‘Switchy’ feel.

3. North Rebel It’s 2006, and every kite company worldwide is on the back foot after Cabrinha launched the Crossbow.  North responds with the Rebel. 5 Lines, no bridle, out-there colours and blistering performance. It knocked the socks off everything out there at the time, and it’s still doing the same today. 2015 brings some tiny modifications to the Rebel, and as North say: “It’s still a Rebel!”

4. Naish Torch While Cabrinha is messing around with bridles and bow kites, Naish are concentrating on pure performance with the Torch. Very similar to the Slingshot Fuel of the day, the Torch was a high aspect C kite, built for big boosts and freestyle. Now, it’s a high aspect C kite, built for big boosts and Freestyle. Of course some stuff has changed, it’s not much better at it! This year it’s sporting a lot of flouro, swept tips and a bad-ass reputation.

Can you think of any other kites that should be part of this list? Let us know in the kiteboarding forums.

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