been kiting for 3 years
and its time to start upgrading kites
my main kite is a 2013 14 m cab switchblade
im really happy with the cabrinahs so will stay With them
i am interested in a 14 m fx but concerned it would not have enough grunt as I am 115 kgs
but really want the fx as I've heard they are more fun turn faster etc and I want to start looping
should I go switchblade or fx
my local spot is often only 15 to 20 knots
but I do have a 17 m contra
would the gap be too big between 14 fx and 17 contra
cheers
Im not pushing that brand but take this on board.
Always spend money on kite equipment. Youll never regret the spend..
Select to expand quotebjw said...
Im not pushing that brand but take this on board.
Always spend money on kite equipment. Youll never regret the spend..
Me either.. I go from 17 to 13 .. BOARD type n your style and
conditions make up alotof factors to consider..
Like choosing a kite that nobody on the circuit rides. It could
b a sign! Might b good at drifting though if you're into drifting..
Nick Jacobsen jumped off Richard Bransons house using a 14m fx!! I don't know much about the kite but that gives it some good points I reckon
Hi, I use 2015 FX's. They are great kites although I find the bigger sizes are a bit of a let down. In 25+ knots on a 6, 8 or 10 I highly recommend these kites, super fast and predictable loops with decent pull 
. I find on the 12 and 14 from 12-20 knots the low end isn't great, the super light bar pressure really doesn't help in these winds. A lot of other people who I know have also tried the kite have said the same thing,"the 14m has similar power to a lot of 12m in the same wind" 
I have only demo-ed a 10m FX found it had good power for the size in light winds and does nice down-loops not a big difference from the switchblade in that respect. If you cannot loop now then I doubt an FX will help you much other than take the edge off a bit and make your crashes a bit softer. I thought the 3-strut design might have better drift for waves but I don't think that is the case. I only would ride it as it looks a bit funky compared to the boring but ever-reliable switchblade.
Looking at ^^^ comments though I am glad I did not buy that 14m FX
I flew the 14m in 15-18kn and it was way under done. No power on the low end compared to my 14m of a similar style.
Havent flown one powered up, but then you would think this is the sweet spot for a 14m
Thanks guys at 115 kgs i had better pass on it
As said above the winds will be marginal to lightish when using it and wont be suitable perhaps a smaller size would work for when its blowing hard then it would be easy to generate power from it
Any suggestions from here ?
I dont have to stick with cabrinah its just easier with already having bars etc
14 meter is to big to kiteloop. Biggest size to loop would be 10 meter. 9 is better though.
Select to expand quoteJamesGibbons said..
Hi, I use 2015 FX's. They are great kites although I find the bigger sizes are a bit of a let down. In 25+ knots on a 6, 8 or 10 I highly recommend these kites, super fast and predictable loops with decent pull . I find on the 12 and 14 from 12-20 knots the low end isn't great, the super light bar pressure really doesn't help in these winds. A lot of other people who I know have also tried the kite have said the same thing,"the 14m has similar power to a lot of 12m in the same wind"
Which is why the effen did Cabrinha get rid of their 2:1 pulley system?! That was the point of a pressure bar system - to reduce drag on the kite and keep it powered as much as possible. You'd be shocked how well a new FX reacts using the old Powerdrive 1:1 bar system. But meh, what do I know right?
Select to expand quoteLoftywinds said..JamesGibbons said..
Hi, I use 2015 FX's. They are great kites although I find the bigger sizes are a bit of a let down. In 25+ knots on a 6, 8 or 10 I highly recommend these kites, super fast and predictable loops with decent pull . I find on the 12 and 14 from 12-20 knots the low end isn't great, the super light bar pressure really doesn't help in these winds. A lot of other people who I know have also tried the kite have said the same thing,"the 14m has similar power to a lot of 12m in the same wind"
Which is why the effen did Cabrinha get rid of their 2:1 pulley system?! That was the point of a pressure bar system - to reduce drag on the kite and keep it powered as much as possible. You'd be shocked how well a new FX reacts using the old Powerdrive 1:1 bar system. But meh, what do I know right?
Yeah, not a big fan of the new cab bars. Their kites are great, just slacking behind the other big brands in bar quality imho.
Select to expand quoteLoftywinds said..JamesGibbons said..
Hi, I use 2015 FX's. They are great kites although I find the bigger sizes are a bit of a let down. In 25+ knots on a 6, 8 or 10 I highly recommend these kites, super fast and predictable loops with decent pull . I find on the 12 and 14 from 12-20 knots the low end isn't great, the super light bar pressure really doesn't help in these winds. A lot of other people who I know have also tried the kite have said the same thing,"the 14m has similar power to a lot of 12m in the same wind"
Which is why the effen did Cabrinha get rid of their 2:1 pulley system?! That was the point of a pressure bar system - to reduce drag on the kite and keep it powered as much as possible. You'd be shocked how well a new FX reacts using the old Powerdrive 1:1 bar system. But meh, what do I know right?
1:1 system would be the same as a new Cab bar in terms of Y and bar size.
The old grip was way better than the foam grip though.
for a bigger guy id recomend sticking to a switchblade. you say you want to start looping? no reason why you cant start looping on a switchblade. if you were unhooking alot and starting to try big megga loops then yeh fx would be a better option but for just hookied in riding at 115kg id stick to switchy for sure.
