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Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)



Last post 05-20-2008, 4:43 by Els. 8 replies.
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  •  05-02-2008, 2:35 24898

    Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    HI!
    I'm about to buy my first kite and I am having troubles deciding.
    What do you think about the new Cabrinha Switchblade 3?
    My other choice is Airrush Vapor. It would be great if you could share some experiences on those kites.

    Thank u 4 your help=)
  •  05-02-2008, 3:36 24899 in reply to 24898

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    If it's your first kite then safety, simplicity and affordability should be your main concerns. The Airush Vapor will be less expensive and has no bridles or pulleys to tangle or break and has the ultimate safety of a 5th-line system so you can flag the kite at any time. The SB does not have the ability to be flagged on the fly (although I believe they will be releasing a new bar shortly to address this) and has a few more bits that can break.

    Both kites fly well with heaps of depower for allround use and you should be able to try before you fly.

  •  05-02-2008, 14:56 24901 in reply to 24898

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Naish Cult or Torch

    Hi there

    Choice is a great thing.  Test them all if you can, and if you cannot come grab a demo @ Cape Dr (021 557 0740) or Suntrax (021 556 00440) in Table View.

    C kite without the strings or SLE/Bow with, either way, your choice.

    Cheers


    Rob


    Naish Africa

    www.naishafrica.com
    info@naishafrica.com

    +27 79 569 4688
    Skype:: robmunro65

    Kiteboarding :: Windsurfing :: Surfing

    DEMOS : SALES : LESSONS

    Come try the latest Sport, SUP - Stand Up Paddling
  •  05-14-2008, 3:24 25012 in reply to 24898

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    Hi Scarlett!

    I've also just started out a couple of months ago, but im going strong now. Its a coincidence, those are the exact kites I wanted to start out with too.

     

    I've flown the Vapor and it flies awesome and has great control, the same with the SB3...however, I've found the 5th line re-launch is hard i comparrision with the easy re-launch on the SB, which is important for beginners as your kite is gonna be in the water alot! the depower on both kites are good...

     

    I've bought the Switchblade and just recently bought the Convert 08, I'll never be dissapointed...have a look a the Naish Cult and Helix, which also give excellent performance in all aspects...my advice would be to go out and demo the Vapor, Switchblade3 and Cult, and the buy...

     

    enjoy!

  •  05-15-2008, 2:01 25029 in reply to 24898

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    haha, new idea... I've tried the new F1 Bandit, and I'm absolutely amazed=)
    So I think I'll go with that one...
    That auto relaunch really works, and the depower is excellent, it's softer than Switchblade, and the wind range is much better than the older F1 kites.

    Any comments?
    Tnx, Scarlett


  •  05-15-2008, 5:08 25035 in reply to 25029

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    Scarlett,

    I've been kiting for 5 years and have flown most brands at one point or the other. There is not really something like a bad kite on the market anymore. It all comes down to personal preference.

    One thing I can tell you for certain though, is that when you drop north of R5g’s on a toy, you want to make pretty sure that you get proper after sales service.

    And in terms of after sales service Cabrinha is without parallel in Cape Town.  Their kites are excellent, but so are the kites of some of the other manufacturers, and lets face it, they are probably pricier the most of the other brands. Yet they manage to outsell everyone by multiples of the proverbial country mile. 

    It is certainly one of the key reasons why I (along with all my mates) will support them in the years to come.

    Oh almost forgot, in my opinion the Switchblade 3 is a fantastic kite. I've got an 8 & 12m.

  •  05-19-2008, 2:31 25081 in reply to 25035

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    I also support the Cabrinha shop in Cape Town, excellent customer service, but I also say from my personal experience with the Cabrinha that it's not the strongest kite on the market.  If you want to learn, look for something more sturdy, I've heard that the Slingshot's a great kite.   When learning you will crash the Kite, look for a strong Leading Edge.   I last Cabrinha the 2007, I've heard that the 2008 are much better.  My Kite got ripped on pebbles yesterday, yep, another repair...
  •  05-19-2008, 7:25 25095 in reply to 25081

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    try Slingshot or FONE Bandit... You may find more durability( than any other) and eez of ride from the Slingshot TD2 (Bow)...keep it simple

    Regards
    David Mommsen

    Slingshot Cape Town
    Shop 38 Seaside Village Big Bay

    t : 021 554 3418
    m: 084 477 2640
    w: www.slingshotsports.com
    w: www.cyclonekiteboarding.com
    e: slingshot@telkomsa.net
    s: Slingshot Capetown



  •  05-20-2008, 4:43 25122 in reply to 25095

    Re: Buying a kite - Switchblade 3 vs Airrush Vapor...HELP PLEASE!!! =)

    Attachment: Slingshot Turbo 3.JPG
    What is the Turbo 3, when are they available in Cape Town?
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