On the last summer day of this year we had the Cabrinha Moto 2020 with us for testing. We were looking for a nice wind to give the Moto 2020 a good test!
Cabrinha Moto 2020 general information
Cabrinha Moto 2020 is designed for kite surfers who like to sail a predictable kite and also look for multiple disciplines in a kite. The Moto 2020 excels in 3 disciplines:
- Freeride
- Freesurf
- Foilboarding
This is what Cabrinha says about it
This new kite from Cabrinha leads you to an era of performance kite surfing that makes all the usual ways of thinking disappear. It is a versatile Freeride / crossover kite that feels light and gives a very correct linear force.
We translate this into the following: The Moto 2020 is a versatile kite that you can sail under different circumstances. The kite is light and responds nicely immediately.
3-Struts frame
The light weight and fast response is due to the 3-struts hybrid model. Moto performs well in different wind conditions and has a generous depower, making gusts of wind easy to catch. The wind range is large. I myself thought that the low end of the Moto is better than that of the Switchblade 2020.
Because of the 3-struts frame the kite also turns fast, this only benefits the performance of the kite. We did not sail the 2019 model itself, but a kitesurf mate who did have the old model confirmed this.
The kitebag
The kitebags from Cabrinha are good. The material used is sturdy, the tires and stitching look solid. You can unzip the front completely, so you can easily grab the kite and put it away again. On the side there are sturdy compartments for the bar and the pump, which easily open and close with Velcro. There is also a small storage compartment and a place to label your kitebag.
Kitebar Overdrive
We had the same bar as with the Switchblade. We said the following about this:
“The Overdrive Modular is a wonderful bar to sail with, we had the 60 cm variant, which is nice and quick to steer with a 12 meter kite. The bar is well adjustable, the quick release feels a bit light. A single line flag out is used. “
The kite Moto 2020
Just like the other new Cabrinha models, we have been given a sturdy crackling kite. This kite feels nice and light, which of course is due to the model:
“a 3-Strut, average aspect ratio hybrid design, reactive wing tip, fast, slender and efficient profiles”.
In normal human language, this means that the kite has 3 struts, we still understand that. The kite is more compact, which makes it run faster and builds up pressure earlier. The hangtime is generally a bit less and up wind will be a bit more difficult than with a High aspect ratio kite.
The canvas: Nano Ripstop
Cabrinha uses a Nano ripstop construction for all its tube kites, which consists of:
- Coating
- Plasma treatment
- Nano ripstopweave
This Nano ripstop construction ensures that the fabric is twice as strong and therefore lasts longer.
Kite finishing
It may seam boring but all 2020 models from Cabrinha have the same quality in terms of finish. Top quality, you can feel that and you can see that. The settings on the pigtails are labeled. There is extra protection against wear on the struts. The bridles and pulleys are of excellent quality. Nothing has been cut back. This also ensures that the kites are generally more expensive. They are in the most expensive segment.
Pump system
The kite can be pumped in one go with the default connection of the pump. Inflate and deflate is beautifully finished with a protective cap.
Fly baby fly
We test the kite on flat water, initially around 15 knots. I can sail very well myself, but because we also have the kite tested by a beginner, I take a large board with me.
The kite goes fine to 12 o’clock at lunch and is immediately stable. I find the bar pressure wonderfully light, that’s personal. Some may find this too light, but I like to steer with one hand. The kite feels good and reacts quickly (medium aspect ratio).
When I go on the water and put on the board, I sail away with the greatest of ease. I feel well where the kite is, the bar pressure remains fine and I go into the plane almost immediately. I’m just looking to gain height and make some more speed. As soon as the speed is in, it is possible to go upwind.
What is striking is the ease with which the kite sails, with 2 fingers say … An ideal beginners kit for someone who wants to make his first meters and then wants to continue.
Anyway I want something more, make speed and start for a jump. The pop is fine, I get out of the water as soon as the kite reaches 12. Just pull on the bar, shoot a little higher and then the landing is started again.
Because the kite is really very stable and has a reasonable pop, you can switch on and send in well. Then the kite just stays where you put it and due to gravity you will automatically return. It is not a jumping machine, but that does not alter the fact that you can practice your tricks with this.
A beginner kite surfer speaks
Okay, our starting -35 Knots- kite surfer can hang on the lines. First I sail the kite to a safe area where he can chug around without bothering anyone.
When our rookie sets the kite at 12 o’clock, I see it send in and after 2x it sails away. That is special for someone with few flying hours and a new kite. The wind has been drawn to around 18 knots, that makes it all a bit easier and he is not pulled over his board. Something that could happen if the wind blows a little harder. He is gone, hopefully he will be back….
His own words:
“Kite stuck nicely when it was at 12 o’clock, the kite was predictable and steered easily. I was not pulled over my board if I sent in a bit too hard. I had to relaunch twice, that was easy, I needed it myself little to do. After about half an hour I really realized how the kite reacted and I could go back and forth a few times
In the afternoon I take the kite on the water with a smaller board to make some jumps. Because the kite responds well you can send in quickly, the pop also good. If you want to jump high with long airtime, the Switchblade is more of a kite for you.
Cruising with the Cabrinha Moto 2020 is super relaxed. When you sail, put it somewhere and you go. Really very chill. You don’t have to look at the kite, you feel where it hangs and can enjoy the sun!
Conclusion
The Cabrinha Moto 2020 kite is extremely stable and predictable, which makes it a bit boring for advanced kiters looking for adrenaline. On the other hand, the Moto 2020 is a perfect entry-level kite. For the freerider who likes to cruise over the water and wants to catch a wave, the predictability is simply very nice.
The kite feels safe and the average kite surfer will only benefit from it. Also a topper to learn with and to make your first meters!
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