2012 Cabrinha Nomad Kite Review (9m)
Three Word Summary
Boosty Freestyle Performance
Test Conditions
Really poor gusty and variable 15-40mph winds, over two days.
Out of the bag
This is the first time I've got my hands on a Cabrinha kite, and after reading a lot about the IDS system was looking forward to giving the quicklink system a thorough inspection.
The bar uses a clever system which feeds the safety line inside the PU coated depower line, which connects up to the safety release system on top of the moulded chicken loop. The primary release is a standard push-away affair on top of the loop, but leaves you still connected to the kite via the safety system, which flags the kite onto both front lines. A secondary pull toward release is located inside the chicken loop which allows you to disconnect completely from the kite should you need to.
It all seems very neat - the safety line is protected from wear and tear by placing it inside the PU tubing, and the whole system seems very well thought out.
The chicken loop also features a spinning safety leash connection, a removable lock-in finger, and a moulded insert which fits neatly into the steel centre hole on the bar.
Working up the depower line there is a large sprung section which tensions a couple of bungees leading to the webbing strap sheeting system. Its an elegant design which keeps the sheeting ropes tidily up against the depower line and also allows the user to push the bar up (compressing the spring) to provide extra kite depower on demand. The kite connections also get the Cabrinha treatment and have an adjustable section near to the kite, allowing you to modify the line lengths without re-sheathing, should the need arise.
The kite itself has a medium diameter leading edge, supported by six thin struts. It has a one pump system with a 'sprint' valve, which allows you to pump it up to pressure super quick, and remove the pump with no wastage of air.
In the air
The Nomad is a very stable kite in the air, despite flying well forward. On the rear-most back line connection setting the bar pressure is medium, and the kite responds quickly and nimbly; feedback is very good and will park in the sky very nicely. On the front-most bar connection setting the bar pressure is considerably heavier, and the kite is significantly less responsive to steering; yet can still be turned quickly provided you're assertive with the bar.
The Nomad feels efficient and generates a good deal of grunt when worked through the window, turns generate a good deal of oomph!
On the water
As the Nomad flies forward in the window, it came as no great surprise that its upwind performance is very good. Its a comfortable and very enjoyable kite to fly, and is a lot of fun to just razz up and down with! It works incredibly well with the QuickLink bar and IDS system - the top end of the kite is excellent and the IDS features such as de-power on demand were very much appreciated in the gusty test conditions. The sheeting system works nicely and is always within easy reach and everything is kept neatly together. The bar grip is very good and is further improved by the overall bar shape which thickens towards the centre and ends, yet tapers in between.
One of the stand-out properties of the Nomad is its jumping ability - its capable of getting some serious height and has impressive float on the way back down - its also great for popping some big transitions. Looping the kite generates further surges of power and are sure to the get the heart pumping, but with confidence that it has the speed to catch you for landing.
Another important factor for a freestyle kite is relaunch, and the Nomad delivers; the leading edge sweep means that when the kite goes down it often rolls straight on its side and proceeds to the edge of the window without rider intervention. If it does go down straight on its nose in the middle of the window, it can be easily be brought airborne again by sustained pressure on a steering line.
The Nomad is a real unhooked performer too, it unhooks well without trimming and generates good pop and tangible slack both mid flight and on landing - the Nomad parks well in the air, and is often sitting just where you left it! The chicken loop is a good size for unhooking, and it locates into the bar well. The IDS swiveling leash works great, and provides a well thought out safety system which can be deployed when unhooked too.
Conclusions
The Nomad is a great choice for a progressing freestyle rider, whether that be big air, new-school kiteloop moves or unhooking and blasting out some powered passes. It offers C kite inspired handling and power and pop and drop performance; yet with a wide wind range, ease of use and hassle free relaunch.
For more info, check out Cabrinha's Site or view on S2AS Kitesurfing Shop
|
Kite Style
Struts Inflation Front connection Rear connection Tuning options Depower Safety Low End High End Bar Pressure Turning Unhooked Upwind Hang time Relaunch |
Hybrid SLE
6 One Pump (Sprint system) Bridle with a pulley and an eyelet Direct 2 options on rear connection Pull-pull webbing strap with bungees Ability to release onto both front lines Good Excellent Medium to Medium Heavy Fast, when steered assertively Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good |
