Review Cabrinha Convert 2011

Kite

Durable, easy to use 5 strut SLE freeride kite.

Designers goals

Cabrinha designers designed the Convert as a kite for a range of conditions which is durable, easy to use and relaunch. These are strong points for beginning kitesurfers. The good price/quality ratio ensures that the Convert gives you good value for money.
What Cabrinha wants to offer with the Convert is durability without too many bells and whistles. The barsystem is developed to offer increased safety and control. To learn more about the 2011 Convert and the Powerdrive bar check out the clips below.

Bar

The Powerdrive IDS control system starts with an ergonomic design, which allows precise steering and power input to your kite.
Secondly, by adding our new Recoil system to the Internalized IDS Landing Line we have reduced the external clutter often found on other bars.
The final result is a streamlined and user-friendly control system that works well for both the first time kiter and the seasoned pro.

Bar features

• New Recoil™ System
• Cousins monofilament wound lines
• Swappable harness loop sizes. Optional accessory sizes available.
• Lower profile EVA bar ends with flex tips
• Internal IDS Line
• Custom cut EVA grip
• Forged and polished alloy center section
• Floating EVA bar ends
• Color coded covered leader lines
• Stainless steel CAS (centerline adjustment strap)
• Removable security pin

Who is the kite for?

Cabrinha designers created a kite which is easy to relaunch, has  a wide range  and is built using durable materials.  All of these points make the convert a great kite for beginners. Furthermore, Cabrinha chose to price the kite competitively, making this a good buy.

Photo's

Conclusion

The convert is marketed as an allround kite for beginners and performance freeriders. The flight characteristics of the convert are very well balanced. For beginning kitesurfers the Convert offers stability, comes with a “sheet and go” button. To contol the kite very little pressure is required. The convert reacts quickly to steering commands and gives very good feedback though the steering lines.  The power buildup is gradual and predictable. The safety system works well and the kite is easy to relaunch.

Freeriders will appreciate the pop and the unhooked handling of this kite.  Wave-riders will like this kite for the reaction speed to steering commands at any level of depower.  Shorter kiters (smaller people) might find the depower stroke a bit long, but with some adjustment and the right setup this can be solved.

The convert likes to move to the edge of the wind-window, together with the pressure and the feedback the Convert offers great upwind ability.

We tested the kite in different conditions, including gusty winds ranging from 15-26 knots. I was impressed with the ease with which the Convert absorbs the gusts, the pressure buildup in gusts was gradual, which makes the Convert a n easy and very dependable kite to fly