Hi! I'm getting into kiteboarding again after almost 10 years away from the sport! I used to own a SS Fuel and do some basic wakestyle tricks.

After some research I've landed on Cabrinha FX as a good all round kite to do both wakestyle, loops and maybe some waves.

I don't know if I should buy a second hand FX from 2016 or 2017, or if I should go for a new 2018. Is it worth the extra cash? Has anyone tried and compared these?

Being away from the sport you may not be aware that there's other brands out there
id demo a
bandit fone
core gts
ozone enduro
dice duotone
and cab fx

Ps wipika don't exist anymore
as well as north ,best ,flexifoil
mullet haircuts and tracksuit pants as kiting apparel , welcome back

Before u buy anything recommend Demo as much as u can. Ozone Enduro V1 or V2 are great kites imo better than the FX. Cabs spend more time in trees than the air

Thanks for the advice! The Enduro is actually my first choice, but they?re hard to come buy second hand or on sale here in Norway, so i opted for the FX just so I have money to get started asap

Thanks for the fashion update

I actively fly the kite, I found the fx had to flown constantly especially the small sizes and disappointing power delivery in winds that other 7 mtrs were nicely powered, had me scratching my head a bit tbh, a mate ended up swapping his over to drifters which he's happy with, from memory 2016s

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cauncy said..
I actively fly the kite, I found the fx had to flown constantly especially the small sizes and disappointing power delivery in winds that other 7 mtrs were nicely powered, had me scratching my head a bit tbh, a mate ended up swapping his over to drifters which he's happy with, from memory 2016s

I own 9/12m '17 FXs, and have ridden v1 9m and 12m enduros. My observations are;
- better low end on enduros.
- FX seems to be made of tougher material, more dacron and just have a 'sturdier' feel
- unsure about top end on the enduro but the FX remains solid when overpowered.
- havent kite looped the enduro in the air (ie with back hand) but down loops loops nicely. FX is designed for kite loops, fast loops that catch you on the way down.
- equal vertical boost
- don't really do wakestyle..
- both bars are nice, but I prefer the cabrinha overdrive bar with adjustable width

Overall similar and nice bits of gear and both would serve you well. I like the bridle options on the enduro but also like the simplicity of the FX and how it is a great all round kite (mine get used for TT, surf and foil). For me it would come down to what sort of deal you get. I also have a 7m 2015 dice which is probably my least favorite of the three kites.

The 2018 FX has added adjustable bridal settings that do make a difference and colours look way better but thats about it. I have owned all 3 years of FXs.

The 2018 in looping mode recovers slightly quicker to the zenith i.e. catches you better than previous years of FXs.

The FX needs to be flown very aggressively to get the best out of it including light wind performance. You often hear of people complaining that it has poor low end though I suspect these people are more use to more park and ride kites.

I second what someone else wrote though. I have just spent the last few weeks of a kiting holiday swapping kites with friends and got to ride the Dice, FX, Bandit, Enduro, Vegas, Juice, Torch, Evo and Rebel in the same conditions / wind.

Go the Enduro, Bandit or Evo if you want a user friendly allrounder. Go the FX or Dice if you want to get a bit more advanced and unhooking.

Avoid the Rebel lol!

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Got so much help here compared to kiteforum.com
I ended up getting an absolute bargain on a 2019 FX 12, and then got a second hand 2017 FX 9m. Let's hope I've made the right choice! Coming from a 2008 SS Fuel, I'm quite used to steering the kite a lot, so hopefully it won't be too unfamiliar

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Bennis123 said..
Thanks for the feedback, guys! Got so much help here compared to kiteforum.com
I ended up getting an absolute bargain on a 2019 FX 12, and then got a second hand 2017 FX 9m. Let's hope I've made the right choice! Coming from a 2008 SS Fuel, I'm quite used to steering the kite a lot, so hopefully it won't be too unfamiliar

How do you like your FXs?

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CJ2478 said..

cauncy said..
I actively fly the kite, I found the fx had to flown constantly especially the small sizes and disappointing power delivery in winds that other 7 mtrs were nicely powered, had me scratching my head a bit tbh, a mate ended up swapping his over to drifters which he's happy with, from memory 2016s

I own 9/12m '17 FXs, and have ridden v1 9m and 12m enduros. My observations are;
- better low end on enduros.
- FX seems to be made of tougher material, more dacron and just have a 'sturdier' feel
- unsure about top end on the enduro but the FX remains solid when overpowered.
- havent kite looped the enduro in the air (ie with back hand) but down loops loops nicely. FX is designed for kite loops, fast loops that catch you on the way down.
- equal vertical boost
- don't really do wakestyle..
- both bars are nice, but I prefer the cabrinha overdrive bar with adjustable width

Overall similar and nice bits of gear and both would serve you well. I like the bridle options on the enduro but also like the simplicity of the FX and how it is a great all round kite (mine get used for TT, surf and foil). For me it would come down to what sort of deal you get. I also have a 7m 2015 dice which is probably my least favorite of the three kites.

I had a great deal on a 2018 14m (and love it) and am thinking of buying a new smaller one to complete a 2 kites quiver to travel.
It seems that the 2018s are worth the upgrade due to the bridle settings. Do you confirm that?

Also I am thinking about taking a 9m to complete the quiver as I can ride the 14m up to 25kts (as mentioned this kite is really good when overpowered). 190lbs on twin tips. Is that too much of a gap?

Thanks in advance,

If you use to fly a fuel / expert kite just get a fuel. Cross over / intermediate kites only exist to stop old mens joints from getting frashed by the constant pull of begginer kites.

I would fight the nurses like a war veteran with dementia if someone tried to put me back on begginer gear after having worked my way upto pure c direct connected 5/6 line kites

Hi again,

Anyone could help me figure if buying a 9m to go with my 14m would be a bit of a stretch with the FX?
I was very pleased with the high end of my 14m but would like to know if the low end on the 9m would allow me to narrow the gap. I know it's based on the rider skills but I wanted to know if that plan (9m +14m) is bound to fail regardless of how much I work the 9m.

Thanks,

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SaGa31 said..
Hi again,

Anyone could help me figure if buying a 9m to go with my 14m would be a bit of a stretch with the FX?
I was very pleased with the high end of my 14m but would like to know if the low end on the 9m would allow me to narrow the gap. I know it's based on the rider skills but I wanted to know if that plan (9m +14m) is bound to fail regardless of how much I work the 9m.

Thanks,

I'd think a 9 would be a logical step down in size. You'll get a lot of use from a 9 I expect.