crossbow.. lets hear a report

Mark · Mon Oct 03, 05 12:51 pm

So how did the Bow's hold up? Any improvements needed before the summer? Did they hold up to expectations?

tonski · Since 11 Jun 2005 332 Posts NW Portland Obsessed

From a "featherweight's" point of view, my 'Bow has held up very well. No visible wear, seams are pefect, no problems with the valves, or anything for that matter. I did pick up a small chicken loop for more range, but other than that, the stock set-up works for me. The 9m has been a great one-kite quiver for me. Looking forward to testing it in Baja for Christmas! Very Happy

Mark · Sun Oct 09, 05 7:44 am

Found this on kiteforum. Sounds like a potential SAFETY PROBLEM.
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http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2320706&sid=ea4d74c2c621191759999fb16a856f98
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First, let me state for the record that I really like the Cabrinha Crossbow. I have (had) a 12m and 9m. I was the first in my area to get one back in July, and have been flying them ever since.

I'm on vacation in Hatteras (Waves, NC) and yesterday while on the ocean in 18-22 mph southeast winds and 6 foot seas, the plastic piece on the end of the bar, that holds the steering line knot in place, gave way and split open. I was out past the Waves fishing pier, but the current and waves forced me and the kite towards the pier. Just before going through the pier pilings, I released the kite. A few seconds later, I passed through the pilings and noticed half-dollar size barnacles on the pilings and instantly knew that the kite was shredded.

It took me about 20 minutes to get to shore and then another 30 minutes for the kite to beach itself.

I'm going to complain to Cabrinha about the weak point on each end of the bar. This plastic piece is about the thickness of a dime and needs to be much stronger. I'm going to add a washer or plastic ball so that the steering line knot can NOT pull away from the bar end.

I would encourage each of you using a Cabrinha Crossbow bar to inspect both ends, where the steering line knot sits.

doubledogdare · Since 31 Aug 2005 11 Posts Cali

Getting back to the topic of bow reports I must say that I am relatively new to kiting only for 2 1/2 years and this year being a big progression being able to stay upwind every single time out. I used to fly x3's and '03 blacktips and since I demo'd the bows in Hawaii I haven't gone back. I now own a 7, 9 and 12. I weigh 165 and ride a 135 hana and 127 airrush.

Yesterday I was one of about 5 kites out at Waddel creek and for the last hour and a half there was only one other kite out. This was a beautiful weekend day when there are normally about 20-30 kites out in the water. The ikitesurf wind meter was reading gusts of 40, avg 30 and lulls in th low 20's and I was out on my 7 with my 135 matrix. Several guys were saying that the conditions were "not fun at all" and "it wasn't worth it" but being on my Xbow I knew that I would be fine because I knew that this kite excells in gusty conditions and waves. Keep in mind that these are guys that are locals at Waddel and they are incredible wave riders.

Yesterdays swell was way overhead and for a relative newbie the waves and gusty wind conditions would normally be very intimidating. Being on the bow gave me a lot of confidence to get out on the water and still have a good time without feeling like I would get overpowered especially at a spot with big waves and big sharks. I am sooo happy with my bow purchases and yesterday was a perfect example.

Bill C · Since 15 Sep 2005 202 Posts Portland Stoked

I can't wait for my GK Sonic. I am one of the people in line for the first batch arriving later this month.

Mark · Mon Oct 17, 05 2:43 pm

Bill C · Since 15 Sep 2005 202 Posts Portland Stoked

My kite was supposed to be this week, but has been held up in customs. New date is the end of the month.

Mark · Wed Oct 19, 05 6:53 pm

Here is a link to the Shockwave "bow" kite from Naish. Sick video!
http://www.naish.tv/

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 562 Posts white salmon Addicted

now that's a video worth watching!!

Mark · Wed Oct 26, 05 9:20 am

Any idea of spring time demo's?
I would like to try one before considering purchasing.

importracer9 99 · Since 27 Oct 2005 296 Posts Obsessed

What about the TUrbo Diese
slingshot is listing there turbo diesel as a more beginner kite

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

People need to realize that bows are not performance kites. This is not to say they will no evolve and become better over time, but as of right now they are just an overhyped gimmick. I have used the Takoon Nova and the Crossbow and they both suck.(for me) I know for a fact that the best known Cabrinha team rider does not use them, and a few riders for another company(Naish) have personally told me that Naish is coming out with theirs purely to keep up with the Jones'. Don't buy the hype unless you are a beginner that wants to feel safe, or an intermediate that wants to feels safe. If you want some inside information on good kites, get a North, the new Vegas depowers as well as bows, turns way quicker and has huge range. As Public enemy once said, "don't believe the hype."

importracer9 99 · Since 27 Oct 2005 296 Posts Obsessed

okay I understand

bandito · Since 07 May 2005 178 Posts Photographer

KiteKarl,

" I'll challenge anyone on a 15M fuel with their standard TT with my 12M bow for upwind riding. Bring it biawwtch. "

I'll take you up on that offer. I'll ride my 15M fuel and my glide and kick your butt in an upwind race. I may not be traveling as fast as you, but my upwind progress will smoke you. So, what's the bet going to be?
Bandito

ask PKH about the 15M glide combo and I bet he puts his money on me!

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

I definately want to be there for that race/bet, rooting for you and your Fuel the whole way, Bandito! Very Happy

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

bandito · Since 07 May 2005 178 Posts Photographer

If I'm on the 15M fuel the Glide is my NEW standard TT!

I think the glide or boards of that style are going to change the way we look at kiting in gusty conditions. I went out at the sand bar the other day in gusty crappy conditions when everyone was on 15M-17M kites and I rode the glide and my 13M fuel and actually had a fun session. The glide would keep me moving through the lulls, everyone else was knee deep, and the 13M took care of the gusts.

I'm not saying the Bow kites don't have their place, but I don't think they're an option that I'll be taking.

Bandito