Switchblade IDS Takes Flight
Cabrinha Kites announced July 23rd, 2008 that the next version of their innovative Switchblade kite is now available called the Switchblade IDS. The Switchblade follows the Crossbow IDS’ launch earlier this year and features Cabrinha Kites IDS, or Intelligent Depower System, which is a bridle, line, bar, and release system.
From Cabrina’s website:
IDS – Intelligent Depower System
Advantages
- Safety
- Simplicity
- Self Landing
- Depower
Features
- 5th line function with only 4 lines
- Depower on Demand: 1st Stage of Depower
- Absolute depower for landing the kite: 2nd Stage of Depower
- Improved, direct steering. No pulleys on control bar.
- Enhanced Control System
- Instant Relaunch
The Intelligent Depower System (IDS) provides an amazing level of control with minimum rider effort and input. IDS is a simplified bridle and control system exclusive to Cabrinha. IDS produces virtually no bar pressure while delivering precise control of the steering and power of your kite.
IDS is so intuitive that it seamlessly provides 2 stages of depower. Interactive Depower on Demand while riding, and an Absolute Depower method to land your kite. Absolute Depower functions similar to a 5th line system, but without the complexity of the unnecessary 5th line. Our IDS equipped kites use only 4 lines for a simple, uncluttered method of control and security. Additionally, the IDS bridle maintains all of the instant relaunch functionality the Cabrinha kites are famous for.
More information is available online at Cabrinha Kites from Powerline Sports or from quality retailers world wide.
I just had a chance to get an up close look the IDS system this weekend. It looks like the safety system that we’ve all been waiting for! Full flagout, complete depower. The only thing that seems awkward is the lack of the punch-out stopper from the old system that lets you spin your bar hands-free. You’d have to spin it hand-over-hand or else it would slide all the way up the chicken loop out of reach of people with shorter arms.