The kite that spawned the freeride revolution of kitesurfing and opened up the doors to many new kiters around the world moves into its 16th year and the next step of evolution to this incredibly versatile design. The introduction of the Hybrid Frame and HTD Lite materials has increased not only the range of one of the most adaptable kites in the industry, but also, it’s performance. Through the lighter frame and strategically placed materials, the kite is now quicker to respond to rider input allowing for not only increased maneuverability in lighter winds, but also control and responsiveness in higher winds. The new direct bridle with its low drag materials also help move this kite into an all new realm of performance. DESIGN PROFILE5 Strut, Hybrid design, Fusion wing tip shape, Draft forward profile. FEATURES NEW: Refined lightweight canopy design for reduced weight and reactive performance NEW: Static low elongation bridle for improved reactive feel NEW: Sprint 3.0 NEW: Ultralite bladders for an overall lighter weight kite NEW: Trailing edge EVA rigidity battens Nano Ripstop Canopy: Durability, stability and responsiveness HTD for enhanced arc stability and improved handling characteristics HTD Hybrid Frame NEW: Durable TPU leading edge bumpers. Capabilities FREESTYLE: POP / SLACK / POWER FREERIDE: DEPOWER RANGE / RELAUNCH / UPWIND ABILITY BIG AIR: BOOSTING / HANG TIME / KITELOOP SURF: TURN SPEED / DRIFT / RELAUNCH FOIL: TURN SPEED / DRIFT / UNDERPOWERED STEERING .show-progress-bars .div[role="progressbar"] {animation: growProgressBar 3s 1 forwards;} @keyframes growProgressBar { 0%, 33% { --pgPercentage: 0; } 100% { --pgPercentage: var(--value); } } @property --pgPercentage { syntax: ''; inherits: false; initial-value: 0; } div[role="progressbar"] { --size: 8rem; --fg: #3477ba; --bg: #f2f7fb; --pgPercentage: var(--value); width: var(--size); height: var(--size); border-radius: 50%; display: grid; place-items: center; background: radial-gradient(closest-side, #f2f7fb 60%, transparent 0 99.9%, white 0), conic-gradient(var(--fg) calc(var(--pgPercentage) * 1%), var(--bg) 0); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 600; font-weight: 600; font-size: calc(var(--size) / 5); color: #19232d; margin: 0 auto 40px; } div[role="progressbar"]::before { counter-reset: percentage var(--value); content: counter(percentage) '%'; } "Confidence. Thats the first feeling I get when flying a Switchblade in any sort of conditions. Pat Goodman has put his finest work into this new design, pulleyless, supercharged switchblade. From light wind, to gusty and gnarly conditions, I always feel in control and able to commit to whatever discipline I’m into, from freestyle, to looping or riding a surfboard, its the one kite I can fly eyes closed and always know where it is and how it is going to react." – Alby RondinaSIZES: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 14 Size 5m 6m 7m 8m 9m 10m 11m 12m 14m Wind Range in Knots (75kg rider) 23-37 20-35 18-32 16-30 13-27 11-25 10-23 9-21 7-15 Weight of Kite (kg) Without Bag (Tolerances may vary) 2.23 2.43 2.70 2.97 3.20 3.35 3.62 3.84 4.21 Technology Deep-Dive HYBRID FRAME The perfect fusion of materials. A combination of High Tenacity Dacron (HTD) & HTD Lite blends together giving the kite the support it needs, but with increased response. HIGH TENACITY DACRON Specifically designed for inflated kite structures. The construction of this material is very warp oriented using ultra high tenacity yarns with an increased thread count to combat elongation under high inflation pressures. Lower elongation makes for a more accurate kite/wing with a more efficient and accurate airfoil in flight. HTD LITE The next evolutionary jump in inflatable structures is HTD Lite. We took the superior benefits of the proven HTD material to which have superior elongation control and combined it with a superior reflex bias recovery and lighter weight construction to elevate the response characteristics and range of the kite. Technology Deep-Dive HTD HYBRID FRAME The Frame is the basis on which a kite is built. Utilizing a fusion of the two HTD materials as well as a reduced weight throughout the trailing edge, the Hybrid Frame provides the response and durability needed to take your kiting to an all-new level. SPRINT 3.0 The new Sprint 3.0 inflation system increases air flow from leading edge to the strut. The new straight and angled valves allow for no kinking of the inflation tube. It's secure fit design also allows for easy maintenance. BULLET PROOF BUMPERS Bulletproof bumpers - These new Durable TPU bumpers are strong, lightweight and durable. They crossover protecting the canopy to LE sewing. A new manufacturing process helps with abrasion when the kite is resting on a hard surface.
