The longest running and most successful kite in the industry is back for it’s 17th year, and what a year it is. The kite that spawned not only a style of riding but also a whole generation of kiters has evolved into the highest performing Switchblade to date. Taking the known Switchblade DNA, the creatives in the Design Works team have evolved this 5 strut design through use of new technologies, construction techniques and internal adjustments, to give a more playful, lighter feeling kite, while still remaining predictable and stable. This Lite Series kite utilizes the HTD Lite materials which make this the lightest Switchblade to date. Combined with the Integrated Structural Canopy (ISC) we have been able to greatly reduce the weight of the kite while increasing longevity and improving steering speed. DESIGN PROFILE5 Strut, Hybrid design, Fusion wing tip shape, Draft forward profile, Hybrid strut. FEATURES NEW: HTD Lite: Lightweight ultra rigid dacron NEW: Switchblade DNA, cutting edge handling and performance NEW: Revised aerodynamic profiles and design NEW: Lighter and more playful control response NEW: Bi-directional pure profile panels Ultralite bladders for an overall lighter weight kite Trailing edge EVA rigidity battens Nano Ripstop Canopy: Durability, stability and responsiveness Sprint 3.0 Durable TPU leading edge bumpers. Switchblade 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: 10rem; --fg: #155495; --bg: #9ac4ef; --pgPercentage: var(--value); width: var(--size); height: var(--size); border-radius: 50%; display: grid; place-items: center; background: radial-gradient(closest-side, #fff 65%, transparent 67% 99.9%), conic-gradient(var(--fg) calc(var(--pgPercentage) * 1%), var(--bg) 0); font-family: var(--font-heading-family); 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) '%'; } "Its hard to change a kite that has done so much for our sport and still keep delivering. But Pat Goodman did it again! I love to still have the crazy low end power and grunt that the Switchblade its famous for, but together with a new very nimble and light feel on the bar. The new canopy design deleted any sort of drag, so you end up with a very stable 5 strut kite that is fast and very direct to fly!" – 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 7-19 Weight of Kite (kg) Without Bag (Tolerances may vary) 2.04 2.34 2.65 2.90 3.11 3.28 3.52 3.79 4.17 Switchblade Tech SWITCHBLADE DNA DNA is the genetic chain that defines who or what we are. When redesigning the kite we made sure that one of the DNA stands came from the Switchblade while the other is a new updated twist based on the findings from the Design Works team. HTD LITE Refined canopy design to reduce weight, combined with a full HTD Lite Dacron skeleton provides the lightest most reactive kites to date, increasing the range and performance of your product. NANO RIPSTOP CANOPY Nano Ripstop is a 55 g/m2 material with a 3mm double rip stop pattern. This micro rip stop material in unison with a newly developed coating, has given us a 2X increase in the canopy’s tear strength. A smaller rip stop pattern increases the amount of “cells” in any given panel. SPRINT 3.0 The 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 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. EXPANDAPACK KITE BAG An all NEW stylish expanding backpack allows for fast pack down and comfy transportation of your kite, pump and control system. Easily expands to carry multiple kites in one bag leading to more adventure and less faff! Spin it, zoom it, love it: The Switchblade in 3D
