2020 Cabrinha Drifter Review by Lonny Morris

[@breeezeofchange]

Great application of how the features are used in real world scenarios on the water

[@losethestraps]

Thank you so much!

[@TheOnlyDJChillWill]

thanks for the review, Lenny. Super detailed. I'm eyeing a drifter from 2011 or 2012, what are some of the major differences? I would guess the "A" and "B" setting? Anything else I should watch for?

[@losethestraps]

Thanks DJ! Appreciate you watching, and glad you found it useful. First, I would be bit concerned about any kite still around that old. The 2012 model is almost 10 years old, and I would be concerned about the bladders, and other components failing depending on how it was used, stored, etc. Why are you looking at one that old? The older model Drifter was actually a better pure surf kite in my opinion. The new model was modified to appeal to a broader range of riders in that is has less bar pressure, and more pop for tricks. But from a pure wave stand point and slack line drift the original Drifter was superior, but it's focus was too narrow for the majority of riders. That being said 99% of the population will never use the Drifter to the full extent of it's original intended drift capabilities. Thus, the revised model has been well received by most riders, and newer ones that never knew the way the older model handled. To be honest, unless you ride a spot with a peeling wave with proper side to side off conditions and you are fully committed to wave riding the newer design is more beneficial for the majority of the kiting population, and is still a sick kite in the waves. Hope that helps!

[@TheOnlyDJChillWill]

@@losethestraps Thanks, Lenny. I was looking at one that old because it was cheap. I just moved to PR and that set me back a bit. There is some nice swell here (consistently overhead) and I was thinking of a drift kite so I could tow myself into these waves!

[@neilmcfadyen5175]

What sizes do you use for different wind ranges for strapless? I just got a 2020 13m, weight 200lbs

[@losethestraps]

Hi Neil, there is a lot to digest in that particular question, but the biggest contributor will be the board and fin set up that you are using with your kite as well. A 13m Drifter at your weight will be a solid companion on the average performing surfboard starting in about 13 to 15 knots. The Drifters handle well overpowered, but not as well on the low end. If you can give me an idea of the board you are using, size, volume, quad or tri-fin, what style of fins, etc. I could probably be more exact in my reply. Can you also tell me the average wind in your area, or the conditions that you typically like to ride?

[@jmmolinari]

Great review Lonny thanks! what is the wind range for foiling considering weight and a given size? also what do you think about on-shore / off-shore settings? I just bought a 2019 8m for foiling and learn wave riding.. cheers!

[@losethestraps]

Thank you Juan! Glad you enjoyed it. That is a tough question to answer because the foil plays a HUGE role in the application of wind range. I currently use an NP Glide Surf Small, which is 1032 Sq cm, with a 65 cm mast and a small rear stabilizer. With that set up I can go out on my 9m Drifter starting in 8mph. If it dips below 8 it gets pretty sketch. I weigh 162 lbs. If you already know how to foil the 8m will be your go to size starting in 10 mph up to 18 mph. If you are still learning to foil then you need to have a kite big enough to get you going while you learn, which would be like a 13m or 11m Contra in the same wind. The goal with kite foiling, at least for me, is to always get to the smallest kite possible. I use my 7m starting in 11 to 12 up to 20. Again, your results may vary depending on your foil set up. As far as the off-shore setting goes. I don't use it at all. I always leave it in the on-shore setting and the off-shore setting really only makes sense of you have legit off-shore wind with a decent peeling wave. If you have those conditions where you ride then you will be blown away by the stability of the Drifter, but otherwise I would stick with the on-shore setting. Hope that helps, and let me know if you have any other questions. Keep ripping!

[@jmmolinari]

@@losethestraps That's great! In fact I did not use the 8m yet! the wind season is over now, still waiting.. I am learning to foil in a Cabrinha HiRise Lift 2019 with a double agent.. I use my 2018 Contra 13m starting at 9 mph, it is a superbe kite to learn! I also have 2018 Switchblade 10m and 6m... I guess I will never use 10m since I have the drifter now... I have your same weight so I am very glad to hear that one day I will use the drifter starting at 10mph!! will have to learn how to down-loop it, I heard it is easier than with switchblades.. also want to test my surfing capabilities! thank you again!!

[@losethestraps]

@@jmmolinari you bet! Glad I could help! The Contra 13 is what I learned to foil with, and you will have a great time with the set up you have. The Double Agent is also extremely forgiving to use. The Drifter is not a great freestyle kite, and the SB 10 will be your go to when the wind is starting to pump. For just straight boosting the SB is in the top of its class so don't shelve it yet! If you end up going straight surfboard/foil then yes it might be time to sell the SB and switch up your quiver a bit to just Drifters/Contras. If you have not tried the new Contra1S get a demo in your area. I have the 9m and it is unreal. Lastly, yes to down-looping! It is a critical skill to master in light wind riding. The Drifter has a very even power delivery in that the loop is smooth throughout. Easiest way is to learn is to get upwind on your surfboard and then ride on your best tack heel-side to toe-side down-looping on the switch. Do that for a few sessions and you will start to feel more and more comfortable. Then apply that to the foil. Keep ripping!

[@kobisorkis3165]

Donde vives ?

[@TheOffCycle]

Just got a 10m today and absolutely HATE everything about this kite. I makes no power and bar pressure is non existent. Up high its super twitchy but down low with the lines loaded its slow. Every aspect of it is the complete opposite of what a kite should be. I have no clue why so many people rave about this turd.