It would be great to see a comparison between the newer versions of the Cabrinha Switchblade, F-one Bandit, and an Ozone Catalyst. Thanks. Keep up the great work!
100% would love to see the comparo with the Juice! I'm 170lbs and I use my 15m Contra (2016) the most. I just hate those days of 9-11 knots when I can't use my Contra... it's only fun if it's at least 12knts because any less and I have to work too much on my 142cm Xcal... (less than 12knts is a 9m UFO and foil).
Thanks for the great video. I'm 5'8" and 200 lbs. My biggest kite is a 14m Switchblade and my biggest board is a 143cm. The combo doesn't hold me up in light wind unless I'm really working which isn't fun. I'm probably going to get a 17m Contra since I don't need anything fancy, just something to get up and go cruising in the water. But, based on what you're saying in the beginning, it sounds like I'd be fine with a used 2020. In general, I'm apprehensive about 15-17m kites because it would feel like flying one of those Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade balloons (eons ago I had a 15m Slingshot), but I may as well bite the bullet if I want to go out and play. I got a sweet deal on a used 154 Crazyfly Cruiser (which I have yet to take out), so a combo of 17m and the board should 100% get me in the water!
Thank you for your comment, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the video! 🤙🏽 Based on your weight and the size of your current kite and board, it sounds like a 17m Contra could be a good choice for you to get up and cruising in light wind conditions. As you mentioned, a used 2020 model could be a more affordable option that still provides good performance. While larger kites can feel a bit cumbersome to handle at first, they can also provide a lot of power and make light wind conditions much more enjoyable. With your weight and the right board, a 17m kite should provide plenty of power to get you moving and allow you to have fun on the water. We're glad to hear that you also found a good deal on a larger board, which should pair well with your new kite. Just make sure to take the time to practice and adjust to the larger size of the kite and board, and be aware of the potential risks associated with light wind conditions. Good luck with your new setup, and happy kiteboarding! If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. -Aaron
Thanks for all those insights on the LE and pivoting etc. I've been on the fence to update my contra this vid helps! How is the slack line drift impacted??? I feel the contra has always down looped very well but speeding it up a touch was much needed. It can get very exhausting synchronizing perfect bar out and bottom of the loop steering just to get a good sine back up and that extra needed 10-20% of kite speed. I thought a slight LE dia. change might help, but not so much that the amazing drift is lost. Sizing references guys: I'm 165lb/75kg and my 2019 13m has been my go-to for surfing here in San Diego 10-15mph winds (12-16 sweet spot) WITH a 20-1/4" +wide directional board. +Consistent light wind pull. +great loops with constant pull. +Slack line drift, amazing. Speed is an adjustment; it's a tow in ride style vs active kite for waves. Apparent wind grunt is a problem on the higher side of the wind range. I came off a 2017 15m contra that just was too much kite with a super narrow wind range (and some bad habits) when it hit only 15mph. It pulled too much and its slow so it was usually in the wrong direction. Nway, for TT 15 would be great size for me with a med width TT, maybe 13 if you went wide and flat. My weight the 17M I couldn't imagine, maybe a small TT (why bother tho). 17 seems too slow for anything by moving the lawn and lofty jumps, that said i see 19s out here. The Contra IS however miserable to foil with. so so awful. I even ride slow surf foils. Higher speed foils forget it. Super limiting for foiling.
@@MACkiteboarding Maybe test it with an Aluula Flite or a DLab Aluula and see how it pushed the boundaries of kiting in low wind. Looking forward to it.
Nice review. Thank You. So are there any differences 2021 vs 2022 contra ? I am 5'8" and about 170 lbs, now just freerider, and I want to do that in light wind - 15m or 17m ? Thanks
Thank you for your comment, my friend. 🤙🏽 We haven't weighed the Cabrinha Contra 3S 15m. But feel as though it competes very well with the Duotone Juice and Ocean Rodeo Flite in their standard constructions. Good winds to you! -Aaron
Thanks for the great video, what’s your weight? I am finding lots of forum debates on 15m vs 17m. Ultimately it seems personal preference for someone my weight at 180lbs. As a beginner I am leaning towards 15m for greater versatility. While 17m gives more power and a little more wind range, you are sacrificing significant amount of agility. I also don’t want to have relaunch issues if it gets too wet.
mcr513, I believe Rygo is about 170lbs nowadays. The 15m is excellent if you don't mind flying your kite actively and riding a larger board on the light days. If you want adequate power for riding a normal twintip, not a light wind board in the lightest wind I'd suggest the 17m. Especially if you hope to jump and unhook. Slightly slower but I'd rather be properly powered. -Tucker
Hi! Could you compare it to the North Reach in the comment? You have made separate video about them but no direct comparison. Maybe some compare to new version of these models? Contra 2023 or Reach 2024?
17 is a safe bet for the lightest winds. Guaranteed session. If you have a big board and want to work the kite more or loop it you could do 15 like me. - Rygo
For the life of me I cannot decide between the 15 and the 17m. I'm 90kg and I ride only TT. I do have a 151x44 so rather large. I'm worried the 15 will not allow me to have fun in that 10-11 to 15-16 knots range. Above 16 my 12m SB would take over. But I'm also concerned the 17m will just not be fun full stop. Purely based on weight, at 10 or 11 knots I should go for 17. Anyone has experience with the 17m contra 2021? Is it sluggish or quite ok? Also the 17m probably makes more sense with a 12m SB which has a pretty decent low end. Less overstep I guess.
Great question, my friend. 🤙🏽 You will indeed get much more low-end power on the 17m. However, the large Contras do tend to respond slower. Also, the 12m/16m is ideal, at 25% size difference, however, you can make that 12m/17m gap work. -Aaron
@@MACkiteboarding thx for the answer man! Yes I'm gonna go for the 17 and be realistic about sessions in super low winds. It's not gonna be the full spectrum just some nice riding & working on transitions. Also, here's the decision kicker, the 17 is still available in the color I want, the 15 not 😄
There are things I prefer about the contra. Partially because it was my first lightwind kite. I like the smooth power delivery, consistent pull, and it just has good grunt when you need it. The d lab juice is faster, loops faster has a less consistent power delivery but the bar pressure is so light and good edge control keeps that at bay. Can definitely squeeze a little extra on the juice bottom end as it’s lighter and faster. Both have similar hangtime, I felt jumping with both the kite flicked up fast enough to get decent height considering the conditions and size of the kite. Juice might have more potential to create more energy for a jump since it at least seems faster. Both are versatile enough for lightwind all around kites. Either work great for freeride or even freestyle. Plenty of booted days on both. (Older generations before d lab.) For foil and surf while not a first choice at all, you get a predictable power delivery on the contra so it’s doable and it’s pivotal. The d lab will have more drift and ride in less wind but might be jerky a touch. - Rygo
I am going to buy a new 15m light wind kind and I am really curious to know know how it compare to 15m juice because I will choose between contra and juice 15. Can you compare even construction and realiability? Juice became really lighter in last years I am a bit worried it can shorter the kite life
From my understanding the new materials are supposed to increase lifespan. As for a comparison I’m working on one now. The d lab juice is incredibly light! The shape and feel are pretty different. I’ll need to test more to articulate it well. Similar kites that take a different route to the same end. The juice just has the light feel, light weight advantage here. The power delivery is also a bit different etc - Rygo
My 2017 Contra has 40-50 sessions. Still relatively crispy and in great condition. If the new ones are better they should last for years. You'll probably get tired of the kite before it truly wears out
I have not used this combo back to back for at least 4 years. The contra is lighter and designed specifically for light wind. The 14 switchblade is more a performance kite for heavier riders. So for a 170 lbs rider a 12 SB paired with a 15 contra is ideal while a 200 lbs rider may want a 14 sb and 17 contra combo. The 14 being their midrange performance kite. - Rygo
Prices and availability...
www.mackiteboarding.com/02-cabrinha-contra-3s-kiteboarding-kite/
It would be great to see a comparison between the newer versions of the Cabrinha Switchblade, F-one Bandit, and an Ozone Catalyst. Thanks. Keep up the great work!
I love the Juice so far my favourite light wind kite in the recent years
Have you tried the D-lab. It's AMAZING!!! - Tucker
100% would love to see the comparo with the Juice! I'm 170lbs and I use my 15m Contra (2016) the most. I just hate those days of 9-11 knots when I can't use my Contra... it's only fun if it's at least 12knts because any less and I have to work too much on my 142cm Xcal... (less than 12knts is a 9m UFO and foil).
Great video, thanks! I’ve the 15m 2020 Contra and love it - it’s my favourite kite and it’s used the most because it gets me out! :)
As we always call it, "the session saver" - Tucker
Thanks for the great video. I'm 5'8" and 200 lbs. My biggest kite is a 14m Switchblade and my biggest board is a 143cm. The combo doesn't hold me up in light wind unless I'm really working which isn't fun. I'm probably going to get a 17m Contra since I don't need anything fancy, just something to get up and go cruising in the water. But, based on what you're saying in the beginning, it sounds like I'd be fine with a used 2020. In general, I'm apprehensive about 15-17m kites because it would feel like flying one of those Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade balloons (eons ago I had a 15m Slingshot), but I may as well bite the bullet if I want to go out and play.
I got a sweet deal on a used 154 Crazyfly Cruiser (which I have yet to take out), so a combo of 17m and the board should 100% get me in the water!
Thank you for your comment, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the video! 🤙🏽
Based on your weight and the size of your current kite and board, it sounds like a 17m Contra could be a good choice for you to get up and cruising in light wind conditions. As you mentioned, a used 2020 model could be a more affordable option that still provides good performance.
While larger kites can feel a bit cumbersome to handle at first, they can also provide a lot of power and make light wind conditions much more enjoyable. With your weight and the right board, a 17m kite should provide plenty of power to get you moving and allow you to have fun on the water.
We're glad to hear that you also found a good deal on a larger board, which should pair well with your new kite. Just make sure to take the time to practice and adjust to the larger size of the kite and board, and be aware of the potential risks associated with light wind conditions.
Good luck with your new setup, and happy kiteboarding! If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. -Aaron
Thanks for all those insights on the LE and pivoting etc. I've been on the fence to update my contra this vid helps! How is the slack line drift impacted??? I feel the contra has always down looped very well but speeding it up a touch was much needed. It can get very exhausting synchronizing perfect bar out and bottom of the loop steering just to get a good sine back up and that extra needed 10-20% of kite speed. I thought a slight LE dia. change might help, but not so much that the amazing drift is lost. Sizing references guys: I'm 165lb/75kg and my 2019 13m has been my go-to for surfing here in San Diego 10-15mph winds (12-16 sweet spot) WITH a 20-1/4" +wide directional board. +Consistent light wind pull. +great loops with constant pull. +Slack line drift, amazing. Speed is an adjustment; it's a tow in ride style vs active kite for waves. Apparent wind grunt is a problem on the higher side of the wind range. I came off a 2017 15m contra that just was too much kite with a super narrow wind range (and some bad habits) when it hit only 15mph. It pulled too much and its slow so it was usually in the wrong direction. Nway, for TT 15 would be great size for me with a med width TT, maybe 13 if you went wide and flat. My weight the 17M I couldn't imagine, maybe a small TT (why bother tho). 17 seems too slow for anything by moving the lawn and lofty jumps, that said i see 19s out here. The Contra IS however miserable to foil with. so so awful. I even ride slow surf foils. Higher speed foils forget it. Super limiting for foiling.
Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron
Would love a review of the North Trace along with one of these light wind kites. Thanks for the honest review.
I have a trace ready for testing right now. 🤟🏻- Rygo
@@MACkiteboarding Maybe test it with an Aluula Flite or a DLab Aluula and see how it pushed the boundaries of kiting in low wind. Looking forward to it.
Hi, is there any weight chart you can share? I am between 73-80kg and can‘t decide between the 15m and 17m. My other Kite is a Switchblade 12m
I'd suggest the 15m. The 17m won't give you much, if any more low end but it will be more fun to fly and have higher top end. -Tucker
Nice review. Thank You. So are there any differences 2021 vs 2022 contra ? I am 5'8" and about 170 lbs, now just freerider, and I want to do that in light wind - 15m or 17m ? Thanks
Nice review. Have you weighed the 15m to see how the weight compares to others in the category like the juice or flite?
Thank you for your comment, my friend. 🤙🏽 We haven't weighed the Cabrinha Contra 3S 15m. But feel as though it competes very well with the Duotone Juice and Ocean Rodeo Flite in their standard constructions. Good winds to you! -Aaron
Thanks for the great video, what’s your weight?
I am finding lots of forum debates on 15m vs 17m. Ultimately it seems personal preference for someone my weight at 180lbs.
As a beginner I am leaning towards 15m for greater versatility. While 17m gives more power and a little more wind range, you are sacrificing significant amount of agility. I also don’t want to have relaunch issues if it gets too wet.
mcr513, I believe Rygo is about 170lbs nowadays. The 15m is excellent if you don't mind flying your kite actively and riding a larger board on the light days. If you want adequate power for riding a normal twintip, not a light wind board in the lightest wind I'd suggest the 17m. Especially if you hope to jump and unhook. Slightly slower but I'd rather be properly powered. -Tucker
@@MACkiteboarding
Thanks! Yes those are the very valid counter points I’ve heard. Quite the dilemma
I know you were at the Skyway recently but I don't recognize this place. Looks great!
This was shot in Cocoa Beach and down in the Florida keys! - Rygo
Hi!
Could you compare it to the North Reach in the comment? You have made separate video about them but no direct comparison. Maybe some compare to new version of these models? Contra 2023 or Reach 2024?
That's a great question, my friend. 🤙🏽 Give us a call when you have a moment. We're always happy to help: 800.622.4655
I am 110kg and riding Contra comfortably up to 30kts 😀
Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron
What size Contra?
Thank you so much for this video ! I am going to buy one but still wondering if i should pick 15m or 17m ? My weight:86kg.
17 is a safe bet for the lightest winds. Guaranteed session. If you have a big board and want to work the kite more or loop it you could do 15 like me. - Rygo
For the life of me I cannot decide between the 15 and the 17m. I'm 90kg and I ride only TT. I do have a 151x44 so rather large. I'm worried the 15 will not allow me to have fun in that 10-11 to 15-16 knots range. Above 16 my 12m SB would take over.
But I'm also concerned the 17m will just not be fun full stop. Purely based on weight, at 10 or 11 knots I should go for 17.
Anyone has experience with the 17m contra 2021? Is it sluggish or quite ok?
Also the 17m probably makes more sense with a 12m SB which has a pretty decent low end. Less overstep I guess.
Great question, my friend. 🤙🏽 You will indeed get much more low-end power on the 17m. However, the large Contras do tend to respond slower. Also, the 12m/16m is ideal, at 25% size difference, however, you can make that 12m/17m gap work. -Aaron
@@MACkiteboarding thx for the answer man! Yes I'm gonna go for the 17 and be realistic about sessions in super low winds. It's not gonna be the full spectrum just some nice riding & working on transitions.
Also, here's the decision kicker, the 17 is still available in the color I want, the 15 not 😄
Compared to Aluula Flite 14.5 & 17?
Hi there… your comments between the Contra 15 and the DLab Juice 15 please? Thanks for your feedback!!
There are things I prefer about the contra. Partially because it was my first lightwind kite. I like the smooth power delivery, consistent pull, and it just has good grunt when you need it.
The d lab juice
is faster, loops faster has a less consistent power delivery but the bar pressure is so light and good edge control keeps that at bay. Can definitely squeeze a little extra on the juice bottom end as it’s lighter and faster.
Both have similar hangtime, I felt jumping with both the kite flicked up fast enough to get decent height considering the conditions and size of the kite. Juice might have more potential to create more energy for a jump since it at least seems faster.
Both are versatile enough for lightwind all around kites. Either work great for freeride or even freestyle. Plenty of booted days on both. (Older generations before d lab.)
For foil and surf while not a first choice at all, you get a predictable power delivery on the contra so it’s doable and it’s pivotal. The d lab will have more drift and ride in less wind but might be jerky a touch.
- Rygo
@@MACkiteboarding how about contra 15 vs reach 15? for those lightwind days combined with big tt board..
I am going to buy a new 15m light wind kind and I am really curious to know know how it compare to 15m juice because I will choose between contra and juice 15. Can you compare even construction and realiability? Juice became really lighter in last years I am a bit worried it can shorter the kite life
From my understanding the new materials are supposed to increase lifespan. As for a comparison I’m working on one now. The d lab juice is incredibly light! The shape and feel are pretty different. I’ll need to test more to articulate it well. Similar kites that take a different route to the same end. The juice just has the light feel, light weight advantage here. The power delivery is also a bit different etc - Rygo
My 2017 Contra has 40-50 sessions. Still relatively crispy and in great condition. If the new ones are better they should last for years. You'll probably get tired of the kite before it truly wears out
How do you feel the 15m contra stacks up against the 14m switchblade?
I have not used this combo back to back for at least 4 years. The contra is lighter and designed specifically for light wind. The 14 switchblade is more a performance kite for heavier riders. So for a 170 lbs rider a 12 SB paired with a 15 contra is ideal while a 200 lbs rider may want a 14 sb and 17 contra combo. The 14 being their midrange performance kite. - Rygo