been a long time RPM user, I wanted a bit more low range on a 12m kite so I bought a Switchblade in addition to my RPMs. What a solid kite! so stable. It is like riding an SUV as to compare to a sporty car that is RPM. The turning is slower but everything else is better. The drift is pretty decent too! As I am getting older I would think I slowly change all my kites to switchblades. I've yet to test it foiling but I need smaller sizes than 12m to go foiling with it.
Love the review. The big difference for me is the lines. The north lines seem more prone to tangle. I regularly use the safety to depower the kite on the flat water before coming ashore, and the cabrinha has no tangles, while the north is normally 1/2 hr untangle once ashore
Great video....I have owned both kites and prefer The EVO. Very similar but I find the Evo more playful and better at depowering ........One correction from video, North kites do offer rear line length options. The pig tails are at the bar end of the kite opposed to the kite end, but same effect.
I too am surprised why RyGo has not done this comparison yet. I thought the Rally is more of a competitor to Switchblade than the Evo is. RyGo - can you please do a Rally vs Switchblade comparison? You did do a 'Contra vs Turbine'. So I do not see why not this one!!!
I'm kiting in Cabarete at still a beginner cruising level. My shop only has Cabrinha and the Switchblade has been fine thus far ... I like the stability. However before I invest in my own kite I'd like to try North and Duotone . Can I come kite with you guys?
Hi, I own A switchblade with cabrinha bar. I’m thinking of getting a Duotone Evo. However, I’m concerned if I would need to get the duotone control system bar as well. Or Would I need to change the pig tails off of the Evo in order to use with the cabrinha bar? Thanks. 🤙🏻😎
Awesome video I love the head-to-head comparisons. I would like to hear about the inflation systems. And see more close-ups on the kites like the bridal systems and connections on both of them. And possibly measure the Leading edge and center strut and the weight or each kite. I also have a question about new bar systems. A long time ago I had a bar that had an adjustable depower line stopper that I really liked because it didn't completely lock down you can push out the bar with about 30 lb of force and it would slide up it made me feel a lot safer using it and I remember being able to Rocket upwind I can pull it all the way in and really get my body in a good position to go up wind and when I hit a gust the slider would move up a couple inches. I would like to hear how the adjustable Stoppers behave on new bar systems are there any that you could recommend that have similar attributes.
5th line, is not about safety but about self landing (only big plus i can say) , and of course big minus in twisting fifth line around kite when under jumped for example ( i immediately quick release) plus you can not sometimes throw the bar to untwist lines because of the 5th line , i like better 4 lines (was teaching 3 months on 5 line,i am not a fan but i noticed kind of better performance of north kites with 5th line)
Steve Hofsaess I made note in the description that this is based on the 2017 Evo. I'll be doing a video on the 2018 in the future. Cheers my friend - Rygo
I don’t understand concern about bar pressure. There’s obviously a tremendous amount of pressure on the center lines attached to the chicken loop, but the pressure on the bar is negligible. You can pull it in with one hand, even steer it with one hand. Why is it an issue with people?
Jon Deur it's absolutely subjective. I don't mind kites with light bar pressure and I also enjoy kites with heavy pressure on the steering lines. Personally I enjoy having a little more pressure as it gives me more feedback on where my kite is when I'm not looking. Some people just like a lighter feel and don't care for the arm fatigue associated with heavy bar pressure. I do remember my hands getting tired from the 2010 Switchblade. Cheers - Rygo
I've been trying to log some hours on the newer Pivots for a review. From my memory on the older pivot it's a much faster kite more pivotal on the turns. Maybe not as much low end. The Feedback I've gotten from friends and Co workers has all been very good. As soon as I get a few session down on the Pivot I'll do a proper comparison. Cheers! - Rygo
hi, I had Evo and now switch blade. they are very good kites, but Evo is for sure worst in low wind i think is more heavy or is just my filling. the rest they are very similar, I loved Evo but I love more Switchblade. Also Switchblade is going faster from water then Evo. When you pack your kite to bag North is not friendly hehehe and this valve in North is terrible my opinion. quality of material in kite is i think same not deferent two of them are very good quality and very durable, the problem is in bar North bar plastic covers on the ends they like to brake, in Cabrinha bar lines are so much better then North lines (just my opinion) but Cabrinha bar have lot of troubles with line inside tube - connected to trim line, few of my friends line inside plastic tube just brake ( dont know if sand is going in or line is weak - just after few months use ) the rest in Cabrinha bar is just perfect. But really CABRINHA should check why this line are baking so fast and easy. if you want buy Kite for free ride two of them are good. if you dont want have problem with packing kite - switchblade is better have better more friendly valve and dont have this plastic bars for stabilization what have north. And for what North complicate with two valves inflate and deflate if everything can be in one? hehehe If I will choose again I will buy next new Switchblade
I'm writing the review right now my friend. I just got off the water this morning. I've logged two sessions on the 12m kite in the last week in different conditions. The review will drop with my next video. :) I was planning on giving you a shout out for pushing me to test it. - Rygo
Rygo, release the review. Also, been hearing about some fabric wear happening with the new material from an advanced rider friend of mine who only rides North. He never drops his kites and is gentle on the landings. Any info on that?
Jay Trombler First I've heard but I'll ask around. I'll release the review soon. I've got a lot of videos I'm working on. Between keeping up on Foil Fridays, Ride with Blake and working on Destinations. That's a lot of content! I'll be heading to Hatteras this week to get one more session with the 2017 and 2018 back to back. You'll be getting a very through review my friend. It's an interesting kite. Shoot us an email and I'll send you my notes! - Rygo
I used to own a 2017 north evo 13m and recently tried the 2018 8m switchblade and 15m Contra. Obviously they are not the same kites but I do agree with Rygo on the bar pressure. On both the contra and switchblade the last 5cm of bar movement is quite hard to hold with one hand, for example during kiteloops. However I feel like that last 5cm combined with the higher power setting on back lines gives the carbrihna kites in general a bit more power. Low end of the Evo was a bit weak (13m with 5 struts is a heavy kite mind you) and in general north kites feels soft rather than powerful so I think Rygo is hitting all the right points in terms of the Evo so I trust his comparison of the two kites. I can't really make any differences on low end of switchblade 8m but the 15m contra low end feels strong. Better than Fat Lady 17m I owned and crazy fly 17m I tried.
Since we don't carry Core, definitely Cabrinha. ;) If we ever start carrying Core, I'll be sure to do a full comparison. Until then I simply don't know. The Switchblade is amazing in light wind, I imagine, the Xr5 is similar. Cheers - Rygo
alter7181 I'll be doing an NV video soon. But to give you some reference, the NV is in the same vein as these kites but it has more performance based characteristics. Basically a little more pop and slack. There are plenty of other differences but I'll have to do a full write up and film that soon. - Rygo
I'm sitting here watching this video 3 Days after hand surgery because the chickenloop of a kite i borrowed managed to lever itself out of my hook (stick was attached correctly). It swang out on high tension, hit my left hand, which i used steer the kite at the moment, and crushed/dislocated 2 of my fingers before it completely retracted into the bar. Fortunately, i let go afterwards, so it didn't send me flying over the beach (on shore spot). After some investigation i figured out the movement that was needed for this to happen could've even happened on the water if i had to do a water relaunch while standing. The chickenstick was actually bent through the loop after the accident. So, there ARE still some differences in the safety systems of some manufacturers. I don't want to get into any legal trouble, so i won't mention the brand. But it was a teal 2017 bar. The chicken loop & stick where thinner and more flexible than the equippment I'm used to. - Never had any similar issue with core, north or cabrinha - Didn't even notice a potential danger. - like your video though. Keep it up.
Stefan Lippeck Sorry to hear about that my friend! That sounds like foul hooking. Something that can happen with any brand. That said, it happens very rarely. It was more common with older connection systems. It's happened to me with older gear. I was just referring to the quick release systems. Most brands use the same if not a similar quick release. Regardless thanks for the feedback! It's always a good reminder that while our sport is safe, it's still an adventure sport and these things happen. Heal up and keep shredding! - Rygo
I Googled Foul hooking and this is probably exactly what happened to me :-/ however i do think this is less likely to happen with a more narrow chickenloop and less stiff powerlines, like core has, than with other systems... of course there is always a trade - the narrow chickenloop makes it harder to rehook after unhooked tricks and one should check the chickenloop at launch anyway :-/... Well, i'll be back on the water in 8 weeks and have a new reminder to watch my ass a little bit better.
Like these series of comparing very much! You are the only ones who do that on TH-cam. I am choosing a new kite right now, so how do you thing the north evo 2016 is still good for old school and long hang time?
Cheers. Yes, the 2016 Evo is great. You will have a lot of fun. How long have you been kitting? Is this your first kite or are you replacing one? - Rygo
@@MACkiteboarding Seriously though.. Maybe it is because I am just a low intermediate level ride who can barely jump 6 - 8 ft and can not even back roll properly, but when I tried both 2020 Switch Blade (12m2) and 2019 Ozone Edge (13m2) in Boracay this winter, I found myself liking Edge more than Switch Blade. Somehow I feel easier to control to Edge. But then, many seem to like Switch Blade though. Both of my 10 (2020) & 13 (2019) are Edge....
Evo is faster turning .......... Switchblade is better in low cond.wind and turns slower vs Evo... the bar from North is better ( lighter ) incl.the stoper ;-) for deadman etc so + Evo ( fast turning, good for waves, freestyle, wakestyle ,4/5th line , more setup options on bar ) + SB ( good in low wind, good hang time , freeride )
Jumping was one of the hardest points to pin down between these two. I've never done a comparison with two kites that have such similar characteristics. I purposefully left that out as I just can't give a quantifiable answer between the two. Normally that's the easiest thing to call out between two kites. I don't think either has an advantage over the other in that regard. Cheers! - Rygo
Yes, I just put some time in this morning on the 2018 Evo. That said, I was on the 12 and it was 20 to 30+ knots! So, I''m not quite ready to write a full review. What I will say is the kite was more playful, lighter feeling albeit, I was overpowered at times. The kite handles gust insanely well for a three strut kite I was quite surprised and often three strut kites are less stable. My gut says this kite has more high end and a little less low end than it's predecessor but I''ll need at least one more session to have a solid opinion. I was lit so jumping was huge but that's not a fair compairson considering this mornings conditions. I will say I'm starting to really like the new Evo. Stay tuned for a full review soon. - Rygo
This is exactly what I was looking for, unbiased comparison. Very well done. Looking at comments below, I'll stick with Switchblade. Thanks
been a long time RPM user, I wanted a bit more low range on a 12m kite so I bought a Switchblade in addition to my RPMs. What a solid kite! so stable. It is like riding an SUV as to compare to a sporty car that is RPM. The turning is slower but everything else is better. The drift is pretty decent too! As I am getting older I would think I slowly change all my kites to switchblades. I've yet to test it foiling but I need smaller sizes than 12m to go foiling with it.
Switchblades just make everything easier. At least old school freeride stuff
Great video Rygo as always very articulate review on two of my favorites
no body talk about durability... this is so important, because not everybody change ofteen...
you read my mind! North/Duo is not known for being robust.
Love the review. The big difference for me is the lines. The north lines seem more prone to tangle.
I regularly use the safety to depower the kite on the flat water before coming ashore, and the cabrinha has no tangles, while the north is normally 1/2 hr untangle once ashore
Great video....I have owned both kites and prefer The EVO. Very similar but I find the Evo more playful and better at depowering ........One correction from video, North kites do offer rear line length options. The pig tails are at the bar end of the kite opposed to the kite end, but same effect.
It was nice to compare the Switchblade with the Rally !
2 great allround kites with impressive low end !
I too am surprised why RyGo has not done this comparison yet. I thought the Rally is more of a competitor to Switchblade than the Evo is.
RyGo - can you please do a Rally vs Switchblade comparison? You did do a 'Contra vs Turbine'. So I do not see why not this one!!!
I'm kiting in Cabarete at still a beginner cruising level. My shop only has Cabrinha and the Switchblade has been fine thus far ... I like the stability. However before I invest in my own kite I'd like to try North and Duotone . Can I come kite with you guys?
Excellent review
Glad you liked it!
Hi, I own A switchblade with cabrinha bar. I’m thinking of getting a Duotone Evo. However, I’m concerned if I would need to get the duotone control system bar as well. Or Would I need to change the pig tails off of the Evo in order to use with the cabrinha bar? Thanks. 🤙🏻😎
Awesome video I love the head-to-head comparisons. I would like to hear about the inflation systems.
And see more close-ups on the kites like the bridal systems and connections on both of them. And possibly measure the Leading edge and center strut and the weight or each kite. I also have a question about new bar systems. A long time ago I had a bar that had an adjustable depower line stopper that I really liked because it didn't completely lock down you can push out the bar with about 30 lb of force and it would slide up it made me feel a lot safer using it and I remember being able to Rocket upwind I can pull it all the way in and really get my body in a good position to go up wind and when I hit a gust the slider would move up a couple inches. I would like to hear how the adjustable Stoppers behave on new bar systems are there any that you could recommend that have similar attributes.
5th line, is not about safety but about self landing (only big plus i can say) , and of course big minus in twisting fifth line around kite when under jumped for example ( i immediately quick release) plus you can not sometimes throw the bar to untwist lines because of the 5th line , i like better 4 lines (was teaching 3 months on 5 line,i am not a fan but i noticed kind of better performance of north kites with 5th line)
The 2018 Evo was just released a few days ago, you may have to continue with Part 2 of the honest comparison
Steve Hofsaess I made note in the description that this is based on the 2017 Evo. I'll be doing a video on the 2018 in the future. Cheers my friend - Rygo
I don’t understand concern about bar pressure. There’s obviously a tremendous amount of pressure on the center lines attached to the chicken loop, but the pressure on the bar is negligible. You can pull it in with one hand, even steer it with one hand. Why is it an issue with people?
Jon Deur it's absolutely subjective. I don't mind kites with light bar pressure and I also enjoy kites with heavy pressure on the steering lines. Personally I enjoy having a little more pressure as it gives me more feedback on where my kite is when I'm not looking. Some people just like a lighter feel and don't care for the arm fatigue associated with heavy bar pressure. I do remember my hands getting tired from the 2010 Switchblade. Cheers - Rygo
How would the Naish Pivot compare with these two?
I've been trying to log some hours on the newer Pivots for a review. From my memory on the older pivot it's a much faster kite more pivotal on the turns. Maybe not as much low end. The Feedback I've gotten from friends and Co workers has all been very good. As soon as I get a few session down on the Pivot I'll do a proper comparison. Cheers! - Rygo
MACkiteboarding would love to see a pivot vs switchblade comparison!
hi, I had Evo and now switch blade. they are very good kites, but Evo is for sure worst in low wind i think is more heavy or is just my filling. the rest they are very similar, I loved Evo but I love more Switchblade. Also Switchblade is going faster from water then Evo. When you pack your kite to bag North is not friendly hehehe and this valve in North is terrible my opinion.
quality of material in kite is i think same not deferent two of them are very good quality and very durable, the problem is in bar North bar plastic covers on the ends they like to brake, in Cabrinha bar lines are so much better then North lines (just my opinion) but Cabrinha bar have lot of troubles with line inside tube - connected to trim line, few of my friends line inside plastic tube just brake ( dont know if sand is going in or line is weak - just after few months use ) the rest in Cabrinha bar is just perfect. But really CABRINHA should check why this line are baking so fast and easy.
if you want buy Kite for free ride two of them are good.
if you dont want have problem with packing kite - switchblade is better have better more friendly valve and dont have this plastic bars for stabilization what have north.
And for what North complicate with two valves inflate and deflate if everything can be in one?
hehehe
If I will choose again I will buy next new Switchblade
Hey Rygo. Still waiting for that 2018 North EVO review. 😜 A 2017 vs 2018. Not holding my breath.
I'm writing the review right now my friend. I just got off the water this morning. I've logged two sessions on the 12m kite in the last week in different conditions. The review will drop with my next video. :) I was planning on giving you a shout out for pushing me to test it. - Rygo
Rygo, release the review. Also, been hearing about some fabric wear happening with the new material from an advanced rider friend of mine who only rides North. He never drops his kites and is gentle on the landings. Any info on that?
Also, been hearing a rumor from two different sources about the sale of North. Any info about that?
Jay Trombler First I've heard but I'll ask around. I'll release the review soon. I've got a lot of videos I'm working on. Between keeping up on Foil Fridays, Ride with Blake and working on Destinations. That's a lot of content! I'll be heading to Hatteras this week to get one more session with the 2017 and 2018 back to back. You'll be getting a very through review my friend. It's an interesting kite. Shoot us an email and I'll send you my notes! - Rygo
MACkiteboarding what’s your email address?
I used to own a 2017 north evo 13m and recently tried the 2018 8m switchblade and 15m Contra. Obviously they are not the same kites but I do agree with Rygo on the bar pressure. On both the contra and switchblade the last 5cm of bar movement is quite hard to hold with one hand, for example during kiteloops. However I feel like that last 5cm combined with the higher power setting on back lines gives the carbrihna kites in general a bit more power.
Low end of the Evo was a bit weak (13m with 5 struts is a heavy kite mind you) and in general north kites feels soft rather than powerful so I think Rygo is hitting all the right points in terms of the Evo so I trust his comparison of the two kites. I can't really make any differences on low end of switchblade 8m but the 15m contra low end feels strong. Better than Fat Lady 17m I owned and crazy fly 17m I tried.
Hey, thanks for the feedback Konstantin! - Rygo
Can you tell me witch kite is better for light wind Switvhblade 12 or core xr5? Thanks
Since we don't carry Core, definitely Cabrinha. ;) If we ever start carrying Core, I'll be sure to do a full comparison. Until then I simply don't know. The Switchblade is amazing in light wind, I imagine, the Xr5 is similar. Cheers - Rygo
How do you feel the LF 2016 Envy or 2017 NV stacks up? It's what I've built my quiver around.
alter7181 I'll be doing an NV video soon. But to give you some reference, the NV is in the same vein as these kites but it has more performance based characteristics. Basically a little more pop and slack. There are plenty of other differences but I'll have to do a full write up and film that soon. - Rygo
MACkiteboarding thanks. As a beginner I'm hoping I've made a sound decision with the Envys. Great video as usual.
alter7181 No doubt a great choice. Especially 2015 and up. I always liked the early models but the newer ones are so much more refined.
I'm sitting here watching this video 3 Days after hand surgery because the chickenloop of a kite i borrowed managed to lever itself out of my hook (stick was attached correctly). It swang out on high tension, hit my left hand, which i used steer the kite at the moment, and crushed/dislocated 2 of my fingers before it completely retracted into the bar. Fortunately, i let go afterwards, so it didn't send me flying over the beach (on shore spot).
After some investigation i figured out the movement that was needed for this to happen could've even happened on the water if i had to do a water relaunch while standing. The chickenstick was actually bent through the loop after the accident.
So, there ARE still some differences in the safety systems of some manufacturers.
I don't want to get into any legal trouble, so i won't mention the brand. But it was a teal 2017 bar. The chicken loop & stick where thinner and more flexible than the equippment I'm used to. - Never had any similar issue with core, north or cabrinha - Didn't even notice a potential danger.
- like your video though. Keep it up.
Stefan Lippeck Sorry to hear about that my friend! That sounds like foul hooking. Something that can happen with any brand. That said, it happens very rarely. It was more common with older connection systems. It's happened to me with older gear. I was just referring to the quick release systems. Most brands use the same if not a similar quick release. Regardless thanks for the feedback! It's always a good reminder that while our sport is safe, it's still an adventure sport and these things happen. Heal up and keep shredding! - Rygo
I Googled Foul hooking and this is probably exactly what happened to me :-/ however i do think this is less likely to happen with a more narrow chickenloop and less stiff powerlines, like core has, than with other systems... of course there is always a trade - the narrow chickenloop makes it harder to rehook after unhooked tricks and one should check the chickenloop at launch anyway :-/... Well, i'll be back on the water in 8 weeks and have a new reminder to watch my ass a little bit better.
Like these series of comparing very much! You are the only ones who do that on TH-cam. I am choosing a new kite right now, so how do you thing the north evo 2016 is still good for old school and long hang time?
Cheers. Yes, the 2016 Evo is great. You will have a lot of fun. How long have you been kitting? Is this your first kite or are you replacing one? - Rygo
MACkiteboarding replacing, unfortunately 2016 evo needs 5 line bar, so I think to take 2017 model
I believe the 2016 can also be flown as a 4 or a 5 line as well. Let me know what one you go with and how it works out. - Rygo
anyone can confirm that A setting on the switchblade is faster??
thanks a lot
Hahaha.. Go with the color!! 😂😜.. Thank you..
Haha! Cheers, heads up, the 2018 -20 evo is very different. - Rygo
@@MACkiteboarding Seriously though.. Maybe it is because I am just a low intermediate level ride who can barely jump 6 - 8 ft and can not even back roll properly, but when I tried both 2020 Switch Blade (12m2) and 2019 Ozone Edge (13m2) in Boracay this winter, I found myself liking Edge more than Switch Blade. Somehow I feel easier to control to Edge. But then, many seem to like Switch Blade though. Both of my 10 (2020) & 13 (2019) are Edge....
Evo is faster turning .......... Switchblade is better in low cond.wind and turns slower vs Evo... the bar from North is better ( lighter ) incl.the stoper ;-) for deadman etc so + Evo ( fast turning, good for waves, freestyle, wakestyle ,4/5th line , more setup options on bar ) + SB ( good in low wind, good hang time , freeride )
Which kite would be the best option EVO or Switchblade on a 12M, for jumping, lift and Hangtime? Which kite turns faster using a 12m?
Jumping was one of the hardest points to pin down between these two. I've never done a comparison with two kites that have such similar characteristics. I purposefully left that out as I just can't give a quantifiable answer between the two. Normally that's the easiest thing to call out between two kites. I don't think either has an advantage over the other in that regard. Cheers! - Rygo
Would the Evo 2018 turn faster, been a 3 strut kite?
Yes, I just put some time in this morning on the 2018 Evo. That said, I was on the 12 and it was 20 to 30+ knots! So, I''m not quite ready to write a full review. What I will say is the kite was more playful, lighter feeling albeit, I was overpowered at times. The kite handles gust insanely well for a three strut kite I was quite surprised and often three strut kites are less stable. My gut says this kite has more high end and a little less low end than it's predecessor but I''ll need at least one more session to have a solid opinion. I was lit so jumping was huge but that's not a fair compairson considering this mornings conditions. I will say I'm starting to really like the new Evo. Stay tuned for a full review soon. - Rygo