Just made the switch from a 10m switchblade to a 12m and 9m FX and this video hits the nail on the head re the analogy of the manual/auto transmission. The comparison about wind range between the two kites is true and I only get a little extra power from the 12m FX when compared to a 10m SB. The FX does unhook better and less prone to backstalling (usually cant get it to backstall with the bar fully sheeted in). definitely agree that the SB does everything great across all conditions but in pumping conditions with constant wind I prefer the SB. Was going to sell the SB but they're great kites. I also feel like I can boost higher on the SB. FX is great for kiteloops, where I found the SB to stall at the bottom of the loop and struggle to climb back up.
I found my 10m FX hates the lazy load n pop technique, which the SB loves. With the FX I found I had to load n pop and THEN send the kite. The SB just knows if you’re going to jump it pulls before you try a load and pop. In short the FX needs to be sent faster than the SB. The bonus is I can loop the FX way better than the SB. The SB hates being looped. It’s just a slower kite
Thank you for sharing your experience, my friend. 🤙🏽 Yeah, those two definitely need different rider inputs, right? Glad you're having fun with loops! Good winds to you. -Aaron
I am surprised that you mention nothing about the steering speed of the FX, which makes all the difference for me. It is so much more fun to be able to throw the FX around in tight loops, which is something that the switchblade will not do for you for sure. Otherwise, good review!
Hi Rygo, I'm saving money untill I can afford a new kite and after seeing this video I've decided that it's going to be a Switchblade. I don't have that much money so I can only buy 1 kite. Mostly I'm surfing in 8-10 m/s but also sometimes in about 6-8 m/s. I weigh ca 53 kg but at the time I can afford it I think I'll weigh about 55-60 kg. Which size would you recommend? Greetings from Joep
Hi Joep, at 55 - 60 kg you would want to pick the size you will get the most use on the water per the wind conditions. a 9-meter switchblade would make a good mid range kite for you. Later on, you might consider getting something smaller for higher winds and something bigger for lighter winds but to start a 9 would cover a good range. I hope that helps my friend.
Hi Rygo, I have been riding a Naish Ride (my first kite) for two years now and I want to change to the SW or the FX. The problem is that I can't decide, my heart wants the FX and my brain the SW haha. I like to do big air, rotations and kiteloops (little by little), I haven't started to unhoock yet. Is it therefore worthwhile picking the FX? Or is it smarter to pick the SW and keep proggresing? Greetings from Spain!
Gastón Correa There will be a learning curve with the FX. The Switchblade will make things happen faster. All that said, at the end of the day you will become very good at what ever you practice with! If it's any help, I flew the FX for 2 years and loved it. I've been logging a lot of hours on the Switchblade again and If it were the only kite I could ever fly again I would not complain! You can unhook on it as well! 🤘- Rygo
As a beginner..? Is a (second-hand) 2017 FX a good choice..? Or is it a rather difficult kite to get started with..? Because when i hear ya talk, it seems 'nice' to have a kite that is almost 'flying itself' without 'working it'...?
Hey MacKiteboarding - love the new vids. they rock. On a serious note. can we see a triple ? SwicthBlade vs Bandit vs Sculp 2018 ? Both F-one and Crazy Fly have pulled out all the stops for 2018 and so far the reviews have been fantastic. But we don't know how they will compare to the tried, tested and loved Switch Blade ?
Melanchony Of course my friend. Start with down loops on mellow days and work your way up. Watch a few looping tutorials, play it safe and go for it. I've seen plenty of people do advanced loops with the Switchblade. It's just not as fast as an Fx. It is still fun to loop.
What about the different configurations on the new FX? Will that make transition from the sb easier? Do they actually change the way it fly? Thanks and good idea on this series.
Thanks Pablo, I'm happy to say the new Fx is pretty similar to the original. The freestyle setting provides a little more pop and slack. While the freeride setting gives it just a little more low-end. Honestly, it's not that big of a difference year to year. It's more so a small percentage increase. That said, every little bit helps! Are you thinking of crossing over?
Yes. I bought you guys a SB12 another SB10 and a Contra 17 with a the ACE board 2 years ago. It's time to refresh the 12 meters now. (the contra makes miracles in low wind). Having the same concern I had before. The low end power. Now I have the 17 so think the low range will be covered, thinking of a 12M FX to replace the SB12. You suggested a 14M FX to replace the 12SB, but I'm worried the bigger 14M will make the FX slower. So 12M FX is on my mind. It's hard because the SB is ...... the SB. Thanks again and congartulations for all this initiatives, really improves the customer experience.
Hi if only can choose fx or switchblade the dealer dont have got drifter or radar i only use a directional surfboard in 20 knt cross on wind id ll go for a switchblade 8 mts or a 9 fx? thanks
Hey Rygo. Thanks for the review. I am thinking to switch from SB to FX. I am 85kg (187 pounds) and am riding 9m and 12m SB 2017 with 135x40 Board. From your review it looks like I will have to switch to 10m and 14m FX to be able to ride nicely powered. Or should I stay with 9 and 12? How fast is the 14m fx compared with SB 12m?Thanks
You got it. Yes, definitely size up. You'll be glad you did! The FX is quite a bit faster and way more responsive. Not just turning but how you edge, the chop, rider input. It's a really fun kite to fly. On a side note, if you get a chance, you should test a larger board. I think you might enjoy it. Hope that helps my friend. - Rygo
Thats a topic I've actually been thinking about the last few days. The Fx gives the rider more control over how you jump. The Switchblade is easier to jump. At the end of the day, between these two it just comes down to who is jumping with the kite. The level where this can be quantified is so high it doesn't affect us mere mortals. Haha, I hope that helps - Rygo
Im riding the fx but thinking about switching to the sb. Do you have any tips? I like to kiteloop en jump high, but i think the sb can go higher more easily, whilst doing some rotations and boardoff. How does the sb loop? Not looking for 40 knot megaloop haha.
Hey Michiel! Thanks for the comment. The Switchblade is definitely the loftier and more stable jumper compared to the FX. If you're looking to toss massive jumps with boardoffs and rotations, the Switchblade could be the kite for you. It turns slightly slower than the FX, making for a bit more powerful loops - you can still get it done with the Switchblade! Let us know if you have any more questions. Thanks!
MACkiteboarding thnx for the reply! Bought the 2019 sb the day before yesterday and had an awesome session. Still good loops, and way more confident. Thnx! 👌🏻🤟🏼
The kite will not power you through everything. To jump you've need to be riding fast. You may have to sign the kite a few times to pick up speed before you edge, pull the bar in and release.
Hey Daniel, Thanks for the request! We do not currently sell Core kites. As a result, we'd prefer not to do a comparison because it could be viewed as biased. I can tell you both brands do make great gear. -Tucker
Hi Tristan, I can actually sum that one up here for you! So the Chaos is meant for two types of riders. People who have been flying C - kites since the early days, and competitive riders looking for an advantage. In my experience, people who are looking to progress are going to have an easier time with the FX. This is because the wind range is better, the relaunch is better, the kite is more forgiving. All of these benefits really add up and inspire confidence when learning new tricks. The Chaos makes a lot of trade offs for maximum pop and slack. However, just like crossing over to the FX from the Switchblade, you're going to compromise a lot for performance. C - kites can be frustrating in inconsistent winds. They also take significantly more skill to use. In the end though, you should ride whatever your having the most fun on! Cheers! - Rygo
Hi Tristan, I can actually sum that one up here for you! So the Chaos is meant for two types of riders. People who have been flying C - kites since the early days, and competitive riders looking for an advantage. In my experience, people who are looking to progress are going to have an easier time with the FX. This is because the wind range is better, the relaunch is better, the kite is more forgiving. All of these benefits really add up and inspire confidence when learning new tricks. The Chaos makes a lot of trade offs for maximum pop and slack. However, just like crossing over to the FX from the Switchblade, you're going to compromise a lot for performance. C - kites can be frustrating in inconsistent winds. They also take significantly more skill to use. In the end though, you should ride whatever your having the most fun on! Cheers! - Rygo
Haha, The Fx is my favorite kite! It's for experienced riders who want a more aggressive kite.The Fx Loops better, and has more pop. It will also slack better for unhooked riders. For anyone who has been riding for 2 years, you would hardly notice the upwind difference. As for jumping, if you know how to jump with the Fx you could absolutely get as much, if not more air. I suppose that I framed this video for beginners so it appears a bit biased. Does that make sense hamish?
Great review, I'm in the process of deciding between these two kites and this has helped a great deal.
Blooskyy Hey glad it helped! - Rygo
Yeaaah buddy, great job!
Just made the switch from a 10m switchblade to a 12m and 9m FX and this video hits the nail on the head re the analogy of the manual/auto transmission. The comparison about wind range between the two kites is true and I only get a little extra power from the 12m FX when compared to a 10m SB. The FX does unhook better and less prone to backstalling (usually cant get it to backstall with the bar fully sheeted in). definitely agree that the SB does everything great across all conditions but in pumping conditions with constant wind I prefer the SB. Was going to sell the SB but they're great kites. I also feel like I can boost higher on the SB. FX is great for kiteloops, where I found the SB to stall at the bottom of the loop and struggle to climb back up.
First time after I got on the FX, I just sold my old quiver and bought 9+12 FX and did not look back :))))
Tadas Rudnickas Yeeeew!
I found my 10m FX hates the lazy load n pop technique, which the SB loves. With the FX I found I had to load n pop and THEN send the kite. The SB just knows if you’re going to jump it pulls before you try a load and pop. In short the FX needs to be sent faster than the SB. The bonus is I can loop the FX way better than the SB. The SB hates being looped. It’s just a slower kite
Thank you for sharing your experience, my friend. 🤙🏽 Yeah, those two definitely need different rider inputs, right? Glad you're having fun with loops! Good winds to you. -Aaron
I am surprised that you mention nothing about the steering speed of the FX, which makes all the difference for me. It is so much more fun to be able to throw the FX around in tight loops, which is something that the switchblade will not do for you for sure. Otherwise, good review!
I'd like a vegas vs dice comparison for tricks and boosting AND a rebel vs vegas for out and out huge air eg 7m vegas vs 6m rebel. Cheers
I'll add these too my list. I may cover a few C kites in that one. -Rygo
Hi Rygo,
I'm saving money untill I can afford a new kite and after seeing this video I've decided that it's going to be a Switchblade. I don't have that much money so I can only buy 1 kite. Mostly I'm surfing in 8-10 m/s but also sometimes in about 6-8 m/s. I weigh ca 53 kg but at the time I can afford it I think I'll weigh about 55-60 kg. Which size would you recommend?
Greetings from Joep
Hi Joep, at 55 - 60 kg you would want to pick the size you will get the most use on the water per the wind conditions. a 9-meter switchblade would make a good mid range kite for you. Later on, you might consider getting something smaller for higher winds and something bigger for lighter winds but to start a 9 would cover a good range. I hope that helps my friend.
MACkiteboarding thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate your answer!
You got it my friend. - Rygo
Hi Rygo, I have been riding a Naish Ride (my first kite) for two years now and I want to change to the SW or the FX. The problem is that I can't decide, my heart wants the FX and my brain the SW haha.
I like to do big air, rotations and kiteloops (little by little), I haven't started to unhoock yet.
Is it therefore worthwhile picking the FX? Or is it smarter to pick the SW and keep proggresing?
Greetings from Spain!
Gastón Correa There will be a learning curve with the FX. The Switchblade will make things happen faster. All that said, at the end of the day you will become very good at what ever you practice with! If it's any help, I flew the FX for 2 years and loved it. I've been logging a lot of hours on the Switchblade again and If it were the only kite I could ever fly again I would not complain! You can unhook on it as well! 🤘- Rygo
As a beginner..? Is a (second-hand) 2017 FX a good choice..? Or is it a rather difficult kite to get started with..? Because when i hear ya talk, it seems 'nice' to have a kite that is almost 'flying itself' without 'working it'...?
I know a few people who learned on the fx. The SB would be a lot easier though! - Rygo
Hey MacKiteboarding - love the new vids. they rock. On a serious note. can we see a triple ? SwicthBlade vs Bandit vs Sculp 2018 ? Both F-one and Crazy Fly have pulled out all the stops for 2018 and so far the reviews have been fantastic. But we don't know how they will compare to the tried, tested and loved Switch Blade ?
Ryan Goloversic undstand completely - thank you for the reply, 👍🏻
Is it possible for a kiteloop beginner to kiteloop the SB? :)
Melanchony Of course my friend. Start with down loops on mellow days and work your way up. Watch a few looping tutorials, play it safe and go for it. I've seen plenty of people do advanced loops with the Switchblade. It's just not as fast as an Fx. It is still fun to loop.
MACkiteboarding Thanks for answering so fast. :) And thanks for the tips aswell! Greetings from Germany :)
schau die reihe ultimate kiteloops von anton chernov (auf yt)
grüße aus österreich
paul we Werd ich machen, freu mich dann schon auf die nächste Session:) Vielen Dank für den Tipp :)
LG Luca
Would love to see the comparison between North Rebel 2018 and North Evo 2018
Andreas Baumgartner Yes! That will be a good one. It's on my list. - Rygo
What about the different configurations on the new FX? Will that make transition from the sb easier? Do they actually change the way it fly? Thanks and good idea on this series.
Thanks Pablo, I'm happy to say the new Fx is pretty similar to the original. The freestyle setting provides a little more pop and slack. While the freeride setting gives it just a little more low-end. Honestly, it's not that big of a difference year to year. It's more so a small percentage increase. That said, every little bit helps! Are you thinking of crossing over?
Yes. I bought you guys a SB12 another SB10 and a Contra 17 with a the ACE board 2 years ago. It's time to refresh the 12 meters now. (the contra makes miracles in low wind).
Having the same concern I had before. The low end power. Now I have the 17 so think the low range will be covered, thinking of a 12M FX to replace the SB12. You suggested a 14M FX to replace the 12SB, but I'm worried the bigger 14M will make the FX slower. So 12M FX is on my mind.
It's hard because the SB is ...... the SB.
Thanks again and congartulations for all this initiatives, really improves the customer experience.
Hi if only can choose fx or switchblade the dealer dont have got drifter or radar i only use a directional surfboard in 20 knt cross on wind id ll go for a switchblade 8 mts or a 9 fx? thanks
Go for the Switchblade. You'll love it with a surfboard! - Rygo
Hey Rygo. Thanks for the review. I am thinking to switch from SB to FX. I am 85kg (187 pounds) and am riding 9m and 12m SB 2017 with 135x40 Board. From your review it looks like I will have to switch to 10m and 14m FX to be able to ride nicely powered. Or should I stay with 9 and 12? How fast is the 14m fx compared with SB 12m?Thanks
You got it. Yes, definitely size up. You'll be glad you did! The FX is quite a bit faster and way more responsive. Not just turning but how you edge, the chop, rider input. It's a really fun kite to fly. On a side note, if you get a chance, you should test a larger board. I think you might enjoy it. Hope that helps my friend. - Rygo
Thanks Rygo. Just one more question. Which of this kites is jumping higher with the right technique?
Thats a topic I've actually been thinking about the last few days. The Fx gives the rider more control over how you jump. The Switchblade is easier to jump. At the end of the day, between these two it just comes down to who is jumping with the kite. The level where this can be quantified is so high it doesn't affect us mere mortals. Haha, I hope that helps - Rygo
Im riding the fx but thinking about switching to the sb. Do you have any tips?
I like to kiteloop en jump high, but i think the sb can go higher more easily, whilst doing some rotations and boardoff.
How does the sb loop? Not looking for 40 knot megaloop haha.
Hey Michiel! Thanks for the comment. The Switchblade is definitely the loftier and more stable jumper compared to the FX. If you're looking to toss massive jumps with boardoffs and rotations, the Switchblade could be the kite for you. It turns slightly slower than the FX, making for a bit more powerful loops - you can still get it done with the Switchblade! Let us know if you have any more questions. Thanks!
MACkiteboarding thnx for the reply! Bought the 2019 sb the day before yesterday and had an awesome session. Still good loops, and way more confident.
Thnx! 👌🏻🤟🏼
so the fx is better for unhooked and less powerful right
Hugo Wigglesworth more or less. The initial jump will be more aggressive but if done right the kite slacks. Making freestyle easier. - Rygo
Would like to see naish dash vs naish pivot or dash vs torch
The Thundergod Sounds good my friend. Added to my List. - Rygo
It'd bem great If you compare boards. Hi5 from Brazil!!
Marcelo Marques That's a great idea. I'll add that to my list as well.
What do you mean by board speed?
The kite will not power you through everything. To jump you've need to be riding fast. You may have to sign the kite a few times to pick up speed before you edge, pull the bar in and release.
Can you do a cabrinha vs core please
Hey Daniel,
Thanks for the request!
We do not currently sell Core kites. As a result, we'd prefer not to do a comparison because it could be viewed as biased. I can tell you both brands do make great gear.
-Tucker
Chaos vs fx?
Hi Tristan, I can actually sum that one up here for you! So the Chaos is meant for two types of riders. People who have been flying C - kites since the early days, and competitive riders looking for an advantage. In my experience, people who are looking to progress are going to have an easier time with the FX. This is because the wind range is better, the relaunch is better, the kite is more forgiving. All of these benefits really add up and inspire confidence when learning new tricks. The Chaos makes a lot of trade offs for maximum pop and slack. However, just like crossing over to the FX from the Switchblade, you're going to compromise a lot for performance. C - kites can be frustrating in inconsistent winds. They also take significantly more skill to use. In the end though, you should ride whatever your having the most fun on! Cheers! - Rygo
Hi Tristan, I can actually sum that one up here for you! So the Chaos is meant for two types of riders. People who have been flying C - kites since the early days, and competitive riders looking for an advantage. In my experience, people who are looking to progress are going to have an easier time with the FX. This is because the wind range is better, the relaunch is better, the kite is more forgiving. All of these benefits really add up and inspire confidence when learning new tricks. The Chaos makes a lot of trade offs for maximum pop and slack. However, just like crossing over to the FX from the Switchblade, you're going to compromise a lot for performance. C - kites can be frustrating in inconsistent winds. They also take significantly more skill to use. In the end though, you should ride whatever your having the most fun on! Cheers! - Rygo
whats the point of FX then? sounds like FX sucks... Switchblade jumps more, goes upwind. jumps easier.
Haha, The Fx is my favorite kite! It's for experienced riders who want a more aggressive kite.The Fx Loops better, and has more pop. It will also slack better for unhooked riders. For anyone who has been riding for 2 years, you would hardly notice the upwind difference. As for jumping, if you know how to jump with the Fx you could absolutely get as much, if not more air. I suppose that I framed this video for beginners so it appears a bit biased. Does that make sense hamish?
hamish ptwc have you every looped a switchblade......
The FX is just a lot more fun to ride if you have the skill... Just because it is so much faster.