Tkb Review: 2017 CABRINHA Contra

Sizes Available: 13, 15, 17, 19m
Sizes Tested: 13m

Cabrinha Says:

The Contra is a three strut light wind kite designed to optimize low-end power while retaining the finesse that keeps this kite fun to fly. The high aspect ratio maximizes power production and makes generating power and speed a snap. Our trademark depower-on-demand makes managing this power effortless, allowing it to execute sharp and precise turns. Tuned to deliver the type of performance that will widen the scope of what you can do in light winds, the Contra has the power to get you up and riding when the winds are barely showing signs on the water. For 2017 we added pure profile panels to and brought the struts closer to the center to increase canopy support.

Visit for more info: www.cabrinhakites.com/kite/contra.html

Our Testers Say:

“Lets you boost like a rocket and land like Mary Poppins.” // Chris Borodic.

“A grunty, stable and consistent power source. The Contra is great for learning new tricks in light winds or for foiling. It’s very well behaved and delivers when you need it.” // Dray Murray.

“Like driving a cement mixer on sedatives, the Contra has tons of power but isn’t in a hurry to turn. Once loaded up, it pops riders up for lofty airs and provides controlled, stable landings.” // Justin Lord.

Meet Our Testers

TKB Says:

The Contra is back for 2017 as Cabrinha’s medium aspect light wind canopy with swept back wingtips and a stable three-strut canopy. The Contra delivers a consistent grunty pull with very comfortable medium bar pressure and smooth predictable power delivery. The Contra’s main selling point is that it delivers grunt with fairly good steering response and turning speed that helps you keep it in the meat of the wind window. The Contra turns in a larger steering arc rather than a tight pivot but generates good power throughout maneuvers. The 3-strut frame delivers a solid balance between crisp canopy shape and a light overall feel, while the impressive pull makes this a no-brainer choice for extremely low wind freestyle sessions.

Cabrinha offers three control bar options for their kites: 1) Overdrive 1X with Recoil (Adjustable bar ends with spring/tuning strap) 2) Overdrive 1X with Trim Lite (Adjustable bar ends with cam cleat tuning) and 3) 1X with Trim Lite.The Overdrive 1X with Recoil is a dual adjustable length bar (48cm/56cm or 57cm/65cm) that riders can adjust on the water. The Recoil features a streamlined single center-line safety depower system, low V, and a fixed length durable plastic sheeting/throw line which combines above the bar tuning with longer travel throw while keeping controls well within the rider’s reach by using extension handles. The plastic depower/throw line doesn’t include an adjustable stopper but the spring loaded controls act to keep the bar within reach when let go. The plastic push away quick release can be cocked off to the side for easy reassembly and incorporates a below the bar hand swivel that doubles as a travel guard. The center lines end in a knot and the outside lines end in loops. Testers commented on the Overdrive 1X’s slightly thicker grip diameter and liked the rubber texture of the hand grip. The Overdrive 1X with Trim Lite is a dual adjustable length bar (48cm/56cm or 57cm/65cm) that riders can adjust on the water. This bar features a streamlined single center-line safety depower system, low V, and a fixed length durable plastic sheeting/throw line which combines above the bar tuning via a cam cleat. This is likely Cabrinha’s answer to those riders that prefer a simpler bar layout than the spring/tuning strap (Recoil version). The plastic push away quick release can be cocked off to the side for easy reassembly and incorporates a below the bar hand swivel that doubles as a travel guard. The center lines end in a knot and the outside lines end in loops. Testers commented on the 1X’s slightly thicker grip diameter and liked the rubber texture of the hand grip.The 1X with Trim Lite is a fixed length bar (44cm, 52cm and 60cm) that features a streamlined single center-line safety depower system, low V, and a fixed length durable plastic sheeting/throw line which combines above the bar tuning via a cam cleat (another alternative to Cabrinha’s Recoil version). The plastic push away quick release can be cocked off to the side for easy reassembly and incorporates a below the bar hand swivel that doubles as a travel guard. The center lines end in a knot and the outside lines end in loops. Compared to the adjustable bar ends of the Overdrive, the 1X with Trim Lite is overall lighter and requires smaller floats. Testers commented on the 1X’s slightly thicker grip diameter and liked the rubber texture of the hand grip. Cabrinha also offers this bar’s adjustable length bar ends (Overdrive) with the Trim Lite simplified cam cleat tuning system instead of the spring/tuning strap/extensions of the Recoil tuning system.