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New for 2024, the Moto XL replaces the Contra as Cabrinha’s lightwind machine. Building off of the nimble Moto X platform, Pat Goodman has done an incredible job of fusing power and playfulness. With sizes ranging from 13 to 17m, this is a dedicated lightwind session saver.
It is clear the utmost attention has been paid to weight reduction whilst maintaining durability. Most notably, the Ultra HT material that was an immediate success on the 2023 Nitro has been implemented both to save weight and provide a more direct steering response whilst improving the effective product lifespan. Additionally, Featherlight bladders and thinner Apex bridles ensure no corners have been cut in providing a fully refined package.
These enhancements are instantly apparent and any of the heavy, sluggish bar feeling that might have remained in the old Contras has been abolished to leave an incredibly light and intuitive kite for its size. Sheeting in requires minimal muscle power and results in a steady increase in drive that never seems to exceed a usable limit. Steering occurs with minimal lag and bar input, which is improved further by changing the steering line setting from A to B (the ‘Direct Steering’ setting). Direct steering is impressively maintained throughout the bar travel sustaining fingertip control when fully sheeted out.
On the twintip this kite really pushed the low wind limits and, as a lighter rider, I was able to comfortably utilize a low-end drive in a steady 12 knot breeze on the 13m. Large dives or downloops are smoothly predictable and generate heaps of power, however the light bar pressure means even the most frail of kiters can still utilize this hangtime machine as the wind picks up. Consistently lofty heli-loops were easily accessible despite its size and a large sweet spot unlocked a jump with plentiful hangtime.
In the waves a pivotal turn when fully sheeted in, and impressive drift due to the light package that underpins the Apex series, allowed easy positioning of the kite within the wind window and plenty of room for error, leading to a blast in the most marginal conditions. When the wind dropped out further and we reached for the foil, the large size and intuitive nature led the Moto XL to be a lightwind tacking machine which provided ample lift and time for the most technical of maneuvers. It should come as no surprise that the Apex package maintains excellent stability in light winds and water relaunch remains refreshingly straightforward with a large sweet spot.
A splendid blend of low-end lift and effortless response leads the Moto XL to sit firmly at the forefront of lightwind performance. Cabrinha have chosen an excellent time to utilize the current diversification in materials to craft a next step in redefining the boundary of fun to be had on a kite.
