Two Main Upgrades on 2023 Cabrinha COS Control Bar
Depower Mainline
The depower mainline is the line directly above the loop that connects to a rider’s harness. This line is where the control bar can sheet in and out. In the new control bar, there are two lines directly above the loop versus the traditional one line. The significance of having two lines for the depower mainline is to prevent the two center lines from twisting up on a trick or loop. For example, after a backroll the lines will be twisted. When the rider untwists the control bar, the new bar will also untwist the two center lines. We enjoyed this feature on our session with the new 2023 Cabrinha COS Control Bar. One thing to mention is that the center lines need to be separated when setting up the control bar.
Another difference on the new bar, and this is for shorter riders, is that the depower mainline is shorter. To be exact, the 2023 Cabrinha COS Control Bar is 3 inches shorter than the previous year’s Overdrive Control Bars. The benefits of this is that shorter riders will have an easier time to reach the bar when they let go of the control bar.
Safety System
The safety system mechanism changed on the 2023 Cabrinha COS Control Bar. Two features here stand out. The first and most important feature is how the safety system works. The process to depower the kite remains the same. However, how the loop puts back together is much more simple. The loop that connects to the harness clicks back in versus having to maneuver the piece into the right spot to click together. We wouldn’t say the new bar is more or less safe than the older bar, it is just easier to reattach the loop after the safety has been deployed.
The second feature we like about the safety system is the tool-less loop interchange. The standard loop is smaller than years past control bars. The benefits of a smaller loop is to keep the control bar in closer reach to the rider. The loop can be switched out for a larger loop to benefit the riders looking to unhook and do freestyle. Changing the loop is incredibly easy and does not require any tools.
Subtle Changes
Trim Cleat
The mechanism used to depower the kite changed. Its connection to the bar changed from a threading through the depower mainline to a stainless steel pin that holds it in place. The benefits this new connection provides is an easier way to switch out pieces. The cleat is a bit higher quality than years past. But, the overall way to depower the kite with the cleat did not change.
Stainless Steel Bar Center
There is a stainless steel bracket in the middle of the control bar that the depower mainline passes through. Cabrinha widened the steel bracket. In years past and when working the kite, the metal bracket was not wide enough to protect the grip from the plastic swivel piece. The new stainless steel center piece is wide enough to protect the grip.
Features That Did Not Change
Some features did not change on the new control bar. However, these features are worth mentioning. The Cabrinha Overdrive Control Bar has these same features as the new COS bar.
Adjustable Line Length
The new and previous years control bar comes in a standard 22m line setup. Each bar comes with 2m line extensions. These line extensions can be added on to create a 24m line bar. For lighter winds in Florida, we use the line extensions. The standard 22m setup has 4m line extensions already on the control bar. These can be removed to make the line length 18m. An 18m line length will decrease the power of the kite. But, the shorter bar makes it turn quicker. This will benefit riders kitelooping in strong winds.
Adjustable Bar Width
The adjustable bar width mechanism did not change on the 2023 Cabrinha COS Control Bar. There is a plastic piece that can be pulled down to make the bar more wide or narrow. The actual width of the bar has changed. The new medium sized bar is 47-55cm vs the 44-52cm setting from the previous year. There is a small version of the new bar that comes in 42-50cm.
Another feature is the ability to tune the outside steering lines. Underneath the plastic mechanism are three knots. These three knots provide the rider with the ability to change the line length in the outside lines. Over time, the center lines stretch. A rider can increase the line length in the outside lines to compensate for the center lines.
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