Windsurf MagazineCABRINHA CROSSWING X2 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

CABRINHA CROSSWING X2 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

A standout wing in its own right, the X2 has some class defining design features, giving it real appeal to the more experienced, assertive or demanding riding style.

THEY SAY

“The X2’s increase in performance is seen across the wing surfing spectrum. From quick starts to high-speed runs. From tight surfing to huge airs, the Crosswing X2 is ready to perform wherever your imagination takes you.”

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WE SAY

The Crosswing X2 is Cabrinha’s surf / freeride oriented wing, with a few unique design features that instantly grab the headlines. First off, there’s the Double Strut through the centre, which serves the dual purpose of hosting the handles (more on these in a bit) and taking care of the canopy profile, tensioning it in the process. Both struts are narrow in diameter, and demand a whopping 11 PSI of pressure, joined by an inflation tube, and inflating independently of the leading-edge chamber. Once fully inflated (the LE tube asking for a paltry 6.5 PSI), the X2 has a relatively low aspect ratio outline and exhibits a soft vee dihedral geometry through its leading edge. The canopy is produced in Nano ripstop material and is medium to tight throughout, with a couple of mini-battens present on the trailing edge. It’s a clean and somewhat minimalist design, which brings us to the second unique concept in the X2 – its handles. Complimented with a harness line attachment point, there are just two handles provided on the X2, yet they sit proud of the strut, their webbing form served with shape and structure by some internal tubing. Supplied with a webbing style corded leash and rucksack bag, it is well reinforced with Kevlar patches in vulnerable areas and weighs in at a ‘middle of the pack’ 2.50 kg.

Sitting easy and balanced in the neutral position, the X2’s minimalist handle configuration takes a little getting used to when manoeuvring into the powered position. There’s an extended reach required down the central strut to locate the first handle, something that the younger or smaller pilot might find a bit of a struggle initially. Once engaged though, the X2 is incredibly comfortable in flight. Its power isn’t the most obvious or grunty in marginal winds, but kick start it with some efficient pumping and the wing quickly gathers pace and power. Wonderfully stable, it is a pleasure to use for long periods, the handles providing both comfort and control, and allowing the rider to play their hand positioning to find their own sweet spot. They are also a real asset during manoeuvres, and combined with the X2’s compact, agile nature, encourage the rider to throw the wing around confidently in transition. The webbing edges of the handles still provide some flex and movement in the handles themselves – a feature that could perhaps be mitigated in future iterations to enhance the wing’s control, connection and power delivery further still? And yet, in its current form the X2 certainly proves the value of the concept. It is a wing for the more experienced rider … or the pro-active at the very least. The lack of handle options means that it is less accepting of a more passive on-off riding style and could easily serve to pull a rider’s stance out of shape. We also found it really came to life and found its footing when working at speed. Rigid and defined, it thrives on being sailed assertively, where its stability and power can be put to good use, floating through gybes and remaining light and stable when parked. And one final word to the wise, none of this is possible without fully applying the right pressure to the centre strut! We know this from experience and would say the X2 is one of the more sensitive wings here to this demand.