Havn't ridden the 12, but the 2012 11m has been a great learners kite for me and now my daughter. Stable, easy relaunch, goes well upwind and has a pretty wide wind range. Great kite for what they are intended for and I suspect better than where they sit in the Cabrinha lineup.
The main difference is 3 vs 5 struts, and in the 2012 kites less low end power. The construction is generally simpler (cheaper). I'm sure you can do more with the switchy if you know what you are doing. (i dont!)
