Hey there to the Kiting Mob . . . just want to pose a question to other kite owners regarding a recent scenario.
A new 'surf tough', 'surf inspired' kite used perhaps 6 times in light wind on flat water shows signs of leaking on leading edge bladder. Bladder removed to discover delaminations of the glue joining the dump valve to the bladder. Repaired with glue. Further inspection shows extensive delam on other leading edge valves. Owner suspects faulty batch or inferior process.
Has anyone else out there had these issues? If so, does this fall under warranty? If not, who's got the best solution for repair?
Thanks in advance.
Too much heat,ie left in car on a warm day, saying that some brands at sometimes have had issues, blade were shockers, north around 2009 2010, and flexifoil, I'd say it would be due to the r&d being done in cooler climates, flexifoil now use a glue tested to 120deg so no more issues, as mentioned go back to the shop or email brand manufacturer, most bladders I've fixed with delam valves have had multi valve issues, personally I'd ask or put a new one in , most brands retail around $100 for a new le bladder
Without turning it into a witch hunt can you name the brand?
I know Ozone had some issues a few years ago with a faulty bonding machine (from memory).
Because word was openly circulated users found out quickly (before getting stranded 1/2 km offshore!) and Ozone offered a repair kit or sumpin.
That's a good way to make the best of a bad situation rather than denial/refusal/buck passing etc.
EDIT: I don't think the car heat is always to blame btw. I've been on the same kites for many years and have had them in my car all day many many times with zero probs.
Admittedly I'm (sometimes) sensible and try to find shade, keep the kites out of direct sunlight (even if it's just a towel over them) and windows partially open.
Prolly done this 60-70 times.
I fix all my kites and my mates kites and I have
Fixed a few delaminating valves over the years . A good old trick was to sit the valve in a bowl of hot water to get the rest of the valve off , it would just peel straight off after being in hot water so I don't think they used the best glue back then . Now days the hot water trick does not work they seem to be laminated rather than glued
Folks. . . I aint gonn spill the beans on the brand coz I love the kite and what it does for me (when it's not leaking). . . . appreciate the points RE hot water etc. A mate here also came up with a super cool valve trap idea using sticky sale repair cloth.
Have had a prompt reply from the point of sale and tip-top back up service with apologies and a new bladder in the post.
Happy Days.
Peel it off and buy a stick on valve. Kite Addiction ($20.00) sells them if your local shop doesn't . It took me 10 minutes to fix mine and no more problems.
As far as the Ozone problem they did a recall and replaced the leading edge bladder.
Select to expand quotethorn said..
Peel it off and buy a stick on valve. Kite Addiction ($20.00) sells them if your local shop doesn't . It took me 10 minutes to fix mine and no more problems.
As far as the Ozone problem they did a recall and replaced the leading edge bladder.
agree with him.. buy a stick on valve, as good as new
