Hi Guys,
a couple of weeks ago I bought a used 2010 Griffin Kite. The Kite seems to be alright, but I have some problems with the bar. The depower mechanism doesn't work at all. Did Griffin change something between the 2009 and 2010 bar? Because mine looks exactly like the 2009 version on the website.http://griffinkiteboarding.com/about-the-kites/bar-and-lines-2009
I can pull the red depower ball closer to me and fix it back in the holder, but the first gust pushs the ball back up. I guess the lines are to worn out and thin to hold the pressure.
Compared to other bars the griffin depower mechanism is very hard to use...
Any ideas how I can fix this? If I would go for a new (or used) bar, can I use any four line kite bar?
Cheers, Lukas
This happened to a small number of cleats, I had this as well.
Contact Griffin direct and I am sure you will get it fixed.
Hi Biba, Looks like your email never arrived, it may have been caught up in a Google apps spam filter.
Give me a call, the number is on the website so I can find out some more info about your setup.
As its a 2nd hand kite and your fairly local I would be happy to meet up at the beach and check out the system.
The setup is similar to most brands with a cleat and rope through a ring at the top.
There are some spare parts I can swap over but I need to see your 2nd hand bar setup as the previous rider may have made some mods.
Our kites have 6 month warranty's and our goal is to keep the kilters happy.
Re using another bar, you can do this, but always check as line lengths as setups may vary from brand to brand and a differenc in line lengths may make the kite over or underpowered.
5 weeks later I would like to write some feedback, like Chris (the Griffin Guy) asked me when I reached him the first time on his mobile...
Good things first: I got my replacement depower line and new chicken loop for a good price.
But, the whole process took quite a while. Getting an answer from Chris via email is nearly impossible. Usually I called him a few days later and reminded him.
I bought the kite 2nd hand, and this guy told me that the depower line on his friends new Griffin Kite is thicker and doesn't slip through the cleat anymore. So I asked Chris if he changed something on the thickness. No reply...
Long story short, he received the money via paypal on the 29th of Jan and told me he would ship it via express asap. The stuff arrived here on the 9th of Feb after I reminded him via phone and email!
And the new rope is almost half the size bigger... In my eyes, that's a manufacturing fault and should be replaced free.
Chris also told me he would refund the money because of the long shipping period... If you read that Chris, keep the money. Maybe you need it more than I do.
Conclusion: Worst support ever. Go and spend a few bucks more on a proper kite from a proper brand.
I ended up selling the Griffin and buying a 2010 Crossbow. Flies much smoother and the bar system is a dream!
You are expecting a bit much! It was a second hand kite. No manufacturer in any industry will jump up to help you. To me it sounded like a very easy fix that you could have done with out even contacting the maker. I know the Monkey set up and there are plenty of cleats that could have been used for smaller ropes. Go to any sailing shop and you can get a replacement in 2 minutes.
What else do you want.....someone to wipe your arse! Seriously grow a pair and maintain your own kites....or do some research before you buy. People complain way too much these days
well, you're right. I could have repaired it myself. But I thought as a beginner it might be a bad idea to repair such an important part myself. Without any knowledge...
And I get the point about 2nd hand and no warranty, that's why I paid for my replacement.
I had a go on the new Griffin kites at kitestock and was stoaked. I think they are well made auzzie kites.... and I'm a Kiwi
So as a beginner, a newbie to kitesurfing, and a newbie to Seabreeze your willing to go out on a limb and pay out on one of the few Australian brands that we have.
That's some pretty poor form!
If you had bought it new then i'd say you have every right to complain... but you didn't.
Did you go into your local kite shop and ask them for assistance? If you did you would have found that having them replace the clam cleat also would have fixed it and cost you under $20.
Did you ask anyone else more experience than you to take a look at it? If you did then they could also confirm if it was a worn clam cleat or depower rope.
Did you take one ounce of initiative in resolving this matter? Umm... well you did post on Seabreeze, so 2 points. [}:)]
I'm going to defend Chris from Griffin here and say that everything that i've heard of Griffin Kiteboarding and all of my experiences with their kites have been superb.
I fear for who ever you bought the Cabrinha from!
Just to clarify that a bit, for the price the kites are sold, they are good! In my opinion the Crossbow is better, but you have to spend a few hundred bucks more...
It's just that I had problems with the depower system on the bar. And as I understand from warwickl's reply, I wasn't the first. The depower rope was simply to thin.
Then I contacted support, payed for the replacement, didn't received it in 7 days, called again and the friendly voice on the other side said "Oh yeah, sorry mate, I forgot. Send it to you next monday"...
You are a bit of a moaner Biba.
Suck it up and learn a lesson. People sell used kites for a reason. Usually it's cos they're worn out, having problems or need replacing.
Who goes to the wholesaler for parts in any other industry? You should have gone to your local shop.
Even worse you have a public moan on an internet forum about a delay in receiving your stuff from a wholesaler? If I was Griffin I would have sent you back to your kite shop. Then you reckon it should have been free? For a second hand kite?
Bad form mate.
I agree - bad form Biba
You've been watching too much Today Tonight.
Im getting sick of this new Australian "Im entitled to everything" attitude.
Australia dont become America...
