Hey all, I had my first kite for spring yesterday, unpacked my 11m and got to pumping. Strange hissing noise coming from one of the struts. Found out there is a nice big split where the bladder splits from the leading edge to the struts.
Is this something I can get a kit for and DIY it? Or should this be taken care of professionally? I'm not sure if I can replace it without having to do something with the stitching...
Anyone had this happen? Is it normal wear and tear, or something I've incorrectly done in storage?
This sometimes happens with the slingshot style onepump valves after a while. Cheapest and easiest fix is some stormsure $8.95 for a 5g tube, otherwise if it is cracked more than half way, maybe a replacement stick on valve is a better option.
Pop it in if you are coming past the shop any time soon.
Quite common on these valve connections, check your others as you'll find they might not be far behind, the way you roll your kite can contribute especially for long periods, if a few are on their way out IMHO it better and cheaper to replace your bladders
The guys above are right, but don't try and repair it as it won't last or won't work. I've tried to repair these nozzle valves before with all sorts of compounds including Stormsure. None worked (won't say which due to business reasons) because valves are made of a different chemical combination than the bladders themselves. Once cracked you either have to "weld" the joint back using a soldering iron (yes, it sometimes works) or have it replaced entirely. Cheaper and easier the later.
Dropped it off to KP today. Getting the single valve replaced, which should keep me going until I decide on what new kites I want.
I had that happen to my rpm's a few years ago. 3 of those things broke in 2 separate sessions, 2 on one kite and 1 on the other. Got them all replaced for cheap. Im still flying slingshots and the first thing i do when i get a new kite is tape the nossels up so they are nice and stiff to stop them bending backwards and forwards and splitting. Dont know if this works but i havent split another one since.
