Looking for some advice on the LE bladder end blow outs of my 9 meter Ozone Enduro v5. I Purchased the kite just over 1 year ago, brand new at an authorized Ozone dealer. Used it 3 sessions, after pumping up for 4th session blow out at one of the end caps of the leading edge, immediately after reaching the desired pressure (7- 8 psi). Repaired under warranty at an authorized kite repair shop, a new Ozone bladder was delivered under warranty. (via the dealer where I purchased the kite) Used the kite 3 sessions, after pumping up for a next session again a blow out at one of the end caps.
Until now I have been kiting for around 15 years and almost 10 years with various Ozone kites, absolutely never had this issue before and am uncertain what to do with this kite.
Can anyone think of a reason for these blowouts of the leading edge at the end caps?
In line with this, the following may be noteworthy:
1)
Ozone provides an instruction for LE bladder removal and installation. This can also be found on YouTube: Ozone Kite Leading Edge Bladder Remove and Install
Here distinction is made between the "fold over end method" and the "end cap" method. Both methods appear to have a bladder retainer velcro tab. I believe the Enduro v5 has the "end cap" method. Does anyone know why 2 systems exist and what is the reason for using the one or the other? Could it be that the end cap system is more prone to incorrect installation, thus causing these blow outs?
2)
At the kite repair shop where the first repair was done it was suggested that a possible reason for the leading edge bladder not sitting correctly in the kite body could be the manner in which a kite is hung out to dry, i.e. with the leading edge hanging downwards, so all the end caps (leading edge and bladders) facing upwards. Seems unlikely to me, (Both methods appear to have a bladder retainer velcro tab) never had this issue with my other kites, but could it be that the end cap system is sensitive to this manner of hanging a kite to dry? The instruction manuals mention nothing about this.
Did both blowouts occur on the same end ?
If so, there could be an issue with the dacron seam alignment on that side.
If not, then most likely incorrect bladder installation. The end cap method is more prone to this.
Assuming the bladder is not too short, then it's most likely due to a twist or bunching at the end of the bladder.
Make sure the person installing the bladder is familiar with this installation method.
I'm sure Ryan AKA the Sail Doctor (Cornishryan on Seabreeze) will share some good insights on this one.
Select to expand quoteKiteBud said..
Did both blowouts occur on the same end ?
If so, there could be an issue with the dacron seam alignment on that side.
If not, then most likely incorrect bladder installation. The end cap method is more prone to this.
Assuming the bladder is not too short, then it's most likely due to a twist or bunching at the end of the bladder.
Make sure the person installing the bladder is familiar with this installation method.
I'm sure Ryan AKA the Sail Doctor (Cornishryan on Seabreeze) will share some good insights on this one.
Yep indeed I can.
In my experience I see poor installation as the issue with the end cap method. I see no other reason it would fail. Likely the shop has installed with a twist. I've seen this a few times when customers have installed the bladders thinking it's super simple.
Personally I don't think it will be a dacron issue knowing the brand and process of manufacture.
Select to expand quoteKiteBud said..
Did both blowouts occur on the same end ?
If so, there could be an issue with the dacron seam alignment on that side.
If not, then most likely incorrect bladder installation. The end cap method is more prone to this.
Assuming the bladder is not too short, then it's most likely due to a twist or bunching at the end of the bladder.
Make sure the person installing the bladder is familiar with this installation method.
I'm sure Ryan AKA the Sail Doctor (Cornishryan on Seabreeze) will share some good insights on this one.
Thanks for the feedback. At the second kite repair shop it was determined that at the other side of the LE bladder a milky white patch was forming, so both sides blow outs. (Very near to the end seams, on both sides at the same spot)
Select to expand quoteCornishryan said..KiteBud said..
Did both blowouts occur on the same end ?
If so, there could be an issue with the dacron seam alignment on that side.
If not, then most likely incorrect bladder installation. The end cap method is more prone to this.
Assuming the bladder is not too short, then it's most likely due to a twist or bunching at the end of the bladder.
Make sure the person installing the bladder is familiar with this installation method.
I'm sure Ryan AKA the Sail Doctor (Cornishryan on Seabreeze) will share some good insights on this one.
Yep indeed I can.
In my experience I see poor installation as the issue with the end cap method. I see no other reason it would fail. Likely the shop has installed with a twist. I've seen this a few times when customers have installed the bladders thinking it's super simple.
Personally I don't think it will be a dacron issue knowing the brand and process of manufacture.
Thanks for the feedback. If incorrect installation is indeed the reason, then it is remarkable that it was also incorrectly installed at the Ozone factory.
I have been trying to get advice from the Ozone quality control department via the Ozone website, but this gets passed on to the dealer where I purchased the kite.
Do you perhaps know a way to get in contact with the Ozone quality control department?
