Hey folks I found a leak in my beloved 9m C4 today (2012 version). It is a crack in one of the clear plastic take off nipples that feed the struts from the main bladder. Has anyone else ever had this and more importantly ever fixed it successfully without replacing the nipple? Thanks in advance.
Sorry to disappoint- no photos of my cracked nipples attached
mate just got his 12m c4 back from surffx, have to replace nipples im afraid. They said it was the first c4 they had to replace a few nipples on. Looks like theres 2 now
this is because the kites rolled too tightly,also for long periods without use, fold it small but loose, theyre on to it though as the new kites come with bent nipples,
as for repairing, check all the others, if its just one then its worth replacing the nipple, if the others are showing wear its cheaper to replace the le bladder than replace a couple
Hi guys,
The material the valves are made of goes brittle with time. Be careful handling them when they get old, it is easy to crack them when forcing on the hose after a bladder repair.
The nipple must be replaced, they can't be repaired. It's an easy job and only takes 10 minutes, and yes, if one has gone, the other may also go, hence the handle with care and don't bend or deform them by pressing the nipple body. It seems to effect mostly around the 2012 kites, we've had several go. No biggy, still a great kite. 
DM
I just had too replace one on my 2012 7m c4. I'd previously had to do it for the same reason on a 2010, but with the newer models it seems to be a bit more difficult. As far as I could tell the valves are now welded on, rather than just glued, so you can just peel them off. I had to cut the old valve off...
I had it happen to my 2010 c4. Just took some glue(kitefix) into the crack and that fixed the problem.
