Forums > Kitesurfing General

Stretch Marks on The Kite.

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Created by Jimmyz > 9 months ago, 9 Jul 2008
Jimmyz
NSW, 446 posts
9 Jul 2008 3:32PM
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Just a quick question, I'm beginning to find that my 14m TD2 kite is getting what I can only describe as 'stretch marks' on the actual material. Right smack bang in the middle of the kite's trailing edge, they aren't huge or anything, but they seem to be getting bigger and became more prominant when I learnt to boost proficiently, I am a bit of a blob at 100kilos .

I think I remember hearing this is normal, but can't help worrying that my kite is gunna give way or something. It's less than a year old, bought it last year November and I've put it through hell as far as boosting and powered movements with the kite are concerned, I've already had to replace all my pigtails and may have to replace my lines soon. Does the material eventually just rip or is there a point where this stops? If it does, can it be fixed, or should I just go buy myself a T3; which is in my opinion the same kite... oooooh shorter bridle oooooo ahhhhh.

Oh and no I don't intend to resell this kite... ever, I will ride it til it dies... possibly in mid-boost, love it so much, I just need to do a bit of 'financial planning' for future breakages.

9 Jul 2008 3:46PM
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Jimmyz said...

Just a quick question, I'm beginning to find that my 14m TD2 kite is getting what I can only describe as 'stretch marks' on the actual material. Right smack bang in the middle of the kite's trailing edge, they aren't huge or anything, but they seem to be getting bigger and became more prominant when I learnt to boost proficiently, I am a bit of a blob at 100kilos .

I think I remember hearing this is normal, but can't help worrying that my kite is gunna give way or something. It's less than a year old, bought it last year November and I've put it through hell as far as boosting and powered movements with the kite are concerned, I've already had to replace all my pigtails and may have to replace my lines soon. Does the material eventually just rip or is there a point where this stops? If it does, can it be fixed, or should I just go buy myself a T3; which is in my opinion the same kite... oooooh shorter bridle oooooo ahhhhh.

Oh and no I don't intend to resell this kite... ever, I will ride it til it dies... possibly in mid-boost, love it so much, I just need to do a bit of 'financial planning' for future breakages.


G'day Jimmyz

What you are seeing is most likely the breakdown of the clear resin coating on the cloth of the kite canopy.
Its quite normal, happens on all kites. Happens faster on kites that flap or that are left on the beach in the wind and sun flapping after a session.
Yes, the kite will eventually tear and usually in a horizontal line parallel with the trailing edge.
It can happen in flight, most commonly when a person lands your kite for you and catches it by the trailing edge.
Yes it is repairable, and is often worth repairing at least once.
A good sailmaker just cuts out the weathered section and replaces it or sews a new piece of cloth over the affected area.
I reckon use it till it dies. Budget on no more than $200 to do a large repair on both sides of the kite.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Paul1
QLD, 1011 posts
9 Jul 2008 4:23PM
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Treat your kite like your woman. Any stretch marks, cellulite or unusual behaviour simply trade her in for a younger model.

jev7337
QLD, 460 posts
9 Jul 2008 5:46PM
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Paul1 said...

Treat your kite like your woman. Any stretch marks, cellulite or unusual behaviour simply trade her in for a younger model.


Jimmyz
NSW, 446 posts
9 Jul 2008 11:21PM
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Thanks Steve.

I think it'll be a while til it gives way still, just had another look at it, but I'm going to keep an eye on the marks so I can take it in the be replaced before the tear happens... don't wanna miss out on a session!

Haha Paul, I was thinking that, but in this metaphor I love this woman, just imagine... Angelina Jolie... she just has a few itty bitty stretch marks... I'll take her in for surgery, not beyond repair and none of the young models are quite the same.



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"Stretch Marks on The Kite." started by Jimmyz