We have a new Duotone Unit (5.0) wing, very nice, but it seems to not deflate through the main inflation central valve, but instead have a set of two small plug type release valves, one on the main section, and the other on the strut.
But since one rolls ti up from the sides to the center, that does not make it easy to get the inflation air out, as one would with a kite, since you are not rolling it up towards a central valve.
Am I missing something here? Is there a way to get it to deflate using the main large central inflation valve?
The main central valve can be rotated to let air out. The 2 pointy bits can be held and twisted to open/close the main valve.
I have dlabs they have a dump valve on one tip and one in centre strut I just release the tip valve and the strut one then fold the middle strut up then the tips and then I roll up from the other end and push the air out. I find it very easy
I have the latest 5.5m Unit and do not have an issue with deflation through the main valve. I do not use the dump valves but typically leave the wing for 10-15 mins after deflating before rolling up. When rolling up I will generally need to squeeze the bladder to remove some air, but not much. I'm assuming you are aware the main valve needs to be turned fully clockwise to release the air and also check that your strut valve has been released.
Also if valve unit isn't tightened sufficiently (the very outer ring you screw on with tool) and it becomes unseated from grooves, it may cause clear valve door to not open. You'll know as when you turn valve clockwise as usual to deflate, it will turn but no air deflates. Also: hang over from previous echo usage I never use dump valves on struts. No need and had them leak in past due to not much use, needing me to replace bladder. Wings deflate quick enough with main valve
I open the center strut dump valve and main inflation valve. break down my board/foil and everything is pretty deflated. first fold end of strut to LE and put my board on top. then make the corresponding fold an roll each wingtip toward the strut, using the board to keep everything tidy while I roll the 2nd wing tip.
I learnt a lot from BRM Cloud, this guy is the master of simplicity along with excellent designs and quality.
His method for kites is simply fold in half inside out then roll both halves from wing tip.
I have used this technique with all my wind wings including my Dlabs.
What I do for my Dlabs is grab both handles lifting the wing so both halves meet, then lay it on the ground inside out, the roll from the wing tips all the way to the strut which easily forces the air out 2 valves. Now I have the windwing nicely rolled up to the strut, next fold up the end bending at the window and pop in the bag.
Takes half the time and if on sand only half the windwing is ever in contact with the sand.
If my description is not clear check his Web site.
On the Unit I simple open the inflate and the dump valve on tip. Roll from one end to other when you reach middle fold tip of strut over to back of handle and carry on rolling to end then fold in half.
this is best way if windy same as with my kites. Folding in half or rolling one side to middle then other is all good when it's not windy
Select to expand quotewarwickl said..
I learnt a lot from BRM Cloud, this guy is the master of simplicity along with excellent designs and quality.
His method for kites is simply fold in half inside out then roll both halves from wing tip.
I have used this technique with all my wind wings including my Dlabs.
What I do for my Dlabs is grab both handles lifting the wing so both halves meet, then lay it on the ground inside out, the roll from the wing tips all the way to the strut which easily forces the air out 2 valves. Now I have the windwing nicely rolled up to the strut, next fold up the end bending at the window and pop in the bag.
Takes half the time and if on sand only half the windwing is ever in contact with the sand.
If my description is not clear check his Web site.
same for me after watching his video. Check it out at 44'00
Was looking for that BRM video after it was mentioned further up the thread, couldn't find it so thanks for posting a link!
Very interesting, going to give it a go. Also seems like one of the more promising ways of folding a wing on the water that I've come across also, which is a trick I'd like to have in my pocket for handling unplanned water exits on steep rocky shorelines.
