I just got a "new to me" D-lab 6.5 2023 Slick.
(turns out it leaks around the airport valve and looks like I can replace the valve without changing the balder but this is a different subject...)
Anyway the recommended pressure is 6.5 psi. I've used it both overpowered and under powered at 6.5psi. So my question is under what circumstances do we now raise and low leading edge pressure on these newer wings?
Also, does anyone. Find any benefit to taking the extra steps to put higher pressure in the strut with these one pump wings?
The leaking valve is prob bit of dust or salt in the valve and you can clean it out. Google leaking airport valve and you'll find a video. for the pressure I just pump them hard all the time but I'm 93kg
Select to expand quoteleepasty said..
The leaking valve is prob bit of dust or salt in the valve and you can clean it out. Google leaking airport valve and you'll find a video. for the pressure I just pump them hard all the time but I'm 93kg
Thanks
With the cap on and tight, the bubbles are at the outer part of the valve. I think it might be where the valve is adhered to the bladder.
With this alula material seems like it could be very hard to pinpoint a leak.
Ah ok
Just get a new bladder not worth the hassle of changing valve in my opinion
check with shop you got it from as may be covered on warranty
I always pump up to the max, I honestly don't see anything good about an under inflated wing.Replacing the valve is very easy, the hardest part is removing the bladder to do the work.
www.fixmykite.com/proddetail.asp?prod=fmk_north_airport_screw_valve
I pump all my Dlab wings 1.5-2 psi more than recommended and haven't had any issues. I find they perform much better like this at my weight (105 kg's) generally riding small race foils (ML 540) very powered at full speed. The wings don't fold and lose shape like they do at the recommended psi and pump much better in light wind to get on foil. Just my personal preference from my observations.
Select to expand quoteleepasty said..
Ah ok
Just get a new bladder not worth the hassle of changing valve in my opinion
check with shop you got it from as may be covered on warranty
It's only a couple months old but I bought it used so...
I'm going to pull the bladder out and see if I can find the leak. I'll replace it like you suggested if I don't find it.
That Blue Planet video was helpful. Thanks Jondrums.
Funny thing is I've been out on it three times and did not know it was leaking until I tested all my wings over night in our living room. I had a suspicion but I wasn't sure.
I just tested it again and found it leaks about 1 psi per hour. So I can assume i was using it in the 4psi range at the end of a couple of those sessions.
Thanks for that info Cnski
Select to expand quoteCnski said..
(105 kg's) generally riding small race foils (ML 540) very powered at full speed.
This hit me a few hours after I read it.
105 lbs on a 540, ?? WOW.
I'm curious How much wind do you need t make that work?
Apparently there was a known manufacturing issue with a small defect on the die that molds the piece on the back side of the airport valve. This left a small sharp burr that could puncture the bladder from the inside when the wing is rolled up. Later model wings should not have this issue as it was remedied.
