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All Forums > Kitesurfing > Newbies / Tips & Tricks > LE went off on the same spot 3 times!
Author LE went off on the same spot 3 times!
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529 Posts
Posted 05/02/2011, 8:42 pm        Report Show Profile
Ok, I ride 9m delta. The LE went off a first time 3mnth ago when velcro on the wing tip didn't hold, LE poped out and exploded with a big bang:( Area marked around 5x5 cm for trying with a patch, but didn't work, so sealed in a shop professionally: Neil done a good job! But than one month latter on my birthday :( Another one, see 1cm from the sealed edge: Sealed again! And than today another one! Exactly the same place! Unbelievable! What can cause this? Folding? HELP!!! So good wing tip has got around 10cm left when unfolded: : But I'm worried about this one, since nothing has left! If the LE is shorter and shorter is the only option replacing it? I actually put some bubble wrap at both ends to support the LE, around fist size. Obviously didn't work. Bubbles intact tho, so it was supporting... Now, Neil's suggestion is to reinforce the LE end with a patch, but looks like the patch given to me is not flexible, it's more like a plastic foil. Looked my bigger Cab, they have a double foil around the ends, this one hasn't! Please advice! Thanks
QLD
798 Posts
Posted 06/02/2011, 7:51 am        Report Show Profile
Let me start by saying that 90% of these wingtip blowouts are caused by incorrect rolling of your kite. I would try packing it away differently and don't start rolling from the very tip. You could repair with a stronger material and the extra stretch required will come from further down the bladder. How much shorter is it now compared to new? The bladder can be extended by an experienced repaired but it can be a bigger job than most bladder repairs. Sometimes it can just be cheaper to replace with an original or something like a Fixmykite bladder but looking at your pics it doesn't look that bad as long as the bladder isn't much shorter than when it was new.
529 Posts
Posted 06/02/2011, 1:47 pm        Report Show Profile
Thanks it is probably 20-30cm shorter, as seen on photo 1 all of this is gone now... The bladder on the other side extends around 10cm out of LE (photo 4) and was folded in nicely. This one went out much more, like 20-25cm. Now I'm just worried that it will go off again and don't know what to do. How would one use 7cm wide by 1m long tape for patching the bladder? Applying when slightly pumped or not? Rolling the patch around it in one go, like this: Suggestions? Ta

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QLD
798 Posts
Posted 07/02/2011, 9:35 am        Report Show Profile
30cm is a lot to lose. I would look at extending or replacing it.
 
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