This happened to a small number of cleats, I had this as well.

Contact Griffin direct and I am sure you will get it fixed.

biba said...

Hi Guys,
a couple of weeks ago I bought a used 2010 Griffin Kite. The Kite seems to be alright, but I have some problems with the bar. The depower mechanism doesn't work at all. Did Griffin change something between the 2009 and 2010 bar? Because mine looks exactly like the 2009 version on the website.
http://griffinkiteboarding.com/about-the-kites/bar-and-lines-2009

I can pull the red depower ball closer to me and fix it back in the holder, but the first gust pushs the ball back up. I guess the lines are to worn out and thin to hold the pressure.
Compared to other bars the griffin depower mechanism is very hard to use...

Any ideas how I can fix this? If I would go for a new (or used) bar, can I use any four line kite bar?


Cheers, Lukas

Sounds like the depower line may be worn too much to lock into the cleat. Email Chris at Griffin. [email protected]. Phone: 0417 733 383

5 weeks later I would like to write some feedback, like Chris (the Griffin Guy) asked me when I reached him the first time on his mobile...

Good things first: I got my replacement depower line and new chicken loop for a good price.

But, the whole process took quite a while. Getting an answer from Chris via email is nearly impossible. Usually I called him a few days later and reminded him.
I bought the kite 2nd hand, and this guy told me that the depower line on his friends new Griffin Kite is thicker and doesn't slip through the cleat anymore. So I asked Chris if he changed something on the thickness. No reply...
Long story short, he received the money via paypal on the 29th of Jan and told me he would ship it via express asap. The stuff arrived here on the 9th of Feb after I reminded him via phone and email!
And the new rope is almost half the size bigger... In my eyes, that's a manufacturing fault and should be replaced free.

Chris also told me he would refund the money because of the long shipping period... If you read that Chris, keep the money. Maybe you need it more than I do.


Conclusion: Worst support ever. Go and spend a few bucks more on a proper kite from a proper brand.
I ended up selling the Griffin and buying a 2010 Crossbow. Flies much smoother and the bar system is a dream!

well, you're right. I could have repaired it myself. But I thought as a beginner it might be a bad idea to repair such an important part myself. Without any knowledge...
And I get the point about 2nd hand and no warranty, that's why I paid for my replacement.

So as a beginner, a newbie to kitesurfing, and a newbie to Seabreeze your willing to go out on a limb and pay out on one of the few Australian brands that we have.
That's some pretty poor form!

If you had bought it new then i'd say you have every right to complain... but you didn't.
Did you go into your local kite shop and ask them for assistance? If you did you would have found that having them replace the clam cleat also would have fixed it and cost you under $20.
Did you ask anyone else more experience than you to take a look at it? If you did then they could also confirm if it was a worn clam cleat or depower rope.
Did you take one ounce of initiative in resolving this matter? Umm... well you did post on Seabreeze, so 2 points. [}:)]

I'm going to defend Chris from Griffin here and say that everything that i've heard of Griffin Kiteboarding and all of my experiences with their kites have been superb.
I fear for who ever you bought the Cabrinha from!

how long have you been kiting biba?

I agree - bad form Biba
You've been watching too much Today Tonight.

Im getting sick of this new Australian "Im entitled to everything" attitude.

Australia dont become America...