Heya Teabaggers!!
I have a mate who is looking for advice on repairs to 8m Slingshot Fuel kite (I'm a windsurfer/"poley", so not sure if that the right type of kite?).
I was with him in Denmark when his kite hit the ground. Stiching was coming apart on leading edge then there was a loud pop as the air bladder exploding on impact with ground. The bladders were pumped really, really tight!
Should he repair the kite? If so, is there a repairer in Bunbury or South West?
Would he be best instead getting a 2nd hand kite, perhaps a couple/few years old? He is a married man with 2 kids so kiting has taken a back seat the last couple of years. He's about 90kg (if that helps) and Bunbury would get 15-20 knots most days, hopefully with heavier air some days!!!!
Your valuable advice is most appreciated!!!!!
Kecks!

Hey Kecks,

The 8m Fuel is a little on the small side for your friend, if the kite is in reasonable condition, apart from the damaged Leading edge, then it's probably worth fixing it and keeping it as a stronger wind kite. It's wind range is probably more suited for 25 knots+ a bit.

He wont get stuff all for it second hand, especially not at the moment with all the 05 gear going up for sale. It sure is a buyers market at the moment though, get your friend to have a look around for a 2nd hand 12 or 14 metre a year or 2 old, go no further back than then as the kites prior to 03/04 were a bit dubious for safety equipment and werent as pleasant to ride. He should pay around 1100-1200 for a 1 season old kite and bar in top condition or around 700-800 for one two years old.

Have a look thru the buyers section on the seabreeze, lots to choose from at huge reduction from new kite prices. Good luck, and tell him to get a lesson from an instructor, it will save wear and tear on his personal kites whilst he learns.

Good winds,

If it came apart at the stitching on the leading edge it should be easy to fix, i did one the other day and its super strong.
The problem will be the bladder, it can be exspensive.
If he doesn't get it repaired he will get alot les for it when he sells it.He can look around for a bladder might get one cheap.