Leaking struts - Slingshot Link

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tmiddled
tmiddled
NSW
253 posts
NSW, 253 posts
25 Jan 2009 12:07pm
I dropped my Slingshot link in the surf a little while ago, and now every single strut is leaking.

The surf was quite small, but it did get a bit worked. I'd understand if one or two started leaking, however for every strut to go? Is this a common problem with all links, or am I just really unlucky?

Has anyone else had the same problem? If so, whats the best way to fix it? I have a couple of patches, not sure if they are bladder specific. Is that neccessary?

The leading edge is totally fine.

Cheers,
Tom
Rob S
Rob S
VIC
391 posts
VIC, 391 posts
25 Jan 2009 12:25pm
I have only had the centre strut blow on my 7m Link.
Where have your struts failed? Close to the LE? Burst and not a seam?
The Link struts are attached to to leading edge by stitching an unusual curved path compared to the the usual circular stritched attachment on other kites. This forms a deep narrow cavity for the strut bladder to fit near the leading edge. The bladder is not shapped to fit it well and eventually bursts as it tries to stretch into the cavity. Made worse by the fact that the link recommended pressure is 10 PSI.
If this is how yours failed please tell me and I will let you know the best way to fix it. Patches and Tear Aid repair tape will not work for this problem.
tmiddled
tmiddled
NSW
253 posts
NSW, 253 posts
25 Jan 2009 1:03pm
I just pulled out the first bladder. The seam for the plug that connects to the bladder (for the one pump system) has started to unseal. Is the glue faulty or something? I have just put a bit of super glue on the burst parts to seal it up, and I'll wait half an hour, blow it up and see what happens.
Rob S
Rob S
VIC
391 posts
VIC, 391 posts
25 Jan 2009 1:47pm
OK. This is a different problem. No, the glue is not faulty. There is no glue. I believe they are sealed ultrasonically. They fail due to being left inflated in hot / warm weather. I don't think super glue is a good idea.

Some Options:

1. Send it to a shop or Moti Levy to be re-sealed.
2. Buy a U-Stick valve from Slingshot and replace the leaking one.
3. Use Selleys Urethane Bond to repair.
tmiddled
tmiddled
NSW
253 posts
NSW, 253 posts
25 Jan 2009 2:08pm
Cheers Rob,

I think I'll give Selleys Urethane Bond a go. U-sticks are 25 bucks each, so it would cost me half the value of the kite to fix that way.
TurtleHunter
TurtleHunter
WA
1675 posts
WA, 1675 posts
25 Jan 2009 4:57pm
The old leaky slingshot.
theDoctor
theDoctor
NSW
5786 posts
NSW, 5786 posts
25 Jan 2009 8:47pm
tmiddled said...

Cheers Rob,

U-sticks are 25 bucks each, so it would cost me half the value of the kite to fix that way.


you paid fifty bucks for a link...? jeez they saw you comin....
jackgearo
jackgearo
NSW
331 posts
NSW, 331 posts
25 Jan 2009 9:15pm
dont forget there is 7 leaking not just the one he pulled out.
Rob S
Rob S
VIC
391 posts
VIC, 391 posts
26 Jan 2009 10:28am
theDoctor said...

tmiddled said...

Cheers Rob,

U-sticks are 25 bucks each, so it would cost me half the value of the kite to fix that way.


you paid fifty bucks for a link...? jeez they saw you comin....


Well it's obvious you have never ridden a 7 metre Link.
Bigwavedave
Bigwavedave
QLD
2057 posts
QLD, 2057 posts
26 Jan 2009 9:34am
12m Link is the perfect anchor for my boat!!! Can't get it off the bottom.
Rob S
Rob S
VIC
391 posts
VIC, 391 posts
26 Jan 2009 11:18am
Bigwavedave said...

12m Link is the perfect anchor for my boat!!! Can't get it off the bottom.


If you needed a second anchor you could have my 15 metre Link but I'm sure the 12 does the job just fine.

But I will say it again. The 7 metre kite is a great kite and by the way so is the 10.5 metre Link. Don't ask me why they are so different to the other size Links, I don't know.
stabber
stabber
NSW
1114 posts
NSW, 1114 posts
27 Jan 2009 10:21pm
all kites leak or blow eventually......


Hey I didn't dis the LINK!


YET!
wdric
wdric
NSW
1625 posts
NSW, 1625 posts
27 Jan 2009 11:16pm
good to see you have moved on stabber and enjoying life
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