WA
148 posts
I purchased a brand new North Vegas 07 12mt less than 6 months ago and am experiencing bladder problems. The kite is still under warranty.
I first got a slow leak in the middle strut which appeared to be a bladder fault close to the T-valve.
I fixed this myself as I didn't want to go through the hassle of sending it to a North manufacturer.
I have now found another slowish leak in one end strut.
This is very frustrating as I have taken great care with my kite and would not expect it to spring leaks so readily.
I have previously been impressed with North build quality and am very disappointed with these bladders.
Has anyone else experienced similar problems with the 07 Vegas? Is it a common problem?
Does anyone know the best way for me to have the kite repaired under warranty?
WA
92 posts
mate, just stick a patch on it!!
WA
148 posts
Winddude, I would be happy to but it's bloody hard to get the bladder back in due to the T - valve at the top. It wouldn't be such a bad thing if it only happened a couple of times, but I'm concerned about the quality seeing as I've already got two holes in 5 months. I've never had kites spring holes in the bladder before and my other kites are very old.
It's a brand new kite costing $1900; shouldn't it last longer?
NSW
2232 posts
G'day Cooky,
If your kite is still under warranty (which I believe it is!) you should get in contact/visit with your North Kiteboarding dealer and ask for a replacement bladder. There is a very small percentage (less than 1%, and there is a lot of Vegas's out there) of Vegas 07 kites from the first shipment that have had some minor bladder problems, and this will be dealt with quickly. Make sure you take your kite with you as your deasler will require a photo of the bladder and the serial number of your kite, it is also wise to take along your sales receipt as proof of purchase date.
This is not a common problem, but it is the only warrantable failure that the Vegas 07 has had. The numbers of warranty claims is very small when compared to the number of Vegas 07 on the market. If you look hard enough you will notice that all brands have a warranty rate, and it is not unreasonable for this rate to be around 1-2%. This is true in everything you buy, cars, boats etc... So do not be alarmed, as you will find that North Kiteboarding has a very fast warranty system, and any problems are normally resolved with in 2-3 days (can vary due to scenarios out of North Australia's control) with a replacement or repair option (at the discretion of North Kiteboarding).
Cooky I hope you continue to enjoy your North Kiteboarding products.
Regards,
JB
WA
101 posts
not the 07 models, but...
my friend and I had 4 bladders go in 4 sessions, all 06 north vegas and rhinos, all within 7-8months of purchase. 3 were leading edge valves, 1 an end strut. Seems the glue was coming apart on each of them. Pretty annoying stuff, glad it is the end of the season, but not happy given they were purchased new and very well looked after (apart from my mates who drops his kite every session)
NSW
383 posts
Cooky it seems the first batch of rhino's have this problem as well.
I did read on kiteforumn that the second batch of the T piece valve's has rectified the problem.If I were you hand it into your shop and have the kite repaired under warranty.
I will say everytime I have had warranty issues regarding my kites windgenuity have been quick to sort the warranty issues out and I have had good results each time , so I suggest you take JB's offer up and have it repaired properly.
Click on this link and you can have a read of the problems associated with the two pump system and the T piece valves.
http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2337259&start=20
WA
2119 posts
Had a look at the Vegas and Rhino 2 pump system and bought the rebel instead. Seen many Vegas in the shop with the exact issue. The T system seems to pull the bladder apart on just about any section of the kite. I cant agree with JB about the warranty issue as I can bet this system will not be on the 08-09 kites and most repairs I have seen are patches and North/kite shops are therefore unaware of the frequency.
Of the 3 riders (5 kites in total) I know who ride the Vegas all 3 have done a bladder on at least one kite.
3 guys including myself (6 kites) have had no issues.
Guys that have popped a bladder during impact couldnt believe it happened as impact wasnt hard...
No its not a slight design fault, by the way when does the warranty run out on the bladders?????
