Hi Nikmcc,

It's unlikely that you will have any issues given the kite seems to only be about 4 years old, unless the kite has been stored in excessive heat for a long time.

It's been at least 10 years that all kite manufacturers stopped gluing valves to bladders and started thermo welding them instead.

This means you don't have to worry about valves peeling off anymore.

There is still a chance that valves crack, break and that strut tubes start to do the same. A quick visual check will determine this.

The first signs are usually from the strut tubes becoming brittle and rough on the surface and the valves starting to turn to a brown/yellowish color.

Here is an example of this:



This is usually an issue if/when the kite is regularly exposed to excessive heat.

If the kite was stored dry, inside, in a controlled environment, and your valves + strut tubes look healthy, you have nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps.

Christian - KiteBud

nikmcc said..
Hi all,
Doing a bit of a gear check before summer...
My kites are Ozone Reo V6s, had them for a few years now and I'm considering putting some new bladders in them to keep them going.
The original bladders and valves all visually look fine and there's no detectable leaks, but I'm wondering how long should I expect the glue and bits last? Especially where the inflate valve joins the bladder.

I've had issues with the older style of ozone valves and bladders that have black elbow joint thnigos, but the Reo v6 has the clear joints. Are the newer clear style ones known to be more reliable than the old black ones?

I don't usually keep kites this long, but due to Sydneys crappy wind the last few summers they haven't had a lot of use, and also considering the price of new kites, it's got me looking at options to just keep my old kites running for a few more seasons.

Thanks

Hi Nikmcc
No need to update your Reo V6 bladders the clear high flow V2 valves installed in your Reo V6 do not deteriorate like the older grey ones did. The valves will not yellow becuase the tubing is silicone and there is no reaction with the valve.
The main things that keep kites in good condition is to store them out of the sun and heat, never leave them flapping on the beach, pack them up when you finish asap. Don't store them damp and make sure your pump nozzle is clean before starting to inflate them.

Hey Nikmcc,

Reo bladders are usually replaced when the valve necks break on the old V1 series bladders. Not because the glue fails or they start leaking, but by the 90 degree valves get brittle and just break off.


a new set of v2 bladders keeps them doing for many years. One of the longest lasting kites on the market.


enjoy with confidence.


DM 😎