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cheap replacement bladders

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Created by clanc > 9 months ago, 30 Aug 2020
clanc
3 posts
30 Aug 2020 5:36PM
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Hey all

I have a 8 2015 slingshot rally that the bladder needs a 100mm section replaced due to a major LE blow out.

The canopy i had repaired by a sail maker and I assumed wrongly that I could repair the bladder tear with some tear aid.

I can't get a replacement bladder for it.

I found an rpm cheap and just bought that and have had no reason to fix the kite.

However, have a few friend who ask to borrow kite to practice are still pretty new to the sport and would prefer to give them that.

So i am looking at cheap ways to fix the bladder.

Either to add a replacement section or to transfer the valves to a new bladder. Has anyone experienced either of these?

Or do I just get some rain jackets made and say good bye....

Cheers clancy.

NorthernKitesAUS
QLD, 1061 posts
30 Aug 2020 9:10PM
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Hi Clanc. Don't despair. Tear aid is terrible when it comes to large blow outs. Some have had success, but it's an acquired skill. Even done right the bloody stuff can wrinkle around and suddenly it leaks again. I suggest get some spare bladder from a shop, like offcuts and cut a piece about an inch larger than the blown out area. Next clean both the patch and the bladder with metho and let it dry. Wipe clean again. Make sure all surfaces are super dry. Next apply a thin bead of stormsure glue around the entire area and carefully place the offcut over the top. Press together with two larger pieces of cardboard and put a weight over it. Allow 12 hours curing time. Good luck.

Sandee
QLD, 145 posts
30 Aug 2020 9:41PM
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I've repaired bladders with patches of Stormsure tape on the inside, plus smaller patch on the outside, which seems to work well as the air pressure can't peel off the patch. This is possible by opening the bladder and then resealing by welding bladder material with a bag-sealer. Which could possibly also weld in a replacement section, though that could be tricky.

Airborne
WA, 224 posts
31 Aug 2020 8:37AM
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Hi Clanc,

It will cost you $175 AUD (107 Euros) including delivery for a brand new Leading edge bladder for that kite on www.wanikou.com/

I have no affiliation with them but I heard only good things. They make custom bladders on order based on exact manufacturer specs.

You can also order it from Airtime in the USA: www.airtimekite.com/airtime-kite-bladders/assembled-bladders/slingshot-kiteboarding-replacement-bladders.html

But it will cost you more: $220 AUD including delivery ($161 USD)

Good luck
Christian

Fly on da wall
SA, 725 posts
1 Sep 2020 4:14AM
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As Northern Kites said, get Stormsure and have a crack at it. Best option!

ELINY
23 posts
2 Sep 2020 11:15AM
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Heat sealer for food ,just made a strut for a Ozone from old bladder and new nipple

JZOrewa
47 posts
2 Sep 2020 12:59PM
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My main bladder was leaking on one of the ends, so I just tied a knot and it doesn't leak anymore. The main bladder (I have a F-one Bandit) is at least 20cm longer on each side than the leading edge of the kite, so that's enough for the knot. Off course it just works when it is on the end of the bladder.

weebitbreezy
617 posts
2 Sep 2020 6:05PM
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Select to expand quote
Fly on da wall said..
As Northern Kites said, get Stormsure and have a crack at it. Best option!


Not repaired anything quite as long as that but the pressure has been pretty crucial for me. The pressure makes sure that the glue is evenly spread and gets rid of air bubbles. I used a bunch of quick clamps and 2 pieces of furniture board but a stack of hardback books might also work. Talc up whatever you are clamping down though as some of the glue will be squeezed out the edge and can glue the board to the bladder if you forget (go on, ask me how I know )

iandvnt
QLD, 581 posts
3 Sep 2020 10:44AM
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a household iron, the backing of big sticker (waxy). fold it over and iron. before one pump you could just cut out damaged sections and it was all good - i guess now you will have to borrow another baldder cut it up and tack it on.

heard good things about bag sealers..

all v easy.

SaveTheWhales
WA, 1869 posts
3 Sep 2020 1:21PM
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If a very large repair patch - you also have to be careful what thickness or elasticity it is, as this can sometimes make a kite pull to one side..

farNT
QLD, 89 posts
8 Oct 2020 2:41PM
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send it to motti levi Kite repairs ,Hell sort u out

Windfarmer
TAS, 5 posts
8 Oct 2020 5:23PM
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I've used the generic Tuff bladders from FixMyKite. I usually buy new self-stick valves to put on them. You line the old bladder up with the new one to mark the locations.
It is possible to buy the double-sided sticky rings called Valve Donuts to restick your old valves, which is cheaper than getting new valves, but I've had varying results with them, especially with older valves. Sometimes the forces applied to them once the bladder is back in the kite cause them to unstick and/or slide out of position.
As someone else I think mentioned above, it is possible to repair a blowout rip with TearAid (sometimes accompanied by other bladder material) by putting one layer upside-down inside the bladder, then another layer facing it on the outside. You just have to be careful not to create a channel anywhere for the air to sneak out of, or to have any stickiness facing inward that will attach to the other side of the bladder.

Peahi
VIC, 1467 posts
8 Oct 2020 6:05PM
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Select to expand quote
JZOrewa said..
My main bladder was leaking on one of the ends, so I just tied a knot and it doesn't leak anymore. The main bladder (I have a F-one Bandit) is at least 20cm longer on each side than the leading edge of the kite, so that's enough for the knot. Off course it just works when it is on the end of the bladder.


Better with an iron & baking paper folding end over a couple of times, lucky if he leak was in the end of bladder and there is plenty of spare. Sometimes needs a few goes, but the heat of the iron seals the latex together and leaves a nice flat section to match the tab at the end.

Fixing a large hole in the middle of the bladder is a whole different ball game, you could try an iron with some spare bladder material, maybe there would be shrinkage so glue better? Never tried so cannot say.

timmybuddhadude
WA, 738 posts
9 Oct 2020 12:05AM
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Select to expand quote
ELINY said..
Strut new nipple



Oooo... Nipple
.. As Northern kites says if its the end use a vacuum sealer

clanc
3 posts
20 Dec 2020 6:09PM
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Anyone know where I could get an old bladder or bladder material?

Cornishryan
WA, 159 posts
20 Dec 2020 6:57PM
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Select to expand quote
clanc said..
Anyone know where I could get an old bladder or bladder material?

Hi Clanc - I have plenty and can send you some if you like but if you pm me or text me some photos of the damage I'll let you know the best way to go about doing it.

Ryan
The Sail Doctor
Kite and sail repairs

KAOS69
WA, 1012 posts
30 Jan 2021 10:36AM
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I have never come across a bladder I could not repair have a high frequency plastic welder if you are in the Mandurah area I can sort it out kite fix WA

clanc
3 posts
21 Feb 2021 2:32PM
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Finally got around to fixing it,
Stormsure and an old bladder seemed to work a treat.



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