NSW
14 posts
I'm sure this has been covered before but I couldn't find an answer specific to mine.
Unfortunately after only the 2nd time my new kite has been inflated, I have discovered a pin hole sized leak in one of the struts on my switchblade. I believe the hole has come from a minor defect on the build of the bladder where at the valve end the strut has the second layer of bladder folded back on itself to give it a little extra reinforcement on the ends of the struts.
It appears that part of sealing this sleeve to the strut seam by meltIng it together a small nick of the sleeve was also stuck to the bladder. I presume as it is inflated the stretch has pulled against where the sleeve was attached to the bladder causing it to separate and form the pin hole.
Anyway the hole is 1-2mm from the seam and a patch won't do. Just looking for some recommendations on fixing it. Perhaps a glue of some sort.
Thanks in advance
Ps I apologise for my efforts in trying to describe wear the hole is. Long winded I know.
NSW
439 posts
Hi there,
If you are in the Sydney area, please stop buy so we can have a go at fixing it. We have a heat sealer that enables us to also heat weld the bladder back together for these circumstances.
Otherwise, we may have some full strut bladders as a replacements, or we can usually get some tear-aid to work.
NSW
14 posts
Thanks! I'm on the northern beaches so I'll get my passports together and cross the bridge. Hopefully get over this weekend. If you prefer that I give the shop a call I can but could you tell me what one of the struts would cost to replace? It's the smallest strut on the wingtip
NSW
439 posts
Its alright just to come in. If we're completely slammed please understand we cannot do the repair immediately and may need a day.
What size kite and what year is your switchblade?
NSW
14 posts
No probs. it's a 12m 2014
WA
8407 posts
Sounds very minor tearaid type a, done heaps of repairs for locals with no issues, use a alcohol swap to clean 1st
