Medium-well, well-done or just cooked?

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

So, my 09 11m fuel has done enough flapping, my question is, how done is it?
Nice kite except it flaps unless perfectly trimmed when sining. Perfectly trimmed as in within a half an inch or something. Not sure if they all do that, but this one does.
The TE beween the center and next struts over has lots of "cracks," & not so crispy.
Anyway, contemplating letting it go until it fails, or going over TE with a layer of ripstop tape, which would add a couple of ounces but might give me another season.

Also, has anyone done surgery on these kites to tighten up the canopy? Might it be worth it to dart in a cm?
Dunno. thoughts??
I know, get a new one....

PA · Since 15 May 2010 14 Posts

.... I have extended the shred date on a couple kites in this condition by smearing Kitefix glue ( or McNutts Seam Grip.. same stuff but cheaper ) in a thin layer (without tape) to give a bit of reinforcement to the fabric where its fatigued..(notice that the fabric hasn't deteriorated where it already has graphics paint).... if you warm it up you can spread it pretty thin and it seems to bind all the potential exploding fabric together without adding much weight or affecting the performance...not real purdy but seems to keep the fabric in one piece pretty well

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for the info.

The other repair this thing needs is to the center strut, where the main seam is bulging, - that's where I plan to hit it with seam grip and maybe some seatbelt webbing. Duct tape has worked for the last 6 or so sessions, so that should be enough....

I am still leaning towards using ripstop tape on the TE, since it's a broad area, basically all along the edge between the center and "shoulder" struts.
I think the ripstop tape will be lighter than a glue layer.

Got this kite a while back from a rider who claimed a dozen sessions on it -probably lots more though Question

Anyway, glad the 2011's aren't flappin' like that and the build seems trending better.

If the frankenkite survives maybe I'll post up a pic of it for an "ugly kite" contest....
Laughing

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

I fly 07's and have since 07. haha. All my kites are in far worst condition than that and I just fly them. I don't have the trimming issue though. If it is a larger size fuel for you I wouldn't worry about it. I have the strut issue on a couple of my kites as well. I had talked to Airtime about it and they said there is two stitches running down the strut, the interior one being the main stitch. Essentially they told me not to worry about it as the fix would be very spendy and the performance would be unnoticed, this was true. The 07's were splitstrut though, so that may not be true with yours.
I have heard of a product by 7m? or 3m? or 5m? I don't know, but it is a spray UV block that adds life to canvas, cloth, tent materials. If you do a search on here or kitescoop I'm sure you'll find the post. Apparently it works well for kites? I never committed to spending the forty dollars the local hardware shop wanted to order me a can.

borntofli · Since 29 Apr 2010 90 Posts

you need to go on a kite buying frenzy.... Nothing like getting a new to you not worn out kite in the mail.... I hate having a kite that i think could fail at any moment.....

Think about that when your a mile out to sea and sideshore winds.....

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

I have seen used kites from the gorge that look like tissue paper. Seems like that is the worst place to buy used kites from.

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

Well, this one came from california by way of australia and who knows where else.
My 9 on the other hand, from FL, new with a ribbon round it, and the canopy doesn't flap either!

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

Actually I've reconsidered F that kite man it's tattered! I'll give ya 150$ kite only. I need a new 11...mine is a roach! For real!

Dean · Since 08 Jul 2009 58 Posts Penticton BC

hopefully you are not using the same bar and lines that came with it

Sol-flyer · Sun Sep 25, 11 6:17 am

"kitelife" will restore that material....check out KGB kiteboarding

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Sep 25, 11 9:19 am

I think you need to ask yourself: what would Kevin Kearney do?

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed