Replace bladder?

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

I have a T3 14m Slingshot kite. I had to repair the bladder, 3 small leaks and one bigger end blowout, when I got it. Before I go on vacation to La Ventana, would you replace the bladder just to be sure you would not have problems down there?

Thanks
Anthony

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2622 Posts The 503 METAL

Pin hole leak repairs are usually solid. But I have had trouble with wing tip blowout repairs where the material got stretched and there's lots of wrinkling around the repair.

It would depend on your confidence in the fix and how many sessions it's held air since you fixed it. I don't think you'd find a bladder down there. On the other hand, LV's pretty windy and you shouldn't need that big of kite very often.

airtimekite · Since 10 Aug 2005 28 Posts 13th and Wasco

If you repaired the bladder with a good patch kit like tear-aid, it should be good to go. In my experience it is very rare for a bladder patch to start leaking after it has tested good.

It's never a bad idea to take an extra strut bladder and valve though.

Gator · Since 15 Sep 2012 41 Posts Portland

I would definetely bring your big kite. I just got back from La Ventana and contrary to what I was expecting there was no wind 3 of 5 days (nobody riding) and 9-14M wind between 11:00 and 5:00.