Bladder replacement

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

I got orange parts for the bladder replacement from the airtime. I have two questions. Does it matter which way you position the seam?
Port Orford stores do not have talc. Is baby powder a save substitution for the bladder outside? I do not intend to use the powder in the bladder inside.

And finally, do you have any other tips for the bladder replacement? I read threads here on the bladder replacement related subjects, most notably by pmb and nak, but in case you have more tips, please share. I am half way through the Floras Lake vacation, and I want to patch things up as well as I can under the circumstances.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Aug 27, 08 9:21 pm

There are only two points of advice:

1. use ALLOT of talc
2. Try not to twist the bladder when putting it in
3. pump up A LITTLE and see if it is filling all the voids --ESPECIALLY near the LE.
4. if not, pull it out a little and start over, with a little air in it.
5. deflate and pump up again to make sure.
6. SLOWLY pump it up to full pressure, making sure it is still filling all the voids and there is no twisting at the valve.
7. your done.

If you pump up to full pressure and the bladder is folded, it will look great and then BAM it will blow a huge hole in your brand new bladder. (just ask drewb).
Smile

Nak · Wed Aug 27, 08 9:28 pm

I haven't used the Orange bladders yet, I'm curious if they work as well as they seem like they should. Be sure and post your experience with these ! Very Happy

Baby powder is exactly what I've always used with standard bladders.

As far as the seam, strut bladders usually are asymmetrical at the end that butts up to the LE. One side is generally longer, and that is the side that normally goes at the top side of the kite. Check your old bladder, and set the new one up the same way.

The folks at Airtime are always friendly and will almost certainly talk you through any questions you have if you call them! Very Happy

Good luck!

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

I just did the Orange last week.
It looks way more scary then it really is.
NO TALC NEEDED. It is not necessary
Only tips that I can provide are:

1) Smooth out your cut holes as best as possible to prevent any cresses in your bladder (you will see what I mean as you apply the valve)
2) Install your valves WITH OUT THE BARBED FITTING INSTALLED!!!!!!!!!!!
3) Install your barbed fitting so they are flush with the bottom of the Valves. (i.e. DO NOT PUSH THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE END. If I were to do it again I would trim the barbed fittings one notch).
4) If you get a leak, use Packing tape to patch the hole.....I know it sounds funny but that stickes the best to the ORANGE material.
5) Oh ya read the directions it really works just as the describe it.

You will be amassed how much STIFFER and quicker you are after the ORANGE! Embarassed

I LOVE ORANGE! It RULES...
Up grade your bladders before up grading your kites you will get more bang for your buck.

Nak · Wed Aug 27, 08 9:44 pm

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Aug 27, 08 10:47 pm

NAk, that is a great technique!! I never thought of turning it inside out. getting the end near the valve to get all the way up to the LE is really all you need to worry about. (most of the time)

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Until now I suspected, but now I am certain. Kiteobarding gods are phoocking with me Sad

. That’s OK, I understand they need some entertainment on my expense, and as long as they throw some nice session my way, I don’t mind. But who knows why they enjoy more watching me developing deep understanding for the tantrums my kids throw on regular basis, rather than watching me face plant on a repaired kite is beyond me Question

I cannot put the bladder in place without major wrinkles. The bladder is not twisted, since I can see a seam through the LE, but it is misaligned enough for th LE to look like the famous Naish sigma kite after light pump up. I pulled the bladder in and out several times with the same results. I will try to massage the thing into proper alignment tomorrow, but after so much handling and trying to feed the valves into the appropriate holes I would be really surprised if the thing holds air.

Yeah, I know if I try enough times I will get it done, but man, there is a wind to catch on my 14m, and that takes priority.

On a positive note, the kite smells like toddler Gene after all the powder I used on it. Smile

(If you have small kids you'll understand after all that's a good memory Smile

)

railgrab · Since 29 Mar 2005 177 Posts Seattle, WA Stoked

Another trick is to mark the length of the seam of the bladder with a black marker. In my experience, the leading edge has been translucent enough to see the black marking and keep it aligned while pulling it through.