T3 pressure

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

I just got my 14m T3. Looks very nice. I want to use it for a low end wind, so I am thinking about 1:1 for a lower bar pressure and closer match to other brand 12m I currently use. Anyhow, I pumped this thing up. Instructions say to go to 8psi. OK, I am not in greatest shape, but I just couldn't pull more than 6psi without working really hard. Not to mention my back couldn't take more pull without hurting.

Is there trick to it? Or is my gauge broken?

EY · Since 06 Jul 2008 76 Posts NW, Florida, Asia Made in China

I don't think it has to be 8psi. From what Real taught me is "pamela anderson firm". I like mine to be rock solid though.

Nak · Mon Aug 18, 08 9:11 pm

It's really hard to get enough pressure with a double action pump. Pushing down is simply much easier than pulling up. Plus, pulling up on the pump is bad for your back.

Make your pump single action. Unscrew the top of the pump. You may need to use a pipe wrench the first time you do this. Pull out the shaft. There are two seals on the plunger; remove the top one. Do this carefully so as not to damage the seal; it's pretty easy really. The seal is just a rubber ring. Re-insert the shaft and thread the top back on. If you don't like it, it's a piece of cake to put the seal back in.

This mod is not at all like the pumps that have a little valve to relieve pressure on the upstroke. You'll find the upstroke MUCH easier than with one of those. The first time you pump a kite up to 7 PSI or higher, you'll never want to use a double action pump again.

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

I had no idea there was a difference between removing upper ring and pump with the valve on top. I have one with a valve stuck in full open position, but until now I had no gauge, so I really don't know how hard I was pumping my other kites.

Removing the upper ring sound simple enough. Thanks Nak!

Nak · Mon Aug 18, 08 9:44 pm

No worries. Very Happy

Let me know how it goes.

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

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

TAke your outside leading edge and choose a spot towards the end between seems. Take the leading edge and fold it slightly simulating a kite down in the water. The resistance should be signifigant enough to resiste and bend back to it's shape inorder to catch wind.

**Don't just pump and trust the gauge of your pump!! Count how many pumps it takes, and then feel the kite, listen to the tone for firmness.

Don't blindly trust a gauge as they will cause you to over pump and possible burst your kite.

lawnmower · Since 14 Dec 2007 153 Posts Stoked

Have a 14 T2. Thing is the Hindendurg. It takes lots of effort to pump it up. Slingy boys say to pump it up like a rock. I put 10lbs in mine, takes a long time. Funny when you pull the stopper on it it blows air for a minute.

Its a monster on the water. Very hard to fly it way out in the window. My kid flew it in 10-12 and was edging so hard his body was almost parallel to the water.

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

Thanks all for the info. So it seems pumping it way up (although carefully) is the way to go. Good to know SS guys advocate this too. Thanks for the extra info lawnmower, from the reviews I read, some of the problems you mentioned supposed to be eased in T3. I just have to try it out when the rain clears.