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erikelduro
Since 18 Aug 2010
3 Posts
Kook
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 Wed Aug 18, 10 2:04 pm How to repair a strut - naish octopus inflating system |
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| Hi, im thinking in buiyng a naish kite, cult or helix 2009. Now, the octopus inflating system seems pretty cool, but what if I get a leak or a pinhole in one of the struts? Is it a pain in the ass? How do people repair this? maybe I have to buy a Cult Sport... |
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argos
Since 07 Apr 2010
66 Posts
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| Wed Aug 18, 10 6:25 pm not too bad |
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I am a total newb and I didn't have much trouble replacing the center strut on my 2008 6M Cult.
I read-up on the various techniques here, and was sure to use the yellow plumber's tape for the octopus valve.
Naish.tv has a nice video on strut and bladder repair and specifically deals with the octopus valve. |
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Nak
Since 19 May 2005
4304 Posts
Camas
Site Lackey
CGKA Member
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| Wed Aug 18, 10 6:58 pm |
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| It's not really that hard to repair a strut on the Octopus system. Isolating the leak can be time consuming. But considering the time you save inflating & deflating every time you ride, you're still well ahead of the game. |
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jeremy
Since 18 Aug 2006
276 Posts
Manzo & HR
Obsessed
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| Wed Aug 18, 10 7:05 pm |
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My experience is that it's VERY rare for a leak to develop, but once it does, it can be a lot of work to track down and fix.
I have owned many Naish kites (10+) and recently pulled apart two of the 2007 kites completely to redo all the valves, so I understand the system pretty well. My main gripe is with the zippers, they are not in the best location (I see Naish fixed for 2011) and are small.
It's pretty easy to pull and test an individual strut. All the times I've done this, the leak has been associated with the valve being glued on correctly, or the valve stopper needing to be tighter. The bladders are pretty tough considering how light/thin they are.
The octopus connectors can be a problem as they are not self sealing with pressure, they need just the right amount of tape to get a perfect seal. When I took apart my kites, I fixed and tested all the bladders, but after re-assemble, the kites only stayed firm for 2-3 hrs. I ended up needing to retape a few of the connectors (added more tape) and then got the kites to stay firm overnight. I used the yellow plumbers tape. |
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tautologies
Since 24 Aug 2006
602 Posts
Oahu
Addicted
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| Wed Aug 18, 10 10:44 pm |
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| jeremy wrote: | My experience is that it's VERY rare for a leak to develop, but once it does, it can be a lot of work to track down and fix.
I have owned many Naish kites (10+) and recently pulled apart two of the 2007 kites completely to redo all the valves, so I understand the system pretty well. My main gripe is with the zippers, they are not in the best location (I see Naish fixed for 2011) and are small.
It's pretty easy to pull and test an individual strut. All the times I've done this, the leak has been associated with the valve being glued on correctly, or the valve stopper needing to be tighter. The bladders are pretty tough considering how light/thin they are.
The octopus connectors can be a problem as they are not self sealing with pressure, they need just the right amount of tape to get a perfect seal. When I took apart my kites, I fixed and tested all the bladders, but after re-assemble, the kites only stayed firm for 2-3 hrs. I ended up needing to retape a few of the connectors (added more tape) and then got the kites to stay firm overnight. I used the yellow plumbers tape. |
I think they recommend the white..and as far I've understood it is easy to put on too much...one or two rounds should be fine. |
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