Northwest Kiteboarding
Forum | Classifieds | Lost & Found | CGKA | Industry | Sensors | Forecast | Spots | Seattle | Decals | RSS | Facebook

Events | Photos | Search | Register | Profile | Log in to check your messages | Log in 

How long do kites last?

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast
previous topic :: next topic  
Author Message
hilton

Since 15 Aug 2008
803 Posts

Opinionated



PostMon Aug 26, 13 7:02 pm    How long do kites last? Reply with quote

I know lots of people who replace their whole quiver every year.
I have usually replaced my kites after one or two years so they still have some resale value.
Now that the designs aren't changing as dramatically from year to year, I would consider keeping my kites longer, but wonder how long before they start to fall apart.
Obviously a lot depends on where you kite and how often you kite and how careful you are with your gear.

In general, how many sessions can you expect to get before something wears out, and what usually fails first?

View user's profile Send private message
Aeolus

Since 20 Apr 2010
354 Posts
Gold Beach, OR
OR-SoCo-Aficionado



PostMon Aug 26, 13 10:42 pm     Reply with quote

I've gone with the "buy used and drive them until death" mode of operation. Although I do hunt down those kites that are mainly driven by grandpa on the third Sunday of the month and mostly stored in the garage.

I'm getting about 120 to 130 sessions out of a kite before the trailing edge starts to tatter up. That has been the first to go for me. I'm strictly kiting on the coast year around. I have a 4 kite quiver 6/8/10/12 where a good 65% of use goes to the 6 and 8.

My price points are $550 to $750 so I'm right around $5 a sesh....$2.50 an hour....and $0.04 per wave. Very Happy Most cost effective sport ever!

View user's profile Send private message
airon^

Since 07 Aug 2013
290 Posts
Durango
Obsessed



PostTue Aug 27, 13 8:26 am    thank Aeolus Reply with quote

appreciate the question hilton and the expert advice Aeolus. something i've wondered about. and something to keep my mind off the less than stellar wind right now.
_________________
surf the san juans

View user's profile Send private message
J_Matic

Since 14 Oct 2011
158 Posts
InDaHo
Stoked



PostTue Aug 27, 13 8:47 am     Reply with quote

Aeolus has a good point which I appreciate since I need buyers for my used and LTA (less than abused) kites.

I always buy new (on pro deals) and use the shiznit out of 'em before selling to Canadians and Ex-Pat's in Guam. Laughing

Typical lifespan to sell = 3 years. Can't speak for how long they last after that, but I'd imagine 6-7 yrs with light/right use.

View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
user124

Since 02 Aug 2012
391 Posts
Portland
Obsessed



PostTue Aug 27, 13 8:54 am     Reply with quote

Aeolus wrote:
I've gone with the "buy used and drive them until death" mode of operation. Although I do hunt down those kites that are mainly driven by grandpa on the third Sunday of the month and mostly stored in the garage.

I'm getting about 120 to 130 sessions out of a kite before the trailing edge starts to tatter up. That has been the first to go for me. I'm strictly kiting on the coast year around. I have a 4 kite quiver 6/8/10/12 where a good 65% of use goes to the 6 and 8.

My price points are $550 to $750 so I'm right around $5 a sesh....$2.50 an hour....and $0.04 per wave. Very Happy Most cost effective sport ever!


Good info Aeolus. A couple of questions for you: Do you mean 120-130 sessions per kite or for your whole quiver (I'm guessing per kite but just wanted to clarify)? Since you do ocean kiting, do you wash with fresh water after each use? I've heard this is a good idea but it's a real pain and I hate to do it if not necessary. Finally, what about bar and lines? Do you replace these more frequently?

View user's profile Send private message
Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2102 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostTue Aug 27, 13 8:56 am    Buy new bar and lines. Reply with quote

old/used kites good, especially with lower miles. One thing I won't skimp on and never buy used are my bar and lines.

View user's profile Send private message
Moto

Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth



PostTue Aug 27, 13 10:50 am     Reply with quote

There have definately been some changes in the industry. A lot of kites pre-2008 range had valve issues. The valves would start leaking after 2 seasons. However, I think the manufacturers started using different glue.

I bought a lightly used quiver of 2011 kites back in 2011. Use them frequently - at the end of this season they will have three solid seasons on them. I'm guessing they will have two more seasons at least. Maybe three. Well see.

I've been demoeing kites and talking to friends - the new designs are different/better - but not enough for me to drop $2,500 to upgrade each of my kites (after three seasons my current kites aren't worth a whole lot - I'm guessing ball park $400).

As for the issues that come about with heavy use - canopy starts to wear thin so you will see wholes. Leading edge gets all worn out so it doesn't really keep its shape as much (which affects performance and relaunching). Bladders can start getting pin wholes. And after a while I'm sure even the best glue on t valves will start leaking.

_________________
Still rockin gojos, *ssless chaps, and ankle weights!

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Moto

Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth



PostTue Aug 27, 13 10:52 am     Reply with quote

Aeolus wrote:


My price points are $550 to $750 so I'm right around $5 a sesh....$2.50 an hour....and $0.04 per wave. Very Happy Most cost effective sport ever!


Thumb's Up

_________________
Still rockin gojos, *ssless chaps, and ankle weights!

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Kraemer

Since 24 Apr 2006
1736 Posts
Sky Pilot
Unicorn Captain



PostTue Aug 27, 13 3:53 pm    Re: Buy new bar and lines. Reply with quote

Sasquatch wrote:
old/used kites good, especially with lower miles. One thing I won't skimp on and never buy used are my bar and lines.


Ya I agree, kites will last-- I have proof... Mine are '08's I got in '07.
I have replaced my bar and lines just about every season. The key is to learn on a set of kites/ buddies/ instructors/ kites-- then when you know what you're doing and aren't going to thrash them on hard objects, then get your quiver-- and it will last.

View user's profile Send private message
toddjb

Since 16 Oct 2007
271 Posts
MD
Obsessed



PostTue Aug 27, 13 7:21 pm     Reply with quote

Aeolus wrote:
...My price points are $550 to $750 so I'm right around $5 a sesh....$2.50 an hour....and $0.04 per wave. Very Happy Most cost effective sport ever!

That is the best kiteboarding metric I've ever read! Put that on a bumper sticker!

KITEBOARDING: $5 a sesh, $2.50 an hour, and $0.04 per wave. Most cost effective sport ever!

View user's profile Send private message
Windian

Since 28 Apr 2008
901 Posts
Newport, OR
NEWPORT OG



PostTue Aug 27, 13 7:59 pm     Reply with quote

toddjb wrote:
Aeolus wrote:
...My price points are $550 to $750 so I'm right around $5 a sesh....$2.50 an hour....and $0.04 per wave. Very Happy Most cost effective sport ever!

That is the best kiteboarding metric I've ever read! Put that on a bumper sticker!

KITEBOARDING: $5 a sesh, $2.50 an hour, and $0.04 per wave. Most cost effective sport ever!


Thumb's Up Thumb's Up Thumb's Up

View user's profile Send private message
SimPistol

Since 13 Jan 2011
52 Posts
Gold Beach/Pistol River
 



PostTue Aug 27, 13 8:15 pm     Reply with quote

I did not kite before I met Aeolus. The man is persuasive.
_________________
I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different.
- Kurt Vonnegut

View user's profile Send private message
jblum

Since 13 Jul 2008
306 Posts
The Gorge
Obsessed



PostTue Aug 27, 13 9:26 pm    Wind and sun Reply with quote

The two things that DESTROY kites (other than trauma, ie hard crashes, dragging on beach, ect...) are wind and sun. The less time your kite spends in the wind and sun the better. The thing I find that matters more than anything is not leaving your kite out inflated on the beach when you're not riding. And the sooner your can put it away once its dry, the better. Inflating two kites and leaving one different size out on the beach for two hours is as much wear, maybe even more, than using it for a session. The sun cooks it, the wind whips it, and the sand blasts it to pieces.

I've gotten 3-5 seasons out of kites before the trailing edge comes apart from the sewing, but the key to keeping them nice and crispy has as much to do with what you do when you're not flying them as it does when they're in the air.

_________________
JHB

View user's profile Send private message
Aeolus

Since 20 Apr 2010
354 Posts
Gold Beach, OR
OR-SoCo-Aficionado



PostWed Aug 28, 13 6:06 am     Reply with quote

Laughing Lots of good info ^^^^
Hilton has raised an excellent question. On the way to finding an answer we will no doubt run into some philosophy. What is it with sports that involve Spectra? and other high level materials that tap into your soul? always good to keep things in perspective...we are rich westerners always looking for the $'s per unit happiness.

hardly expert advice here....kiting seems to be just a continuous progression of learning on all kinds of level. The combination of waves and wind is hands down intoxicating to the soul. So deeply satisfying that you will continuously corrupt your math to justify buying what amounts to be pool toys that fly.
user124 wrote:
A couple of questions for you: Do you mean 120-130 sessions per kite or for your whole quiver (I'm guessing per kite but just wanted to clarify)?
per kite...over 100 sessions and things go down hill. I should start an hour log for a kite and get some good data
user124 wrote:
Since you do ocean kiting, do you wash with fresh water after each use? I've heard this is a good idea but it's a real pain and I hate to do it if not necessary.
No, I do not rinse after each session. But I religiously rinse all other gear especially the bar/lines. I do rinse the quiver in between larger wind cycles in the summer. Give kites the once over so as not to sign myself up for a 1/2 mile swim in murky salt water.
user124 wrote:
Finally, what about bar and lines? Do you replace these more frequently?
I start with next to new gear and the lines go the distance....I do replace the bungee on the center line safety (slinghshot) every year. I try to replace my chicken loop line before I can floss with it.

Somebody please send some wind (and/or waves) so we can stop thinking.

How much is too much?... Laughing


   gold plated porsche.jpg 

View user's profile Send private message
hilton

Since 15 Aug 2008
803 Posts

Opinionated



PostWed Aug 28, 13 6:50 am     Reply with quote

Aeolus wrote:

My price points are $550 to $750 so I'm right around $5 a sesh....$2.50 an hour....and $0.04 per wave. Very Happy Most cost effective sport ever!


I normally buy new kites (on closeout) and sell them before they have any tears, repairs or leaks. I can usually get $550-$650 for them complete, putting my cost per session closer to $15.

View user's profile Send private message
hilton

Since 15 Aug 2008
803 Posts

Opinionated



PostWed Aug 28, 13 6:51 am    Re: Buy new bar and lines. Reply with quote

Sasquatch wrote:
One thing I won't skimp on and never buy used are my bar and lines.


The lines do seem to wear as quickly as the kites, so I have started keeping a bar with each kite. If you use the same bar and lines with your whole quiver, I would expect the lines (or center line) to wear out first.

View user's profile Send private message
Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2102 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostWed Aug 28, 13 7:26 am    Re: Buy new bar and lines. Reply with quote

hilton wrote:
Sasquatch wrote:
One thing I won't skimp on and never buy used are my bar and lines.


The lines do seem to wear as quickly as the kites, so I have started keeping a bar with each kite. If you use the same bar and lines with your whole quiver, I would expect the lines (or center line) to wear out first.


For me guys, it is the piece of mind, especially when Im doing that "crazy Ivan tack" out to sea at Manzo so I can make it up wind to where I launched (the rare day I point sail there). Or kiting at Rufus on March 2nd when the water is in the high 30's. A blown out strut or slow leak during your session or a tear on the canopy or a split seam you can limp into shore. But a busted line = kite mare.

That is not to say one can't buy good used bar and lines.

Good post...

View user's profile Send private message
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You can attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum