How long do kites last?

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 805 Posts Opinionated

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?

Aeolus · Mon Aug 26, 13 10:42 pm

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!

airon^ · Since 07 Aug 2013 290 Posts Durango Obsessed

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.

J_Matic · Since 14 Oct 2011 158 Posts InDaHo Stoked

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.

user124 · Since 02 Aug 2012 391 Posts Portland Obsessed

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

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

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

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.

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

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

SimPistol · Since 13 Jan 2011 52 Posts Gold Beach/Pistol River

I did not kite before I met Aeolus. The man is persuasive.

jblum · Since 13 Jul 2008 306 Posts The Gorge Obsessed

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.

Aeolus · Wed Aug 28, 13 6:06 am

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.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 805 Posts Opinionated

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 805 Posts Opinionated

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot