Kite Life?

[adamj2281]

Just out of curiosity how long do you typically keep a kite? My go to kite for 75% of the time is a 12m. I know a lot of people who buy new kites every year, and that theory makes some sense, as you can still get decent money on the second hand market for it. It just seems like a pretty short life for something that retails between $1200 - $1700.

I ask, because I'm fighting not to upgrade until 2012, but problems are starting to arise on my kite, I've replaced a bladder, only to find a new leak 3 months later. The lines, particularly the depower line are starting to show some real wear.

I ride every chance I get, which I'd guess to be somewhere in the 100 sessions per year, so that's 75 sessions on this kite. So anyways, what's your approach on how long to keep a kite?

[aeberl]

Do the math:
USD 1500 for new kite
USD 400 resale value
Total cash out = USD 1100
@ 75 session = USD 14.66 / session!

Even if you change your gear every year, you get much more out of your investment then the average kiter.
Don´t forget its your life you are hooking into your chickenloop.... don´t be too cheap to protect it accordingly, don´t kite with deteriorated gear, speccially if conditions are not ideal.

[Kamikuza]

Not to pick nits to start an argument, but you asked about kite life then talked about bladder, lines and depower line wearing out - all of which are replaceable and could be considered 'consumables' ... fix them and you're good to go!

Of course, your old kite may simply be outdated and gutless in comparison to the new ones

[adamj2281]

Yeah, well the canopy itself is showing some age as well. Basically, I'm just wondering if most people switch their main kites out annually.

aeberl - I agree, it's a small price to pay, especially considering when something breaks it could end in a trip to the ER.

[edt]

Yeah, well the canopy itself is showing some age as well. Basically, I'm just wondering if most people switch their main kites out annually.

aeberl - I agree, it's a small price to pay, especially considering when something breaks it could end in a trip to the ER.

who can afford to buy new kites every year? Your kite sounds like it is in pretty good shape even if it's no longer crispy

[eree]

...I ask, because I'm fighting not to upgrade until 2012, but problems are starting to arise on my kite, I've replaced a bladder, only to find a new leak 3 months later. The lines, particularly the depower line are starting to show some real wear.

I ride every chance I get, which I'd guess to be somewhere in the 100 sessions per year, so that's 75 sessions on this kite. So anyways, what's your approach on how long to keep a kite?

well, set of bladder patches costs 2-3$ and 3 months is acceptable interval, depower line costs me in my local marina boat shop 3$ a meter. and if you don't let kite lines to fry on the sunny beach they last two seasons easily.
time spent on checking and making small repairs on your kite - priceless and very educational!
and that what windless days are for!

[Tiago1973]

My motivation is not so much about ´how old is the gear´ but how much i still like it and how much fun I´m having w/ it; while i like it and if it flies I will keep it.

If the love is lost then I will get a new one.

[voodoospirit]

i replace my kites every 2-3 years , usually when the new kites have a huge improvements ( i mean very noticeable..not like every year so-called improvement)
usually sold at 30/40% of the original prices.

i kite less than u , but on snow and water.