I was going to guess it was a Cabrinha after I saw the picture and hadn't even read anything yet. LOL! Sorry... not LOL at your predicatment... that sux big time... but LOL at another Cabrinha manufacturing defect that they claim is your fault.... It all started with their cheapshotting on the UV protectant causing kites to tear like tissue paper in less than a year....

That's why they charge the big bucks.... wait... why do they charge the big bucks....?

... maybe I was too harsh on them. Guess you can't take your Lamborghini 4-wheeling.

Dunno, haven't checked it - will do next time I get the kites out. Which is hopefully soon!

I would be happy with some bumpers on my "lamborgini"

Hey,

I had a 2006 kite and I think the thread was inferior and It either rotted or was weak to start with. I hand stitched many spots that were opening up just from tube pressure; however, I still have the kite and use it sometimes.

I have always wondered why the manufacturers don't reinforce the underside of the leading edge and the wing tips that contact the ground when turning the kite over. They put the bumpers on the top of the leading edge and I have never worn or even scraped one. Why do they do that? I always have to self launch.

Clew In

Any video links for both drag and tethered self launching?

A "normal" self-launch should be a tethered self-launch. I cannot believe how many do not do so, it's such a no-brainer. If you don't have a fencepost, fill a drawstring laundry bag with sand, attach a large carabiner. Hook that to your chicken loop, launch kite at edge of window. Foolproof.

It is not foolproof. It HIGHLY depends on your spot.

One of the spots I go to, has so gusty and shifty winds, that the other self launch is actually better IMO.

Now when that is said, if you;re really good at the selflaunch down wind, there is not much difference in wear...if you aren;t then the anchored will wear way less on the kite. Still though....6 months? That is short. OP might just have been unlucky though.

But really though. I am not sure how brands get in this position. It is a $20 repair job.
IMO a good middle road here would be if the Cab paid for the repair. It is a $20 job. If I had a shop I would take the kite get it sewn and either offered to pay the repair or give the guy a giftcard of a little more than the repair is. I think it is unreasonable to expect a new kite (I don't think OP is asking for a new kite tho).

How do shifty winds mess up a tethered launch? Tethered launches have worked really well for me in all winds I've tried them in.

In real gusty conditions and turbulent conditions it can be hard to teather launch. I've had some interesting teathered launches gusty 20-40+ knots. while on the teather the kite surges foward in the gust and then drifts back in the associated lull. It can then catch a wing tip on the ground and be rolled over and launch towards the powerzone.

Also in really powered conditions make sure you have a damn solid teather point. i've had BIG logs get dragged out of the sand in some of those mad days.

lastly different kites work and better on a teather. generally i find the lower aspect the kite is the better.