Burst Leading Edge

Call · **Joined:** Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:11 pm **Posts:** 6

Hi guys

Just looking for some advice.
Bladder on leading edge burst about a foot along the seam on a 12m cab convert.
Is this possible to repair or where best to buy a new bladder, the only ones I could see reviews on were the orange airtime which people were not overly happy with.

Appreciate any advice
Thanks
Cal

rtz · **Joined:** Mon Jan 24, 2011 6:47 am **Posts:** 180

Take a pic and fill out the form for a repair price estimate: http://fixmykite.com/

wadoepotatoe · **Joined:** Sun Oct 31, 2010 5:20 pm **Posts:** 35

Try sealing it with an iron 1st.

-Wade.

edt · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2012 4:08 am

one feet, two feet, ten feet, sure you can repair it, first cut out all the stretched material, get some tear aid you'll want the five foot roll, place some paper towel under the rip (the paper towel will end up inside the kite) and then lay down the tape, as usual make absolutely sure there are no wrinkles when you lay down the tape

I suppose you can iron it but you still have to cut away the damaged material and go find some bladder material from some other source for the patch. I have never had good success ironing my bladders. It is some kind of voodoo science that requires the exact right temperature and pressure, practice first if you iron it!

GregK · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2012 7:21 am

You can experiment with welding the bladder yourself, or if you are OK with paying for a professional welded repair :

- in the UK - http://www.jonnieeisler.com/spage-repair_pictures-bladder_repair_pictures.html

- in Europe - http://www.drtuba.eu/ - do welded bladder repairs according to their website

- in the USA - http://www.kitebladder.com/

- in Canada - http://www.comoxkiterepair.ca/Bladder_Repairs.php

A welded patch should be less than half the cost of a new bladder ( & valves ) - if you decide to get a new one, most kite shops will have either Airtime orange after-market bladders or others ( i.e. http://www.pksdistribution.com/products.asp?cat=FixMyKite+Bladders - in the US ).

Hope it works out well for you.

matthepp · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2012 6:12 pm

I've been very pleased with Bladderman's bladders. Way better than the orange ones.

William Munney · **Joined:** Mon Sep 27, 2010 2:47 am **Posts:** 217

matthepp wrote:

I've been very pleased with Bladderman's bladders. Way better than the orange ones.

+1
I can't believe Airtime is still selling those orange bladders. Add up the cost of the leading edge blank and the U-Stick valves which you have to assemble yourself, Bladderman's product performs better and makes sense financially.

knot_moving · **Posted:** Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:50 am

I can give you a more informed opinion from kitebladder.com in a couple days - Jim Hendrix fixed my 17m Contra and its on its way back to me as we speak.
I can say he was very responsive & the price seemed very fair. I'll give you more feedback after I get the kite back and fly it a couple times.
I saw at least one other post from another thread recommending kitebladder.com. He has lots and lots of OEM bladders and can make up a custom one if he doesn't have yours.

GregK · **Posted:** Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:31 am

It's Jim Haddox who is the Bladderman in Florida - Jimi Hendrix was the Purple Haze guitar genius....

darippah · **Joined:** Sun Apr 22, 2012 9:07 pm **Posts:** 98

Ya Jimmie rocks! :mosh:

Burst Leading Edge

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