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Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2002 10:40 pm
by mantismaster
Hi, I have a 2002 slingshot fuel which I purchased last year brand new. The last time I pumped up my kite, I noticed a slight bulge near the valve on the leading edge. I tried to move the bladder around and massage it, but the bulge remained. Didn`t affect the performance of the kite, But I was just curious about the best method of storage to avoid this. I think it was caused by a fold in t
the kite or bladder in storage, but I am not sure.Thanx!
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mantismaster on 2002-10-30 22:41 ]</font>
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2002 11:01 pm
by randykato
do you mean a bulge in the leading edge casing? if so, that material is obviously supposed to be very strong and rigid so when pumped up firm it should be nice and smooth and any wrinkles or folds from storage should go away.
if there's a bulge in it you should notice the dacron(?) getting thin or the weave of the fabric loosening. i think you should give this some attention before using the kite again since it sounds like your leading edge may be on the verge of a blowout.
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2002 11:51 pm
by fokiten
like the man said, sounds like trouble, Sail Tape is your freind.
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2002 12:02 am
by mantismaster
I think it`s the bladder bulging and not the dacron. I will try pumping it up again and see if it`s still there.Thanx!
Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2002 12:33 am
by Guest
Mantis, do you study kung fu?
Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2002 4:09 pm
by Johnny TBKS
Get this worked out yet? Figure out yet what's going on? If you could, take a pic of it and send it to me.
Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2002 9:03 pm
by mantismaster
I do study kung fu, and I haven`t pumped up my kite to check it out yet(last night being halloween)But I am going to tonight. I dont think its going to blow out, but it just seems strange.
Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2002 2:48 am
by Guest
Wahlum, Northern Mantis, by any chance?
Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2002 4:42 am
by mantismaster
I study Northern seven star praying mantis
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mantismaster on 2002-11-02 04:43 ]</font>
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2002 2:50 am
by mantismaster
Pulled out the kite and pumped it up today. The crease and bulge were still there. I pulled out the bladder a little to see what was wrong, and I found a small part of the bladder is stuck together. I tried to pull it apart, but I didnt want to rip the bladder. What happened? Any suggestions!