Spreader Bar Failure

[John-B]

Having a powered 11m session last night when my spreader bar snapped and fully detached. Luckily I was doing a carve transition and I was ripped from my footstraps before the bar was ripped from me and because I attach my leash to part of it my kite took a few tumbles dragging the lines with it before settling LE down. Lucky as; the tide was going out and there was room upwind; escaped with only some staved fingers and a badly bruised hand; and lucky because I was doing some pretty big jumps in what was, due to the tide, pretty shallow water.

The spreader bar is less than a year old, there is no sign of rust, or wear.There was no warning, it happened so fast I had no time to react and it was pretty violent. I emailed the manufacturer who has offered a warranty replacement no quibbles; however a quick google shows that this is more common that you might think on these bars. Also irrespective of this how many failures like this is too many? This is a critical piece of equipment and it made me think what if this had happened at a busy launch such as where I go on holiday like El Medano, or if another water user had been nearby?

This is something that probably 99% of people cannot be spot easily (how many kiters are welders/fabricators). Unlike some other parts it doesn't show any obvious signs of wear or use and should a spreader bar have a shelf life and what is this in hours/use?

Yes it is a Dakine Hammerhead. As stated they and the UK distributor were quick to reply and offer a warranty replacement (how much confidence do I have in this?) but my emailing them was not for this purpose and I suggested as above - how many failures are too many before they look at the manufacturing of these?

Therefore this is not a 'name and shame' thread but I want to find out if this has happened to others, or with other bars. I think if I have enough evidence then I'll forward it to Dakine. This is not me simply feeling aggrieved. I do think this is a serious safety issue and if there is any potential for this to fail in such a way then surely the manufacturer has to look at the design/quality control. I have googled and can't seem to find this issue with other brands so wondering if anyone out there has had it happen to them on any brand?

[yuko]

Shiittt , that's the one I have! Bought it this year, will be keeping an eye on it!

[Laughingman]

This was covered a month or so ago... see this thread

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2376722&start=0

[tautologies]

I took out one of those every 3 months...first the pivoting, then the regular until I gave up.

[topmick]

Looks like the hook is breaking just next to the weld in the (Heat Affected Zone).
Obviously a wide spread problem, Dakine should rectify this before someone gets badly injured.

Another thread here.
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kite ... eak-often/

[SupaEZ]

Dear John B.........you can be sure that they know (Da Kine)

No need to send them testimonies and proof

You can almost be sure that at least 1000 failures have happened worldwide

I myself had 3 Da Kine spreader bar failures just like that

Multiply that by 333 other kiters worldwide for the past 13 years...and you have your answer

YET they still fabricate the same thing over and over and over...and have clear conscience to sell it

The long hook is too far from the spreader and the weak spot areas cannot handle the leverage

A beefed up shorter hook like on my Mystic Warrior has near zero chance of ever ever breaking

Who has time to worry about stupid design failure stuff like that on the water

.......................... .......................................................................................................

[pj sofine]

If you look really close you can usually see where it started. discoloration of the metal.Tough to spot beforehand, very rarely inspect regularly. I've been through 3-4. My new bar has 3 contact points,holding up nice for a 225 lb 'er.Welds held up nicely on yours,simple ss fatigue

[lakelavonkiter]

I was just looking at my spreader bar and harness, an older T3 DaKine, could the problem be that on the newer harness's the spreader bar is so locked down that the hook is under more stress? I can never get mine that tight even with the bar pad there is always some slack and that allows the bar pivot up some when needed.

Keith

[Kamikuza]

I told Dakine, they put a new one in the post for me...

My new bar has 3 contact points,holding up nice for a 225 lb 'er.Welds held up nicely on yours,simple ss fatigue

What brand - or is it DIY?

[pj sofine]

Cabrinha