Bladder installs - tell us your tips

[NYKiter]

3rd attempt at a bladder install on a 16m today - small kites no problem...these pigs are pretty much a nightmare.

Zip is no where near large enough to accommodate the bladder w out spinning it on the way in...
Not to mention the valves doing their own thing as they make the long journey inside the cave...
I tie off the outer shell center and the elbow of the kite with string to stabilize the kite on the floor as I snake the bladder in. 3rd try this morning...I hate this part of kite maintenance..ready to pull my hair out...I actually have to walk away and calm down between these attempts...

Tell us your install tips for these pig large kites....

[noel]

LE of kite has a seem on one side. Lay flat w/ zipper up. No spin if LE is flat. Lay bladder next to zipper and fold bladder flat and tie line to tip. Place heavy bucket or something to hold wing tip from moving. Pull bladder thru LE. It will unfold by zipper and pull thru flat. Another way would be to thread extra lines thru 1 pump holes and secure to strut nipples. More work but bladder won't spin if lines are holding nipples up.

I don't have a problem with the first way described. Flat is the key!

Hope this helps.

[NYKiter]

Not a bad idea to string the 2 valves and then pull these lines in concert with bladder line.

[windybrit]

To keep the bladder from twisting in the LE as you reinsert it I have had success using a piece of flat card taped to a broomhandle . If you can dust the bladder with talc as a lubricant it seems to make it seat better in the LE as you reinflate.

[Gigi;)]

[NYKiter]

The only way to keep the valves up during the insert is to fold the bladder downwards and when its pumped up it will reform. I provided a diagram. Ridiculous...

[William Munney]

In addition to the square of cardboard at the front of the bladder, I have had success using a magic marker on the bladder, making a long line from valve to valve so you can see through the fabric of the LE that there are no twists.

[NYKiter]

Smart idea on the marker line.
I'm wondering if there is a market for a bladder feeder - although I'm guessing most folks aren't DIYs.

[Clew In]

Hey,

This is what I found was easy for my 16 meter and it can be done in a small area.

viewtopic.php?t=2359055

Rock On!

Tom

[Puetz]

.. slow the f down, and plenty of talcum powder! When inflating, slowly, slowly and did I say, slowly pump up when your done!