iriejohn wrote:
If the pump does not have a filter then if you pump up where there's fine sand/dust/grit being carried by the wind it can be pumped into the bladder.
Thanks good advice I always try to blow a few pumps to clear anything and also will blow on the connector (if you have the updated boston specific screw on that can hide some dirt.)
downunder wrote:
Guys, you completely missed the point, sorry. If you don't bother to read what the OP raised as a concern, than the replies are not relevant.
Yes I understand the issue was only throwing out other potential causes for bladder failures. the constant stretching can weaken and ruin a bladder at the wingtips some of the slingys have bungee retainers as well. Dont have a fix for that as that's the way it was setup. I didn't see a problem with the old way of just folding up and resecuring the velcro like has been done for ever on older generation kites.
Dietsdontworkuk wrote:
Ok understood re the sand inside abrading the bladder when deflated and packed down; I had naish kites before with same Boston valves but no problems, although I soon switched to ozone so maybe I didn't have them long enough.
I dont think it has anything to do with brands its the fact of opening a huge hole to allow dirt to come in. All it takes is one mistake hurrying to pack it up or a wet kite that attracts all the debris around and can fall in. Its almost flush with the leading edge whereas the old nipple deflates were raised some not to mention smaller lessening the risk of dirt getting in. No matter what fast inflation is a time saver and wouldn't be without anymore.
Really tho the only way to inspect would be to take the bladder out and who's gonna do that unless your repairing or replacing the bladder including this other problem of a bungee noose strangulating and stretching
the tips.
Short story I had a kite of another brand with a slow leak that was around 3 hours to noodling. I soaped and watered it and was certain it was the boston valve threads leaking (which they were) I replaced the boston valve with a new one and no more bubbles. kite was still leaking slower but still leaking. finally just bought a replacement from airtime. I pulled it out and found sand and small pebbles while searching for the leak. I have no idea how, if you did catch them you would get them out.
I'm now much more careful and take my time or find a better spot to pack down to hopefully alleviate the potential to introduce dirt. Still thinking of a way to not fully unthread the valve and let air out but it would take too long. and may hurt the threads.
knotwindy wrote:Better too big than too small...
For sure who cares if its too big! The smaller bags put more pressure on bigger kites and increase wear on stitching and everything else inside. May just buy some stuff sacks and save the bag for resell (this is recommended for paragliders as well especially for longer storage periods). One bag fits all only works when they use the largest kite in the fleet as a starting point. they are getting smaller and smaller every year.