#bladder repair

[kiterepair-blog]

Check out this video from Todd Davis of Kailolo (http://kailolo.com/).  Great video no how to replace leaking valves on kites that have a fabric layer sandwiching the valve to the bladder (Wainman Hawaii kites, Liquid Force kites, and others). 

Our only suggestion is to buff the bladder dry with a clean t-shirt instead of waiting to have it air dry.  By buffing it dry you can lift off any lubricant that was loosened by the alcohol.  After buffing the bladder with the t-shirt you should check with the back of your finger to see if it feels "tacky" to the touch.  If it doesn't feel super clean compared to the rest of the bladder repeat the process again.

Big "thanks" to Todd for sharing his experience with the rest of us.  Check out his website and thank him yourself if the video helped you.

[kiterepair-blog]

Strut removal - Here is a quick video showing you how to remove a strut with a simple 9mm valve.  A vintage video but still relevant.

[kiterepair-blog]

Strut installation - A little vintage kite repair here but still useful.  Se how to install a strut with a simple 9mm inflation valve.

[kiterepair-blog]

Slingshot onepump strut installation instructions - Here's a quick video from Brogan from AIRTIME kite showing you how to remove and install a Slingshot onepump strut.

[kiterepair-blog]

Cabrinha SPRINT system bladders - Great video from Cabrinha showing how to remove, patch, and re-install SPRINT system bladders.  

When installing the strut we suggest you pay special attention to the part of the strut bladder that is between the valve and where it hits the leading edge.  You'll want shake the strut from the tail so that this part of the bladder falls into place.  

We also suggest you inflate the strut (adapt your pump to the SPRINT valve with a hose) by itself the first time so you can make sure the bladder is seated well.  Once you're sure it's in correctly connect it to the rest of the kite and blow it up for a final test.