Bladder Repair...Twisted

[Reds]

Getting the LE bladder in and out of the kite seems easy enough...but once they are in and the valves connected and seated in their positions..I inflate and there is radical or minor twist so the valves pull away like a turttle retracting its head off to one side. Deflate...massage..manipulate..infltate..repeat. After repeated attempts the bladder is still not straight. Any tips out there for first getting it in straight and any methods for manipulating it straight?

[steveb]

Basically doing what you're doing. I find swear words very helpful.

[Bryce]

I've heard that before you put the bladder back in that a bunch of talc powder helps it move around... too late for that now i suppose though.

[stefen.L]

lots of baby powder, and put a little water inside of the bladder, to help work the twists out

http://www.youtube.com/user/How2Kite

[MK]

Sounds like a lot of work but you will be happier to do it right in the long run: remove, dry it out, liberal amounts talc/baby powder, re-insert, slightly inflate for some form, jiggy it (just a little bit, na na na na na na...).

Ensure it is seated properly then go test it out! (the fun part of the project).

[johnz]

I'd also recommend doing a 'fan fold' of the bladder in the center of the kite - 2 piles - one on each side of the center strut. Use talcum powder and a pull string to slowly pull it in.

good luck!

[JRN]

Reds, don't hate me, but..VIAGRA? Other ideas from the wise @$$ department: Buy foils, don't buy 1-pumps, open a huge line of credit with Air Time, put it back in the bag, get out the plastic, buy a new one & pretend it never happened. We won't tell.

[rookie]

all of above.....and tape a piece of carboard (about 5"X5") on the lead edge of the bladder. as you pull the bladder threw, the cardboard will not spin. when you get to the end of the le fold the carboard in 3rds so it will come out the end. If its allready in, dont be to scared to put your arm all the way in the bladder to spin it as needed.
good luck ~

[Reds]

Thanks Guy...Powder it is..!

[Barry P]

Its not easy.

In addition to to powder, this last time I held the problem areas up to a very bright light so I could see through the LE fabric and work the twist out more effectively.