10 tips for buying used inflatable kites

[MK]

Buying used gear? Repairs are part of the game and, if done properly, have virtually no harmfull effect other than cosmetic, and if done really well you may not even notice:) I just sold another used kite and helped a new kiter recently learn what to pay attention too. I thought I would share tips to look for:
1. Canopy repairs are inevitable, the professional repair simply uses the right materials and process. Pro Tip: Alcohol clean area, Dacron/Type A/Sail Tape, round the corners of your patch/tape, apply to both sides of tear (this material is cheap), heat/allow bonding time.
2. If buying an inflatable kite make sure it holds air. Some leaks are obvious while others are a mystery. Kites can develop leaks through even pin-hole rubbing of thistles, also bladders can break down over time. Type A patch works. Also, valves can loose their bond to the bladder over time depending on care and use. A simple ~$12 replacement valve will do - Pro Tip: remove bladder and dip valve in boiling water then peel it off/away from the bladder, alcohol clean the bladder and stick on the new valve. Extra Inside Super Time Saving Tip: Replacing bladders is easy when you use a long stick - keep the bladder from turning:)
3. Is the control bar the right one for the kite? Generally small bars to small kites like 8/9M and under with lengths around 17"/18" while other kites 9/10M up to ~12/13M are ~20", largest kites can have bar widths up to ~23". This varies by manufacturer and even with different production years for some brands. This doesn't need to be a deal breaker for you if the bar is a different brand than the kite, just make sure the bar/lines work with the kite and know some brands make a one-bar solution for all their kite sizes.
4. Lines can stretch over time. Especially for newbies, the kite can get out of control and you will find countless hours of untangling lines, note you get better and learn to avoid this:) When lines stretch the kite can fly with a pull to one side or the other, the bar won't be level, as well as have effects on the power of the kite. Pro Tip: Kind of like balancing your tires or alignment on your car, a $15 or $25 set of pigtails can get you aligned and keep you in play. They are ~3" long and come in packs of 4 to 8. Each has a few knots ~1" apart that allow you to adjust for different line lengths. Also, look for knots in the lines. Knots become the weak point and can cause a line to break. That will kill your stoke if it happens.
5. I think all new kites come with a repair kit. These are worth having on the spot to keep you in play. Pro Tip: What do I carry with me? Extra leash, zip ties, silicone grease for pump shaft, Type A patches and Dacron patches, fingernail clipper (you know, may as well groom when the wind is down), allen keys, small screw-driver set, old kite line, alcohol packets, pigtails. You can pack your repair kit with all sorts of stuff but the key is give it some consideration. Know I'll likely have something on me so feel free to ask if we're out sharing the wind.
6. Is your safety system, Quick Release, QR functioning? You don't want to find out it doesn't. Older kites can get sand, dirt and salt built up, corrosion of sorts can set in. Verify it works and fix what needs it. Pro Tip: Some fixes are simply bungee line replacements you can find in your wife's pony-tail holder collection (don't tell my wife!).
7. Pump: Does the pump have the right connections for your inflatable kite? Does the pump have a leash? Are the connections on the pump hose separating; meaning will they hold under pressure? Pro Tip - Zip Tie the hose at the connection points to secure them. Over time the glue that keeps the hose and connections together can break down. Or simply re-glue them:)
8. Does it have a bag? Bags come in all variety. Some kite companies sell the bag À La Carte. Protecting your kite is wise. Pro Tip: Even a pillow case keeps it all together and adds a barrier against fins, board rails, harness parts and control bars. Some brands offer a separate control bar sleeve to help protect the kite fabric. All kites are built as tough as possible but keep in mind the power they harness and the punishment they can receive especially for the newbie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNypH2jyenc&hd=1
9. Does the kite have a safety leash? If so, verify it works properly. Spring loaded hooks, clips, sliding release mechanisms, etc. all need to function if needed. Pro Tip: Work through your components not only at the point of sale but I suggest every time you kite to keep current. You hopefully never have to use it but in a moment of need your familiarity will calm the crisis.
10. How's the Leading Edge? If the kite is an inflatable know it will be under pressure. Simply pumping it up to the proper psi puts strain sewn points. Rubbing on the sand, snow and ground in general can wear down your sewn areas. Some kites have a double stitch here and if you see the first layer of stitching worn away or otherwise compromised, get it fixed. Pro Tip: use your down time wisely and be pro-active with repair needs. I've come in from sessions before and either running out of time, tired or otherwise too busy to tend to the repair needs. Think like an airline pilot and study your gear each time you set up and break it down, you will glad you did.

Overall, professional repairs are fairly inexpensive and if done ahead of time keep you enjoying this incredible past-time. I have repair requirements stocked at the store so feel free to hit me up to get your needs met. Some older kites naturally don't have OEM products anymore but I've secured resources to take care of you. You will find additional resources for repairs in the online store: https://store.lakawa.com/categories/kit ... ts/?page=1

[Randy]

Very helpful information. Thanks for posting.

[MK]

Thanks Randy. Doesn't seem often that life slows down enough for me to have time to write helpful tips. Hope it helps!