kites left in cold?

airon^ · Since 07 Aug 2013 289 Posts Durango Obsessed

Living in colder climes now, and sometimes leaving a kite or two in my car, I'm wondering if that isn't a good idea. I'm sure I'll get reamed for this question--I suspect it's not a good idea and I generally bring them in.

I know heat is bad for kites, learned that lesson early with a loose valve and ever since took measures (park in shade, crack windows, or just bring kite inside).

Just curious about the physics of cold and bladders and if anyone has specific recommendations.

Thanks,
Aaron

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

send them to me i'll keep your kites warm for ya

Cool

Occupied Columbia · Since 12 Nov 2011 376 Posts Columbia City Obsessed

I'm sure someone else on here has a more scientific explanation with molecular weights of certain plastics. But, from experience if you put your kite away dry there should be no long term effects from freezing your kites. Ice crystals could loosen seams. When snow kiting plugs and check balls don't want to seat as well because the plastic in the valve is is less pliable at lower temps.

airtimekite · Since 10 Aug 2005 28 Posts 13th and Wasco

Hey Aaron,

The only real issue we see in the shop from cold climate kites is valves arms breaking. Like Occupied said the plastic gets less pliable and is prone to breaking. It could also have something to do with cold numb fingers pulling harder than necessary when deflating. Leaving them in a cold car shouldn't be a problem.

And leaving kites in a hot car is recommended here at AIRTIME Wink

DRA · Since 10 Oct 2015 3 Posts Mille Lacs MN Kook

I'm no expert, but after reading what is on your web page.
It said you should not leave your kites in a hot car.
Something about the valves coming unsealed from the bladders.

here it is from the fix and repair off your sight.

Don’t leave the kite in your hot car more than is absolutely necessary.
•All valves on kites will fail with time (yes, all of them) and failure is accelerated by heat. If you leave your kite in your hot car for a couple of weeks you’ll probably take a year or two of life span off the valves

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1803 Posts XTreme Poster

Airtime post was them joking...

'Leave kite in a hot car, valves go bad we make $ selling you new valves...'

I store my kites inside in Oregon winter because of humidity/mold issues.

Eric

airon^ · Since 07 Aug 2013 289 Posts Durango Obsessed

Thanks for the input docs,

I guess it may be just fine, subfreezing, so long as I don't have any water in bladder or valve.

did you guys catch the Brandon Schneid LF edit "Below Zero"?

STOKE!!