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Any issues pumping kites up really hard?

 
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ldhr

Since 21 Jul 2009
1470 Posts
Hood River
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PostThu Aug 08, 19 1:38 pm    Any issues pumping kites up really hard? Reply with quote

For many of us - it seems to be standard practice to pump up kites super hard theses days. I do it and I think the performance is way better.
I'm wondering if anyone has had kite issues they attribute to too much PSI.
Like the kite springing leaks or exploding upon contact..... I mean - there has to be a limit?

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a.benjamin76

Since 27 Jul 2017
112 Posts

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PostThu Aug 08, 19 2:43 pm    Kite Pressure Reply with quote

8 to 10 psi and you're golden. Less than that and you run the risk of your kite jelly fishing while you're out on the water - scary sight.

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bigjohn

Since 13 Mar 2012
663 Posts

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PostThu Aug 08, 19 2:44 pm     Reply with quote

I have seen two kites explode (not mine).

I have had to fix leading edge deformations on my kites as the higher PSI tends to rip out stitching.

That being said, I still over pump the heck out of my kites.

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jaksavage

Since 02 Dec 2009
216 Posts
hood river
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PostThu Aug 08, 19 4:21 pm     Reply with quote

In the 40mph wind I found on Tuesday 8+lbs was not enough.
My 7m flew fine from Viento until we got to the Wunderbar and then she started bucking and folding. I tried to wait it out and figured "this too shall pass"' but no. Everytime I would relaunch it just went crazy. Leading edge folding inward and front lines going slack. The kite had not touched the water until it went to the devil's side.
I pulled the release and self rescued to the Wunderbar. When I got to my kite I felt it was inflated pretty well.
But it wasn't Baywatch tight!
Lesson learned.

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eric

Since 13 Jan 2006
1803 Posts

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PostThu Aug 08, 19 5:24 pm     Reply with quote

I've always assumed that the pressure gauges on kites pumps are wildly inaccurate, and variable one pump, to another.

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Nak

Since 19 May 2005
4199 Posts
Camas
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PostThu Aug 08, 19 7:09 pm     Reply with quote

Given all the porn hackers today, I can't believe this thread--given it's title--wasn't hit... Laughing

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Sella

Since 21 Apr 2007
1794 Posts
Doin' The Dalles
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PostFri Aug 09, 19 6:38 am     Reply with quote

I pump until I see the stitching stretch and absolutely no wrinkles in any struts. Ping tight...and if the LE still feels like new fake boobs....keep pumping. The performance benefit is ridiculously noticeable.

Never had one explode during inflation but have lost a few upon beach debris impact self landing/launching. Never popped one slamming the LE into the water etc.

I've lost count of how many kites I've launched that are under pumped and guarantee you it's always a new rider going off the gauge....which are very inaccurate IMO.

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Wind Slither

Since 04 Mar 2005
2570 Posts
The 503
METAL



PostFri Aug 09, 19 7:08 am     Reply with quote

Only seen it once, but on one very hot day at Sauive's, when the sand was too hot for bare feet, someone's kite was sitting there and the heat from the sand must have pushed it over the limit and the bladder exploded. Shocked

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bigjohn

Since 13 Mar 2012
663 Posts

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PostFri Aug 09, 19 7:37 am     Reply with quote

I already mentioned this point but I think it deserves additional visibility.

When your kite is pumped up there should be no "bumps" in your leading edge. If you have a "bump" it is caused because the exterior fabric supporting your bladder does not have enough strength at that location to properly hold in your bladder... Which places considerable additional strain on your bladder at that point.

This will be a point of failure!!!

If you find a bump look at the stitching next to that bump. It is likely either loosened or completely worn through. This needs to be repaired ASAP.

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wylieflyote

Since 30 Jun 2006
1634 Posts
Puget Sound & Wa. Coast
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PostFri Aug 09, 19 10:47 am    Re: Any issues pumping kites up really hard? Reply with quote

ldhr wrote:
For many of us - it seems to be standard practice to pump up kites super hard theses days. I do it and I think the performance is way better.
I'm wondering if anyone has had kite issues they attribute to too much PSI.
Like the kite springing leaks or exploding upon contact..... I mean - there has to be a limit?


The one time I had trouble was when I apparently did not have that velcro & fold tuck just perfect on a Cloud kite LE tip end. It came un-velcro'd and exploded out the end at about 12psi at Jones.
Oh, and of course I've observed kites parked on a hot beach exploded from heat expansion.
Kip in Tacoma

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knotwindy

Since 25 Sep 2011
598 Posts

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PostFri Aug 09, 19 2:14 pm     Reply with quote

Naish designer said
I make kites to work at 12psi. If you are not pumping that hard you are not flying the kite I designed.
It is not easy to pump a kite to 12psi so when you think it is enough just keep on pumping. Yes, that’s what she said.

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Mark

Since 20 Jun 2005
3677 Posts
I need my fix because I'm a
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PostFri Aug 09, 19 4:05 pm     Reply with quote

knotwindy wrote:
Naish designer said
I make kites to work at 12psi. If you are not pumping that hard you are not flying the kite I designed.
It is not easy to pump a kite to 12psi so when you think it is enough just keep on pumping. Yes, that’s what she said.


Naish told me the same thing... " your pump will break before you damage our kites... keep pumping"

They do fly SO much better when hard.

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Nak

Since 19 May 2005
4199 Posts
Camas
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PostFri Aug 09, 19 6:05 pm     Reply with quote

Mark wrote:
SO much better when hard.


That's what she said. Very Happy

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