Flat kite durability

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

I've had two Waroo 7's fail on me now, one the canopy split in between the 2nd and third strut all the way to the LE and thru a scuff guard.

New Wind waranteed that one for me (thanks!) but the replacement I got (which was a bit used) LE seam failed on my 4th time out on it (at RR on Saturday.) The bladder blew through the LE, luckily it didn't pop but I had no chance of self rescuing. Big thanks Henry for towing me in. Its at Airtime now and hopefully it is an easy fix.

A few of my friends and I have noticed part of the LE seam coming undone a bit, this is an easy $20 fix at Airtime. I did see this on my 7m before launching the other day, probably I should have not launched the kite when I noticed it.

I really love the Waroo, but I wonder if the combination of a new design and the flat kite build makes it harder to build a kite to last. Now granted I am riding more than most, 4-6 days a week since I got the kites in early June. All my riding was either on the 7 or 9. I also launch at spots with rocks, I have been known to kiteloop a kite straight into the water, and invert it because I sheeted out too fast.

I have friends who have been riding their Waroos just as long and have had no problems like I have. Maybe its just me. Confused

Still its worth raising the concern of whether or not these kites will last as long as their C kite counterparts. My 7m Yarga saw some really hard times as well, but was great for 2 years with no problems before I finally sold it.

I'm not singling out all these problems to the Waroo, but I know they are not as overbuilt as some of the brands. For that reason they have a much nicer lighter feel to them, but I'd probably trade some of that feel for some durability. For 2007 I guess they are beefing things up a bit, hopefully those kites will last longer.

Full disclosure. Thumb's Up

Mark · Mon Sep 25, 06 8:32 am

Phil,
Where about on the LE should we be looking for signs of wear?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

My 9m waroo just did the same thing and i have to say that when I brought it into New Winds, they said they had never seen a canopy rip before- very interesting. It is being considered for warrenty, but is a few days past dates. I will let you know. I wish mine was as used as yours was. I don't get out that often unfortunately. I will let you know what comes.

Mike Hawk · Mon Sep 25, 06 11:25 am

warros are cheap, its a disposible kite.
Someone once said you get what you paid for

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

Yeah pkh - your not the only one. I had a seam failure of the LE of my 12 after about the same # of uses. Kite was never inverted, slammed or abused . New Wind replaced it N/C, and they were very cool - but - I have the same concerns w/r/t durabilty. I don't take reaches as far out into the ocean (especially when alone), and I frequently check the kite. I'm considering the upgrade to 'Pro' next year. They say that the seams are re-enforced better on the pro version. -C

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Just got word from Airtime fix will be in the $50-$60 range.. no big deal I guess, but still sucks to loose the kite for a week while its in the shop.

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 613 Posts pdx Addicted

got an unexpected 3 hours of solid riding at rooster rock this am on my 7m Waroo. i've only used it 3 times.... hope it lasts for a few more eastery sessions.

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 759 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

i noticed on saturday the my TD 10 had a seam failure on the LE and other stiches were coming out in the next panel as well. i didn't launch on sunday fearing a huge LE tear. my kite was not a 'cheap' one either.

i am thinking it is because i pump it to 7psi. the kite has never inverted on me so, a $20 fix seams worth it. it does suck to be out of a kite for a week but, hopefully i will have it back next weekend.

kt

wylieflyote · Mon Sep 25, 06 3:17 pm **7 psi?**

I have an Ozone Intinct that I pump up the LE super hard with, wanting to avoid an inversion. It exploded a few weeks ago on a barnacle beach, mucho dinero. I was surprised that the explosion caused rippage way up into a panel as well as much of the LE. 7psi? What is the proper inflation psi for an Instinct, or a Waroo?

wano · Since 16 Feb 2006 17 Posts seattle

I bought a waroo 12 from a friend and it had very little use on it. The bladder blew through the L.E. the first day I had it out. very typical crash, hardly powered. I like the kite a lot, and it's supper inexpensive relatively, but I'm definitely going back to slingshot next year. I rode my fuels hard for 3 years with hardly any problems. Thumbs down for best!

Mike Hawk · Mon Sep 25, 06 5:02 pm **Re: Waroo = cheap P.O.S.**

Sailut · Since 31 May 2005 72 Posts Utah

jahmbi · Mon Sep 25, 06 6:12 pm **Re: Waroo = cheap P.O.S.**

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

Exciting news for 07........ Shocked

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

do you think you might see more strut/le damage due to the pressure you have to inflate the sle kites to? the thread and nylon might not take the pressure. just a thought