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pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Site Lackey
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Mon Sep 25, 06 7:57 am Flat kite durability |
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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.
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.
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Mark
Since 20 Jun 2005
3677 Posts
I need my fix because I'm a
Naishaholic
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Mon Sep 25, 06 8:32 am |
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Phil,
Where about on the LE should we be looking for signs of wear?
_________________ Cleverly disguised as an adult...
www.naishkites.com |
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pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Site Lackey
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Mon Sep 25, 06 9:05 am |
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Mark wrote: | Phil,
Where about on the LE should we be looking for signs of wear? |
Just look along the whole seam, especially near the struts. The areas where the stiching as started to come out would be pretty obvious.
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Garret
Since 07 Sep 2006
254 Posts
Portland
Obsessed
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Mon Sep 25, 06 10:22 am |
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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.
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Mike Hawk
Since 20 Mar 2006
179 Posts
say that 3 times fast DONT FEED THE TROLL!
Stoked
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Mon Sep 25, 06 11:25 am |
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warros are cheap, its a disposible kite.
Someone once said you get what you paid for
_________________ the porn star brother of the famous Tony hawk |
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boardrider
Since 05 Apr 2006
1034 Posts
Ventura, CA
XTreme Poster
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Mon Sep 25, 06 12:06 pm |
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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
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pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Site Lackey
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Mon Sep 25, 06 12:23 pm |
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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.
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kss
Since 24 Apr 2006
614 Posts
pdx
Addicted
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Mon Sep 25, 06 1:45 pm |
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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.
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kt
Since 16 Mar 2005
759 Posts
Portland, Or
Opinionated
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Mon Sep 25, 06 1:59 pm |
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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
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wylieflyote
Since 30 Jun 2006
1635 Posts
Puget Sound & Wa. Coast
XTreme Poster
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Mon Sep 25, 06 3:17 pm 7 psi? |
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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?
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wano
Since 16 Feb 2006
17 Posts
seattle
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Mon Sep 25, 06 4:14 pm Waroo = cheap P.O.S. |
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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!
_________________ breeze on-> |
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Mike Hawk
Since 20 Mar 2006
179 Posts
say that 3 times fast DONT FEED THE TROLL!
Stoked
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Mon Sep 25, 06 5:02 pm Re: Waroo = cheap P.O.S. |
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wano wrote: | 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! |
I agree, SS kites are bomber. I can remember everyone at the start of the season raving about the waroo. But even at first glance it is built like crap. Now to get the quality you have to buy the waroo pro, add to that you waroo car cover you bought this year, and the best bar that you now use as a doggie toy, and the new SS bar that kicks ass, Well you should have just bought a SS TD or Link and you would have saved a ton of $$$
IMHO
And another thing ONE PUMP!
_________________ the porn star brother of the famous Tony hawk |
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Sailut
Since 31 May 2005
72 Posts
Utah
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Mon Sep 25, 06 5:12 pm Re: 7 psi? |
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wylieflyote wrote: | I have an Ozone Intinct that I pump up the LE super hard with, wanting to avoid an inversion. |
Instincts aren't like other bow/flat kites that need all the pressure to avoid "inversions"
The "anti invert span lines" do that without the need to over inflate the leading edge.
wylieflyote wrote: | What is the proper inflation psi for an Instinct, |
From my Instinct Manuel
8psi struts
5.5 psi main bladder
-Marty
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jahmbi
Since 28 Jul 2005
622 Posts
MORE HUMAN THAN HUMAN
River Troll
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Mon Sep 25, 06 6:12 pm Re: Waroo = cheap P.O.S. |
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Mike Hawk wrote: | wano wrote: | I bought a waroo 12 from a friend and it had very little use on it. The bladder blew through the L.E. the first day I had it out. very typical crash, hardly powered. I like the kite a lot, and it's supper inexpensive relatively, but I'm definitely going back to slingshot next year. I rode my fuels hard for 3 years with hardly any problems. Thumbs down for best! |
I agree, SS kites are bomber. I can remember everyone at the start of the season raving about the waroo. But even at first glance it is built like crap. Now to get the quality you have to buy the waroo pro, add to that you waroo car cover you bought this year, and the best bar that you now use as a doggie toy, and the new SS bar that kicks ass, Well you should have just bought a SS TD or Link and you would have saved a ton of $$$
IMHO
And another thing ONE PUMP! | DIG...DIG ...DIG....LOVE MY ONE PUMPER... TROLL
_________________ It's Never To Late To Realize What's Important In Your Life.. |
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J.P.
Since 10 Mar 2005
638 Posts
Addicted
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Mon Sep 25, 06 7:23 pm Re: 7 psi? |
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wylieflyote wrote: | 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? |
Apparently they haven’t learned what SS taught everyone 02/03...
Place two layers of material where the canopy attaches to the airframe (tubes) to mitigate damage propagation.
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Yardsale
Since 29 Mar 2005
387 Posts
Portlanastan
Obsessed
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Mon Sep 25, 06 8:00 pm |
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Exciting news for 07........
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best.jpg |
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trevorsmith
Since 25 Apr 2005
501 Posts
PDX
Addicted
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Mon Sep 25, 06 8:35 pm |
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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
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