haven't kited in a few years, kites still good?

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I had kids and haven't taken the kites out in 5 years. What's the chance they are still in working order? They are 8 year old kites.

Nak · Tue Oct 25, 22 11:22 pm

As long as they were stored dry, I'd say the only possible issue would be valves possibly coming loose on the bladders. Pump them up and see if they hold the original pressure for a few hours. If you lose pressure, even one PSI, you probably have a slow leak with the valves that may get worse. If you hold steady pressure for two or three hours you should be good.

McLovin · Since 11 Sep 2017 286 Posts Corbett Obsessed

Yk,

Take NAK's advice it's a good start...that said think about the experience you are after.

In the last 8 years they've made some improvements - some bigger than others. Consider the features and experience you have today with a new car vs. 8-10 years back. Yes you can drive a 2010 Honda Odyssey with no back up cam but is that what you really want to do with any precious time you get on the water?

My .02 make life the best you can - You ONLY get one Smile

Mc

Nak · Wed Oct 26, 22 8:12 am

BTW, depending on what kites you have, you may still have the old "beach ball inflation valve." If you do, the new inflation valves are an order of magnitude better. Worth upgrading just for that reason. Damn, I don't miss those old POS valves at all. WAY easier to pump up a kite now. Plus McLovin is correct, kites have gotten a lot better.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

What brand and model kites? Some kites were shit at that time, and others were pretty good.

shred_da_gorge · Wed Oct 26, 22 5:54 pm

Sell the kids, buy new ones.

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 663 Posts Addicted

Man I don't know how we even kited 8 years ago. The equipment was soo bad back then.

Seriously...
Was kiting safe 8 years ago - YES
Was kiting fun 8 years ago - YES

have there been improvements to kites in the last 8 years - YES

Should everyone go out and throw away their 8 year old kites and buy new - Well if you've got the money burning a hole in your pocket then yes... Otherwise, enjoy your crispy old kites and get your money's worth.

That being said, check the bladders for leaks before heading to the water. Pump up and leave overnight. Pinch the valve clips. If air leaks out the next morning when you unpinch the clips you have a bladder issue that needs to be repaired.

Also - Just for the record I have some kites from back in 2012 that I still use (big kites for vacations).

*** After re-reading the OP's post I edited from 5 years to 8 years, but all arguments still apply. I will concede we are getting into the timeframe that Pete's comments have merit. ***

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Alright. thanks for the info guys. My kites are F-One from I don't remember what year. I think the model name was maybe "Bandit". I know they had the fatter bladders and a year or two after I bought mine they updated the model and have it thinner bladders if that gives anyone a clue as to what year they might be.

Anyway I'll pump them up and leave them in the basement for a bit to see if they hold air. And i'll look into getting new kites.

Anybody have recommendations on a good pump? I never did it but I always planned on getting a good one with longer travel than the standard model. I'm 6 feet tall and I hate how far I have to bend over for the short pumps.

McLovin · Since 11 Sep 2017 286 Posts Corbett Obsessed

Any tall pump is fine - something like the WMFG black one everyone has 3 of...

They have 2 modes double and single to speed inflation and still allow ease for the last few PSI to get 'em tight - if in doubt just keep PUMPING Smile

Bandit's are actually a kite that's been a longer lived design so you may have more hope that we thought - good luck. Either way start saving for your new quiver now $

Cheers!

Mc

Nak · Fri Oct 28, 22 12:07 am