Blown leading edge seam

[bradak]

My kite has signs of a machinist first day all over it. But I still love the product.

[nuno]

Hello,

im little bit dissapointed with my waroo. Yesterday my waroo was lying on the beach and suddenly there was this big noise. Leading edge and bladder on my waroo were blown up. I never had such experience with any other kite and due to the fact Im in vacation in Portugal I need help.
Im in the south of portugal (Algarve region), next to the spanish frontier (Andulizia region) between Faro (50km) and huelva (50km, 120km to Sevilla).
Best team is there any retailer in that reagion that can provide me with some bladder and fix the leading edge again? Ive already tried to contact kaimaleon in huelva but can not reach them?
How long would it take to get a new bladder from Best (still hear for the next 2 weeks), as I know you have a warehouse in barcelona?
It seems the leading edge stitching is not so perfect on the 06 models as expressed also by other people in that forum. I have flown the kite for 6 weeks (3 times 2 weeks vacation) totally; most of the time Im on my waroo12. Any help from you is higly appreciated!
Thanks.

[maurone]

Hello, my name is Mauro and live in Rome, Italy.

In 2006 i bought a waroo 12, new, had used it about 20 times.
Thursday i pumped as usual, launched the kite, and before i could take my board heard a loud pop.
Yes it was my leading edge.
Wind conditions 14 kts gusty (about 20), kite fully depowered.
Here i post pictures of kite, the tear is 70 cm long.

I think i did nothing guilty to break the kite, so i am asking if this kind of damage is covered by warranty.

Thank you.

[Wallrat]

Man I've got no luck at all. As LaLawyer mentioned back in May, my LE blew out while the kite was sitting on the beach (just landed it so it wasn't heat induced). It blew out just out from center on the LE. I'd been riding a few hours but hadn't crashed it. I had it professionally repaired and bought a new bladder - total cost: $165.

Today was about the 8th time I've used that kite since the repair. I was out riding a great wave when...BAM! I look up and there's my kite sinking towards the water. The LE blew out on the other side of center about the same spot as the last repair. I haven't even crashed the kite since the last repair! I had just taken a break on the beach so I know that the LE wasn't overinflated. The wave slammed me pretty good but I managed to get myself and all my gear in without much incident.

IMO I think Best should give us a partial credit towards a new kite. I love my 06 16, but I don't think I can stomach another $165 repair bill - especially since I've pretty much lost all confidence in the LE construction. I like to do downwinders that pass through some very nasty areas (rocks, busy road, closed beaches, etc.). I haven't done one since May because I was a little nervous about my LE. Now I'm not nervous, I know it's going to fail!

I'm not asking for much, if they offered a couple hundred off the purchase of a new kite I'd think that was more than fair. Whatcha' think Best?

[Pointmike]

Best and My Dealer Bellingham kiteboarding took care of me 100%

I had LE seam issues within the first month of buying my 2006 kites.

But after contacting my dealer, all was made right, The warranty is just as advertised. Awsome.

I've since had 6 other riders buy Best kites quivers, because of the great service and warranty they offered me. out of 20 + kites not one problem.

In short Best now has overbuilt the LE and the 2007 Waroo is bomb proof.

[bradak]

My 2006 14m waroo has just started to unzip on one of the first junction seams on leading edged next to the middle strut. I check my leading edge every time it's inflated. Luckily, I noticed the pulling apart stitching when deflating the kite. Going to try and re-stitch it myself.

I would like to know what thread is recommended. Would polyester upholstery thread work? I rather have something a bit thicker. Does anyone sell thread meant for inflatable kites?

Oh ya, I'm bummed out. I've had the kite since last October, but may only have a dozen sessions on it. I thought it was a good build, unlike my 9m 2006 waroo.

[lalawyer]

If you notice any wear on the stitching or fabric, take it to your local kite repair shop and have them re-stitch the entire leading edge seam. If you do that before you have any problems, it will probably cost you around $20.00. If it blows up, its gonna cost closer to $200.00.

Consider it cheap insurance!

Scott

[maurone]

Cheap insurance?
Yes and maybe next time in my waroo repairing kit i will find needle and thread to finish the job