The below video compares the difference in bending stiffness between all the different SABfoil masts. Including the new 73PK as well as the older masts. https://youtu.be/fEtq2JNsp14 Funny that pre-kraken mast is stiffer Yes, it seems that the 72C mast is stiffest, except from the Kraken 73PK mast w...

The below video compares the difference in bending stiffness between all the different SABfoil masts. Including the new 73PK as well as the older masts.

https://youtu.be/fEtq2JNsp14

New 633"Tortuga" (Turtle) with M8 bolts (for Kraken system)

Strange that a manufacturer would use a very "yellowed" opaque color mold for their valves, as normally that is the color white or opaque PU tubing goes, when it is weak and breaking down. Would be interested to see the color of a brand new one to see if there was any color change as that can be an...

Dave1986, The valves you have shown look old based on the discolored yellow look (first photo) IMO and therefore I would expect them to have a very high probability of failing. I agree that the valves do look old. However this wing (and the valves) are less than 12 months old. It is possible a bran...

There is a kind of bacteria that eats polyurethane. You can find some papers about the matter. Some brands like Ozone and CF have had bladder problems at some point because of it. Salt does not affect PU and polyester, other than maybe some abrasion. The wing is not made by Ozone, but I notice that...

I doubt that the stuff you see growing around the cracking is the cause of the problem. I initially thought the same, and I have kitesurfed for almost 20 years without any issues like this. But in the 2nd photo it's clear that the connector white plastic has become porous like a sponge in the area ...

I am also curious. Where do you kite? What time of year? Do your store your kites outside, in a shed, or inside? How old exactly are the kites? Only used in salt water ocean, UK. Use all year round, but it has only had a genuine 5 uses from new when it was bought 12 months ago . It's actually a win...

Toby wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 20, 2022 11:48 pm

Do you kite in a salty ocean ?

Yes in the ocean in South Wales, UK.

I've recently experienced cracking on several of the strut connectors leading to air leaking. There is what looks like black bacteria or mould on the connectors in the exact place where the connectors are cracked. The first photo shows a connector where the plastic has become almost porous... it has...