Cabrinha Kite Bladder: Repair or Replace?

[beebad]

So , I may or may not have a leak in my 2016 12m switchblade bladder.
First have to find instructions for removing bladder, but has to be self evident once I look at the kite and bladder valves to the struts...

replace or repair?

how good is the best patch job?

[Pemba]

I would say it depends a bit on what sort of leak it is (pinhole, valve coming unglued, valve cracked) but very likeley I would say repair. For a pinhole, defenately repair. For a valve coming unglued (very unusual for Cabrinhas of this age in my opinion) the problem might extend itself to other valves but they are relatively easy to glue back on - although I've never done that for a Cabrinha, I'm assuming they are not significantly different from other makes. If it's a cracked valve (as a result of UV I guess), then you'd have to consider that there's other valves with probably the same issue coming up, you'd need to think of buying lots of new valves so in that case I would consider buying a new bladder. The best patch job is pretty good, lasts for years but you have to get the right glue. Lots of information on that on this forum. I've used the wrong glue a few times and the fix will last for a few months then come undone, and then to fix it again is a hassle because you can't really get the glue remains off the bladder.

[GregK]

Don't remove the bladder before doing a screening leak test, which about 95% of the time will tell you the general area of the leak :

1. Pump the kite up very firm
2. Coat the leading edge bladder pocket, valves, hoses with a 10 - 15 : 1 mixture of soapy water ( 10 - 15 parts water, 1 part liquid dish soap )
3. Look closely for bubbles

If there's a bladder pinhole, usually the bubbles will form on nearby stitching holes in the fabric, so the test won't tell you the exact location of the pinholes, but will greatly narrow the search for the exact hole location(s).

If it's leaking from a cracked hose, or poor seal between hose and valve, this test will save you removing the LE bladder needlessly.

[FLandOBX]

+1 - I agree with GregK. If the soapy water test doesn't indicate the location of the leak, take your inflated kite into the shallow water at your launch site (or local lake) and submerge the bladder section by section. You will find the leak.

Unless a bladder has been blown apart, a repair is usually fine. I have repaired huge holes in bladders with good success. Pinholes or leaky valves are very easy to repair. But locating and assessing the leak is a prerequisite to deciding whether repair or replacement is the better option.

[rleshem]

I’ve repaired a bladder on a switchblade. It was not too bad.
I took the bladder out, pumped it and then submerged it section by section in a bucket of water to find the pinhole.
Circle it, dry the bladder and patch if using the clear patching square supplied with kite. I think I deflated before patching . Reinflate to make sure it holds air.

There are some good youtube videos on how to take the bladder out and put it in.

[beebad]

THANKS everyone! I knew my first place to check is this forum for big time help as always......

[RideLow]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-PBgFCFplA