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Hey all, I recently had an odd issue with the inflate valve of my 2012 slingshot rally.

While flying the kite I noticed that it was getting soft and after landing it I realized the inflate valve ball that prevents air from coming out was missing. I checked the bladder and I couldn't find the ball which makes me believe it came out of the valve either while flying or while pumping the kite with the two stage pumping system.

Has anybody had the same problem?

thanks

I have an RPM with a valve ball missing and it doesn't leak.The ball is only there to help you seal off the valve without losing air.

Also, never seen one come out unless through the deflate valve. If it is leaking, try a zip tie around the valve stem after the plug is in. Shouldn’t really need the ball to hold air except when inserting the plug after pumping.
Also can try warming the plug and inserting a pencil to expand it gently. Both methods have worked.

welcome to the early 2000s when most valves had no little balls,
and that's when all the struts had their own inflate valve, the tiny end struts were murder to seal off in winter.
we have it so easy now.
and my first Wipika kite came with the most silly little pump you have ever seen, a tiny half litre HAND pump, with a tiny hose, it took all morning to blow up your kite, I even blew mine up by mouth at times as it was slightly easier.
I still have that stupid tiny pump!

Pull the inflate valve when deflating for storage. If you leave it plugged in it can stretch and leak. The ball is somewhere in the bladder unless it fluked it’s way out the deflate. If you find it you can pop it back in place. Really just saves that last 1 psi when inflating, not necessary.