Ozone leading edge bladder failures?

[knyfe]

I am on the 4th ozone kite and never had a bladder issue. I fly them until they are truly dead - weak cloth and splitting in mid air.

Mid warm climate and 6psi on the pump. I guess I was one of the lucky ones. Currently own two v9 edges. G

[Dowbblering]

I do live in a hot spot being on the sunny coast so I’m always careful to never leave kite in a car that’s in the sun etc. i even take it into work with me if goin to be windy in the arvo. Interesting about the bladder / plastic infection. In the strut that keeps blowing in mine I noticed a discoloured patch.

[mattenzuchtig]

regular northeast European climate,
kites are always in a trailer which never heats up even not in a holiday resort with 30+°c room enough in it.

I fly Ozone from their second tube type which if I remember wellwas instinct sport with some kind of 5th line.

nearly each year I changed my kites....but used them like couple of times on a weekly base, much more that the average kiter who only flies them in a weekend with wind.

This to say I never had a problem, untill I buy a set of Ozone Reo V4 ...new, every single kite 9 7 5 had leakage.
The moment I came from the water and opened the strut clamps...air would flow into the LE, tried everything, new valves, cleaning before screwing them etc...nothing would work.

It took a long time before finally Ozone was willing to change the bladders of all kites ...thx to the dealer, but it took such a f...ng long time.
The explanation from ozone was a microbe in some glue they use, although now they/ Iian, states the valves are all welded..

Why if Ozone says that there are only a few cases , be so reluctant to provide a service and warranty solutions?? we do pay a lot of money, and find we can expect a good service especially when the problem occures with just new kites...

Btw...I have a set of Reo V5 no problems
matti t.

[JakeFarley]

The explanation from ozone was a microbe in some glue they use, although now they/ Iian, states the valves are all welded..

Sounds like the same problem Cabrinha had back in 2001. Supposedly their bladder material was vulnerable to microbial attack resulting in leaky bladders. Had to replace all the bladders in my 21.5m Blacktip.

[richieski]

Had my 9m C4 since 2012. Never had an (manufacturer)issue with holding air. I pump up rock hard. I am near the artic (UK) haha. Usual leaks tend to be from sand on the rubber seals. Always brush off any sand before putting valve in and a bit of spit helps seal it. Also check under the seal (fixed part). I had a slow leak and some sand got in under the seal so best to remove it periodically and check for debris.

[Dowbblering]

This is my C4 bladder less than a year old. Valve is peeling off. Despite doing all the right things like keeping out of hot cars etc. This is my third ozone kite bought from new that I have had bladder issues within the first year of use. I thought the valves were meant to be welded on now.

[ScoopZ]

That a very helpful picture to post, I have been wondering what's going on as I have always found it invasive to replace an ozone valve on my old kites due to the welding of the clear material. Good to know what to look for on 2014-2020 kites.

It's quite sad that a customer these days who spends >1000 on a kite is having failures, and worse still struggling to get bladders ok'd by Matt McTaggart that are peanuts to make in Vietnam. The cut throat nature of the industry is worrying.

[Bille]

...
It's quite sad that a customer these days who spends >1000 on a kite is having failures, and worse still struggling to get bladders ok'd by Matt McTaggart that are peanuts to make in Vietnam. The cut throat nature of the industry is worrying.

My question is :
WHY would anyone reading a topic like this ; even consider buying an Ozone LEI kite ?

Bille

[ScoopZ]

...
It's quite sad that a customer these days who spends >1000 on a kite is having failures, and worse still struggling to get bladders ok'd by Matt McTaggart that are peanuts to make in Vietnam. The cut throat nature of the industry is worrying.

My question is :
WHY would anyone reading a topic like this ; even consider buying an Ozone LEI kite ?

Bille

When your local dealer offers you an at the beach discount over facebook.

[knyfe]

WHY would anyone reading a topic like this ; even consider buying an Ozone LEI kite ?

Because I really love my edges and never had an issue with bladders through multiple versions of the kite and models. For me - zero problem kites. For others obviously not and then it comes down to their willingness to make it right for their customers. And I hope they do.

G