I've noticed that my Reach 11 has a scratch on the LE. Probably caused by a shell on the beach. I'm a bit disappointed that this could damage the LE.
Should I worry, repair?
The kite is 1 year old.
Patch it on the inside with something not elastic - dacron, insignia, even spinnaker, but not tear aid or similar.
I had a very similar one and noticed it after the hole had grown a bit and the bladder could be clearly seen. Luckily on time.
It was a meter away from the tip (10m kite) and getting there through the zipper was impossible, so I used a stick to bring the patch through the tip. To be on the safe side I put a patch on the outside too. PM me if you want some photos and more details
These users thanked the author nixmatters for the post:
Tear aid would work fine for this small hole - just make sure you have 1/2 inch tape around it. I've done it dozens of times. Obviously clean well, dry well, and apply lots of pressure on the tape when you put it on (use the back of a spoon).
Anything bigger would need sewing.
I personally have all my leading edge tears repaired with a sewn on patch. I have made it work with a tear aid patch before on a small tear. I tend to ride very hard and crash kites violently sometimes. Your leading edge is under a lot of stress this is why I all ways get it sewn and not just a sticky patch on it. My 9m Reach has 3 repairs from rocks on shore line. Both times my fault .
These users thanked the author TheJoe for the post:
I personally have all my leading edge tears repaired with a sewn on patch. I have made it work with a tear aid patch before on a small tear. I tend to ride very hard and crash kites violently sometimes. Your leading edge is under a lot of stress this is why I all ways get it sewn and not just a sticky patch on it. My 9m Reach has 3 repairs from rocks on shore line. Both times my fault .
Yes the stresses your LE is under are huge. Bit stitching is not as strong as you think. And "sticky backed" tape adhesive acts like a fluid most of the time and will flow (move). I only do glue and stitch on the LE.