by cjsknight » Sat Feb 03, 2024 10:40 am
Failure mode was splitting not coming unglued. First one on a trip in the spring. Then it happened again, ironically again in Mexico! I checked and most of the remaining valves had same issue, splitting where the hose connects to the 90 degree elbow.
Kite is ~2 years old and has seen fair amount of use. I bought it second hand but close to new. I always store it inside, but of course sailing in PNW winter means it sometimes goes to bed wet. None of the other wings - including 5m fone - I have had have same problem. I was thinking maybe I’ve been rolling it up too tight, but I don’t think so.
Friend with same wing / same problem bought from North Shore, I believe fone provided a new bladder but he had to pay (maybe just shipping?) and it took several months.
Anyway, as much as I love the two fone wings I’ll probably switch brands, just got a gong upe which seems really nice and you can order new bladders easily through the website!