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Why Kite Bladder welding vs replacement + BEFORE/AFTER pics
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 12:30 pm
by GregK
Thread re-direct - if you are wondering why CKR is promoting welded bladder repairs, scroll down past the pictures of bladders that were repaired and I'll explain in a fresh post ...
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[ - OFFER EXPIRED - ]
For a limited time, and only for registered BWD forum members, Comox Kite Repair will weld a patch on a blown-out bladder for free
So if you have a blown-out spare bladder sitting around at home, this is your chance to save the CKR $40 bladder welding cost and have that bladder repaired for only the cost of shipping. Or if you have a kite with torn strut or leading edge fabric and a blown bladder, you save the bladder repair charges ( removal, welded repair, re-installation ).
Contact CKR through our website (
http://www.comoxkiterepair.ca/Quote_Request.php ) , mention this BWD free bladder repair offer and include your BWD forum name.
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Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 9:14 pm
by skywalker
Do you guys install as well? I could have used this a month ago.
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 10:20 pm
by GregK
Sure, for a kite bladder installation, our rates are $10 plus $1 for every 1-pump attachment, and includes double pump-up ( low pressure-check-deflate-shake-full pressure ) checks to verify the bladder installation.
For this limited offer, if the bladder repair is part of a fabric repair, bladder installation is free.
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 11:09 pm
by GregK
Going, going, ......
House Call?
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 11:38 pm
by Trav
Can I drop one off on a drive by? I actualy have 2 that need some love. One is blown out right at the tail.(Not the tail seam but close.) The other is a slow leak, I have not gone to deep into what is wrong with this one.
I'm just glad I have now learned that repairs are just up the road.
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 8:50 pm
by GregK
Trav - you bet, I'm in Comox, just send me an e-mail ( greg - at - comoxkiterepair.ca ) and I'll provide the dets on dropping off.
Don't delay, BWD special ends soon ...
Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 10:33 am
by GregK
Trav - got your e-mail, sent a reply with the beta, let me know when coming Comox-way - cheers, Greg.
Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 9:08 am
by GregK
Offer ends Thursday - don't miss out !
Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:38 pm
by GregK
Here are some pictures of kite bladders welded during the CKR special offer.
BEFORE - this Best Waroo had blown LE fabric and bladder
The bladder tear was right along the seam, simple re-weld of the seam
and here's the kite with the fabric repaired and the bladder in
Before on a OR Rise LE bladder
After with the patch welded on
And a Best strut bladder that blew out at the end, had been patched with too much TearAid to allow shortening the end, so a new end was welded on
thanks
Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 10:57 pm
by Trav
Very Happy Greg. Great job. Thanks, when other work is needed on my gear you will be my go to repair guy.
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:50 am
by GregK
Why welded bladder repairs - many reasons but primarily because :
- want to offer a viable / reliable alternative to bladder replacement - why ditch a bladder when 98% of it is in great condition - if your car has a flat would you go buy a new tire ?
- want to re-direct kiters away from disposable consumerism towards stewardship and lightening our impact on the planet
- believe that there is a new viable business opportunity with this approach, that this isn't another " how do you end up with a million dollars running a kiting ( windsurfing ) business ? - Start with 2 million " venture.
I'm interested in your current perception or opinion of a bladder repaired by welding - please post here. Or more to the point, if you accept a bladder manufactured by edge welding, would you feel the same way about a bladder repaired by patch welding ?
looks good.
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:45 am
by skywalker
Looks great- stay in business. You will recieve my next broken kite.
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:05 am
by MartyD
Got 2 bladders fixed by Greg and the repairs look excellent!
Thanks Greg!
Hope I dont have to... but will use you again in the future!
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:32 pm
by thankgodiatepastafobreaky
Hey Greg - Are you able to weld repair the 'Orange' Air Time Bladders?
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:22 pm
by GregK
Good question - I've not yet seen or had any of the Airtime Orange bladder material.
My controller will run hotter if needed, and my tooling can accommodate different film thicknesses, so possibly, provided it is thermoplastic.
Will have to get hold of some and see how it processes.
What's your experience with Orange bladders ? I've read on the the 'net that they have durability issues.