Power Kite Forum

patch tape preferences

702dirtsurfer - 10-3-2011 at 01:20 PM

Pulled out my wings today to make sure they are ready to fly, noticed a small tear in the monofilm. I'm guessing mylar tape as amazingly enough I haven't patched a sail in 5 years. Also pulled out my old 5.5 and its got a monster gash in the panel from a video shoot a couple years ago. Tapeable?

rip from too much awesome

702dirtsurfer - 10-3-2011 at 01:23 PM



IMAG0112-1.jpg - 171kB

indigo_wolf - 10-3-2011 at 02:22 PM

Tear-Aid... available as patches or tape roll.

Since Mylar is a flavor of polyethylene, Type A Tear Aid is probably what you are after.

http://www.tear-aid.com/htms/tear-aid%20brochures.htm

ATB,
Sam

702dirtsurfer - 10-3-2011 at 02:27 PM

Much obliged, my thanks!

rocfighter - 10-3-2011 at 03:14 PM

Pretty cool stuff Sam. Thanks for the tip.

Jaymz - 10-3-2011 at 10:12 PM

You can also try a sail shop. About a month ago I had a big tear in one of the panels on my kitewing sail. Stopped by a local sail shop looking for tape (North Sails, Manasquan NJ). He said forget the tape and replaced the entire monofilm panel for $70. Good as new.

702dirtsurfer - 10-3-2011 at 10:24 PM

Even better! Probably a good idea to grab some tape anyways, primm isn't exactly close enough to run to the sail shop in the middle of a session.

Now we just need to get you and your gear here so we can ride together

zero gee - 10-3-2011 at 11:46 PM

The monofilm is looking pretty weathered. Once weathered /aged it becomes brittle. I think you will start to see more of that type of tearing. I think all you can expect is about 5 years of good use from monofilm. Seen plenty of this type of "cracking" over 15 some years of windsurfing.

702dirtsurfer - 11-3-2011 at 09:23 AM

Haha that sail is years old,but it was only 3 months old when the rip happened. It's not dry rotted at all,the rip happened from a freak dirtsurfer accident.

acampbell - 11-3-2011 at 03:03 PM

I carry tearaid if you need some and can't find local. Clear, flexible, very slightly elastic and sticks like mad.

702dirtsurfer - 12-3-2011 at 11:08 PM

Thanks Angus! If I somehow don't acquire some before nabx i'll take ya up on that