Power Kite Forum

1997 PL Comp Made in NZ?

elkiter - 15-8-2007 at 03:59 PM

Buggiers,

I've got this PL Comp buggy for over 10 years now, that I purchased from GWTW.
I heard this from someone before, but I can't be certain if it's true or not, that
the earlier PL buggies were manufactured from New Zealand? Is this TRUE?
If so, what year did they start manufacturing them from China? (or elsewhere)
Are the NZ-made ones stronger/sturdier?
The reason I ask is because, PL buggies have the reputation for easily breaking,
but I had put mine in so much abuse, and other than the bearings and webbing seat that has been replaced since, it's still kicking strong as the day I bought it.

Cheers,
e

KYTE SLINGER - 15-8-2007 at 06:08 PM

mines been through a lot too and having one rear axle weld un cork on me, been holding up pretty good. it's my main go to buggy ,but I also have 5 others I rotate for different kind of riding.

E it also depends if the pilot is ruff slamming the rear end down after 2 wheeling or trying to lock himself in the seat by pressing hard against the foot pegs and the kind of surface he OR she rides on

coreykite - 16-8-2007 at 10:13 AM

Hey Sailor,
Your 1997 PL Buggy was probably made in China.
No worries.

Peter builds up until things stop breaking.
The rear axle is a good example.

My 1991 Classic has the lightest axle offered.
Peter said it wouldn't bend.
Probably true back then with the lighter European riders.
Once, in front of Peter, I sat down hard on my buggy and bent the axle.
(I was about 260 lbs at the time)
The thicker HD axle option immediately became the standard axle.
Still 12mm bolts but thicker.
Then came the 15mm axle.
Soon after that, the thicker 15mm axle was standard.
Now the XR+ has 20mm axle bolts and is the thickest, heaviest yet.

The problem is not with the Buggy, I think, but with riders not paying attention.

I merely roll my axle to reverse the bend, re-attach and keep riding.
I still have that 12mm axle and it still functions.

I think they use the same steel in NZ and in China.
What might be different is the technique and quality of the welding.


Safen Up! Buggy On!

"Often wrong... Never in doubt"

the coreylama

popeyethewelder - 23-8-2007 at 11:26 PM

I think with PLs you either have a good one or they fall to bits, but like Kiteslinger says, its a starter buggy not up for a lot of abuse, if you want to jump, race or freestlye get a stronger built for the job buggy

Here's Sand Yeti's relationship with the PL http://pic7.piczo.com/Popeyethewelder/?g=42616768&cr=7