Hi, was wondering if anyone has found a cheaper alternative to buying the rubber tube that connects the leading edge bladder to struts. $75 bucks to buy at fixmykite. Which is alot for tube me thinks. ??

Bunnings might have tubes in some dept ? Otherwise Supercheap has fuel lines which may be a little stiff...otherwise some other type of tubing . Clear plastic is soft enough isn't it ?

I use the blue 'exercise' tube you get from Clark rubber and you buy it by the metre and just cut to size.
Dont believe the rubbish youll hear from peeps saying the original 'brand' tube is better - its simply not and the clark rubber tube has never let me down ( I dont own shares or are in any way affiliated with CR!!)

Yes, you can use alternatives but kite tubes are specially formulated to withstand heat and UV rays which will make them last longer.

And no, it's not a gimmick, it's a fact. Rubber tubes you buy in store are not made for outdoor use. However, they will work and you may not notice the difference in just a few years.

We sell Airush ones on our website (larger diameter) in case you need those. Cost about $60 delivered for 5x 25cm tubes www.kitebud.com.au/product/airush-strut-tube-one-pump-hose/

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Lambie said..
I use the blue 'exercise' tube you get from Clark rubber and you buy it by the metre and just cut to size.
Dont believe the rubbish youll hear from peeps saying the original 'brand' tube is better - its simply not and the clark rubber tube has never let me down ( I dont own shares or are in any way affiliated with CR!!)

Challenge accepted. I'll test that this upcoming summer and leave one of each tube in the sun and heat, see how they look after a couple of months!

Like many things it's not about how it looks but how it performs.

+1 for the exercise tube from Clarke Rubber. I've been using it (grey one) for at least a couple of years and all good so far. Likely outlast the kites its fitted to anyhow.

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towradgi said..
Bunnings might have tubes in some dept ? Otherwise Supercheap has fuel lines which may be a little stiff...otherwise some other type of tubing . Clear plastic is soft enough isn't it ?

Nothing suitable at Bunnings. They have various tubing but nothing with the elasticity we need.

I have been through all possibilities, but nothing as of yet. Fuel lines are too stiff. Bunnings have nothing. Maybe aquarium shop? Might have to bite the bullet and pay for fixmykite ??

Thanks for all replies. I'm thinking salvos for old exercise tube and see how we get on. ??