Hi all, I recently bought an ion 2 of 10.5 square meters from flexifoil. It's quite an old design, if I look it up on the internet then the design seems to be from 2008. The odd thing is everything really looks brand new, I think it just spent years and years in storage.. I paid 440$ for the kite, bar, harness and a board. When I bought it we quickly pumped it up and left if for 15 minutes while discussing other things. After returning it hadn't deflated at all. This weekend I brought it to the beach and it immediately started losing air. After closer inspection one of the valves was leaking. I contacted the guy and he's willing to take the kite back.

I did a further closer inspection and it seems like two valves are leaking or are about to leak. In total there are however 9 valves on this kite (6 on the leading edge & 3 on the struts).

I have two options:
a) Ask for a discount of 80 euro's and use that money to buy four valves (use two & keep two spare) and do the repairs. Running the risk that I don't do the repairs decently (although it doesn't seem too complicated) & the risk that other valves break down soon after.
b) Return everything: It is quite a far drive & I would need to find other gear even though I'm happy with the board & harness.

What would you do?

Hijerrykiter,

I'm sorry to say but you got ripped off.

In the kitesurfing world, a 14 year old kite is considered ancient and should not be sold for any amount of money. Furthermore, a bar that is that old would have a seriously outdated safety system, which means that it's unsafe to use.

It's quite normal for a kite this old to have valves peeling off, even if it wasn't used much or wasn't used at all. The manufacturing process of valves and the way they are attached to the bladder have evolved a fair bit since then.

The only thing possibly worth keeping and possibly worth a bit of money is the board, assuming it's the correct size and width for your body weight, skill level and local conditions.

You are lucky the seller is willing to take it back because it's your best option. Even if the kite was in working order with brand new valves, it would still not be worth anything.

If you are a beginner and this is your first purchase, you should avoid buying anything without expert advice such as a friend who's been kiting for a long time. Also consider buying from a kite shop with a good reputation. Kite shops selling used gear would offer support and ensure you are buying the correct gear and in good condition.

Kitesurfing is not a cheap sport and you have to be prepared to invest more money if you really want to get into it. Consider spending3x to 4x the money you spent on proper equipment that is not older than 2-3 years old and in great condition so it doesn't break when you crash it. Get a kite that is modern and beginner friendly and a bar that has a modern safety system and flags out on a single front line.

You can find more tips about buying used gear on our blog here: www.kitebud.com.au/6-things-to-look-at-when-buying-a-used-kite/

Hope this helps,

Christian - KiteBud

Well, I wouldn't say "ripped off" as the seller likely believed it was in good condition & seems to have done all the right things. (Buyer chose to buy such old gear even after inspection, and board & harness may easily be worth the price paid.) Otherwise, all good advice from Christian above!

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Sandee said..
Well, I wouldn't say "ripped off" as the seller likely believed it was in good condition & seems to have done all the right things. (Buyer chose to buy such old gear even after inspection, and board & harness may easily be worth the price paid.) Otherwise, all good advice from Christian above!

Sorry but a 14 year old kite and bar cannot be worth much at all if anything. The board is most likely the same age so at most it would be worth $100 AUD. A 14 year old harness is also not worth much at all.

You're looking at a $150-$200 AUD package. Anything above that is being ripped off just because the kite and bar are too old, even if everything was in working order.

Sorry Jerry,
I have to agree with Christian on this one.

Maybe keep the board, but look for a new kite and bar. Try no older than maybe 6 or 7 years old, after that the likelihood that somethings gonna go wrong is greatly increased.

All the best with getting into the sport, its a blast, but a steep learning curve - and most people have made mistakes/ bad purchases along the way.... I have had my fair share of deflating kites over the years, never worth trying to fix them from my personal experience.

Chris

sounds like return the kite maybe better. i mean if you got the kite for $100 you would maybe go through the pain of repairing leaks,and it is a pain. you will spend hours doing the leak find and it sounds like all the bladders need removing to check if you go that way.

Wow that's good news he took the kite back ! Yeeahp don't bother with it and yes all that would be about 150$aus USA can't remember what euro is now

Sorry2