Hey guys,
Hope everyone is getting some good wind! I am having an issue with my Slingshot 2012 RPM.. When crashing the kite the dump valve comes out causing the kite to deflate, this is happening to me on a regular basis as I am always trying new tricks. It can be quite dangerous especially when kiting in a strong current.. I have tied a zip around the valve to try and stop it from coming out when crashing but to no avail. Has anyone else had this problem and have a solution? I wish SS would use the screw type valve cabrinha and ozone use..
Thanks,
Alex
... not familiar with Slingshot but is there ment to be some velcro strap(s) that goes over the top of the valve, is it missing? 
Hey man, yea there is a velcro strap that goes over, it must not provide a very strong hold because the deflate still manages to pop out...
How much PSI are you putting into your kites?
Secondly, do you trap the air into each strut with the hose clamps?
I'm thinking with the clamps open, the air pressure can move around the kite when hitting the water.
I usually only put in 7 PSI in as I thought over inflating could contribute. I sometimes put less in to be safe.. I also clip the struts off but they tend to unclip if the kite hits the water..
BS meter is registering on this one.
Your dump valve must be supremely stretched if crashing the kite is popping it open, unlikely for a 2012 kite, even the velcro shouldn't be in bad condition.
The way strut clips are made and operate makes it pretty much impossible for them to be popped open by way of pressure through those small tubes.
Unless the strut clips are very worn, again unlikely for a 2012 kite.
Thanks 'kiterboy' for your valued response... Can I ask do you own a 2012 SS RPM?
I am posting about this because it is causing me a real issue, I have been kiting on and off for around 6-7 years but only started working on more advances tricks like passes this season, hence probably the more crashes.. This has happened on BOTH my 9m and 12m kites which both have less than 12 months use, I take very good care of my kites I don't think the dump valves are stretched.. But every time it has happened all the one pump clips have unclipped themselves, the velcro has come off and the dump valve is fully opened..
Hi Real -
Where did you purchase the kite from and where are you located?
I would suggest taking it down to your local SS agent to have a look at it for you. Its an unusual situation if the vlave is fitted properly and the velcro secured but something that shouldnt be happening.
Regards
BC
Easy answer then.
Since it's happening on more than one of your kites, you're probably not closing the clips and valves properly.
If that's not the answer, then you've bought two dodgy kites (unlikely unless you got them from China direct) and should take them in to get looked at as Boardcrazy suggests.
Have you tried:
Not crashing your kite..? i find it works well in most situations.
I had the same problem with my Core GT's where the inflate valve would blow open on a hard crash landing. I just wrapped another piece of Velcro strap, maybe 3 inches long, around the valve and Velcro tabs on the kite. This extra strip of Velcro stopped the Velcro stitched to the kite from sliding off the valve.
I don't see how they can come unclipped if they've been clipped in properly to begin with, unless the clips are dodgy.
Yes not crashing it as much would help.. but I can see you are pushing the boundaries a bit so its enevitable. On a postiive note the release given by the valve coming open may have actually saved a leading edge blow out a few times maybe??
That only works with the plastic inflate valves.
Try putting a thin Zip tie around the outside of the valve and pull it in just a couple of clicks. Test to see if its any harder to insert the plug. If it is go try it out, if not tighten a touch more.
if you don't pump the rally up (2011) rock hard it gets a weird windtip flutter when turned quickly. Doesnt effect the flight of it but it scares the crap out of me. I think they have fixed this now though
Hey guys, really sorry for the very late response!
Appreciate all the feedback, has anyone with RPM's experienced this problem? I am struggling to grasp the concept of a higher inflate pressure could stop this problem..
I am starting to think the velcro isn't strong enough to hold the deflate in place..
Lower inflation pressure means that when your kite hits the water at speed it folds. This generates much higher peak pressures against your valve than if the kite was more rigid despite the higher internal pressure pumped in.
Also depower when all hope is lost.
