Sail tape/ kite repair tape

[MikE mAy]

i've got a smallish rip in my leading edge of my old beat up 12M. i'm hoping i can tape it and see what happens for a few weeks. i've had good success with a ripstop tape i bought from REI last year. i have no more and apparently REI is now in the "new goods market" and dosen't have that much repair stuff anymore.

anybody know where i can get some locally? i know a leading edge should really be properly repaired and stiched, and perhaps i'll send it off in a few weeks to airtime. i just hate to put anymore money into it when i can possibly get a new 12M at the end of the summer. somehow the rip developed either upon landing, or i flew the whole last session with it. no bladder damage which is weird. we will see, but in the meantime anyone have a good local source on tape?

[joshgubler]

I've been using K-lar. You can get it in the camping section at Walmart.

[KyrkWright]

I bought some at Cloud 9. They have some new stuff that is clear so it doesn't matter what color the fabric you are taping is. It is also stretchy in the lighter sense of the word. It has just the right amount of give. I have used it on a split I got on my trainer kite that was about 4" long. I have also used it on one pinhole on my kite. I believe they charged $2 per foot. So far I like it. You could give it a try if you want.

[Kenny]

Mike,

Make sure you patch those holes (even the tiny ones). When I was first learning, I went out with a 1/4" rip that turned into a 1' tear. I would get the tape at Cloud 9.

Steps:
1. Clean the area to be patched. Use some rubbing alcohol to make sure it is really clean.
2. Round the edges of the patch.
3. Apply a patch on both sides of the fabric if possible.

I have never bothered to get a kite professionally repaired unless the tear was really big. Good tape will last a very long time, just check to make sure it is adhering properly from time to time.

Kenny

[Jason Klein]

If you just need to repair one rip, happy to give you a piece. think i have some in red, black and white (sort of clear). give me a call if you want some. 435-647-6267. I suggest taping both sides and then sew around the outside edge of the tape. since it's on the leading edge, you'll need to take out the bladder so you don't accidentally poke it with a needle. Also, the sewing can be a little tough if the repair is near the wingtip as you need to push your arm all the way in to sew it. If the repair is within 3 or 4 ft of the zipper, this is no problem.

[hangs by lines]

I have found nothing beats Tearaid and http://www.nrsweb.com seems to have the best deals.

*Fixed several full length tears in canopy and worked awesome!