... I have a feeling that the 2011 North kites will still have the same valves as 2010, otherwise they would advertise the fact that "we have inproved our valves" or blah blah blah, you know they would make some milage out of it if they had. Maybe I'm being synical! One way or another, were gunna find out!!! I see they replaced the velcro with plastic clip but what about the valve itself???
Here comes the yearly experiment again!
cheers,
Robbie
You have to be f#%king kidding!? You're going to drop several grand on new kites that you expect to have a serious problem!? My sympathy just fell to zero.
Would you buy a car that you knew had faulty brakes just because you thought the seats were comfy?
Do you have a written agreement from North stating that if a valve falls off in the first season they'll buy back all your kites at full price? If not, wtf are you thinking?
Core are bringing out a 17m XR and the GTS goes up to 15m and should easily match the rebel for grunt, turning speed and relaunch. The big Crossbows have massive grunt, the new Best Taboo comes in big sizes, so it's not just Zephyr or Rebel.
But hey, if you really want to waste your time and money then go ahead, and as ever, I'm happy to accept spare money from folk who have too much and don't know what to do with it. Just pm me and I'll get details to you for a direct deposit.
Gees, this thread still going!
I have replaced around a dozen valves, mostly from 08 and 09 kites which were shipped down to me from Broome. Other than that, I don't think I have had to fix any late model North kites in Perth region at all. I have heard of a few people having to replace valves on older North kites, but the same can be said for MOST brands.
North have definately had a bit of an issue with their kites in the hottest parts of our country where high temperatures and humidity seem to be the likely cause of the valve failures. This being the case, it seems impressive (or crazy?) that the local riders (in Darwin at least) have continued to purchase North products time and again despite problems with previous models. Surely this says something about the kites performance and overall useability.
It is my understanding that the North representative in Australia contacted one of, or several persons in Darwin whom are subject to these problems, and they have reached an amicable fix for the situation. (Please, am happy to be corrected)
In my dealings with North, they have not shyed away from any legitimate warranty claim on kites, or boards, and in fact have usually come back usually within 24hrs and ok'd a fix or replacement even on some older kites out of warranty. The service has been very professional.
I honestly don't know what all the fuss is about. If you have a problem with your kite (of any brand), your first call should be to the retailer you bought it from. They will then take up the situation with the importer or manufacturer.
All our brands have been excellent in their treatment of warranty and customer service. If there is a claim which is refused, AKS has helped in sorting out any isses above and beyond Warranty as my customers will attest. On behalf of my customers and myself, I thank Airush, Core, North and Ozone for top service.
As much as it may make you feel better and may even seem to be fun at the time, bashing a brand on the net, it's only appropriate so long as.... , if you received excellent service or attention, a great deal, or appropriate rectification of an issue with your kite or board, whatever brand, then you should also post this on the net so we do not get a distorted image of any one particular company.
<adorns flame retardent suit>
DM
Darren
Think you encapsulated the reason for this extended thread in your comment 'don't know what all the fuss is about'. As you correctly point out, you don't have the problem in your climate with your total replacements over the years being less than what a few of the Darwin crew have replaced in one session...
Yep the Darwin crew and others love the North kites' flying characteristics and warranty (within the first 12 months) has not been an issue - full marks to North and local dealers
..but with most failures occurring just out of warranty (at least in my case ) year after year at some expense and inconvenience and repeated promises that the problem has been fixed, this extended forum may be the only way North get an appreciation of 'what all the fuss is about'
.
Having seen the valves on the new Rebel and Vegas they are notably different to last year's...if North believe the problem is fixed, a comment from them to that effect could end this epic thread
Wow, I was going to get an 8 meter Rebel for my fiance (she had lessons on them and loved it compared to my Ozone), but after this I think I will get her an 8 meter Switchy.
Had a 12m 2007 Swtichblade for 3 seasons. Left it in my car in the Sydney heat (it is neccessary for me to kite after work) every day and never had a problem once (albeit me ripping the f**ker. Same with a 9m 2007 Crossbow.
On the contrary, bought a 2007 slingshot link (second hand) and every valve went within a month. No problem with my Rev 2 though.
They may fly better, but quality of build is an important factor for me. If I got down in a seabreeze and it turned out that I couldn't kite because of a stupid manufacturers fault I would probably have to go into a mental home for life.
Cheers,
Tom
Well I'm not satisfied .... It's Breaking my heart seeing you lot sitting on the beach fixin valves while I'm out there thinking that I'm guna have to console you all againonce I get in !
Sorry to hear that, has been windy lately, had Wednesday arvo off and saw the red and black New kite out alone at Cas.
I have a 16m T 08 model, you guys can borrow until your new gear arrives or valves are sorted, does not water relaunch that welll, but OK using old C kite method.
The quick release on the bar has seized up, so would need to use another bar I think.
PM if you might need it.
... Ben, you so funny!!
Thanks Steve, all kites repaired and going good so far! Cheers!
You know what, the relief one feels to find out that the 2011's have new valves and new bladders, its wonderful. Now, if the kite goes down, its because I did it, not the kites fault. Yep, the outlook is looking good!
You are spot on Kitepower, it appears that North are finally doing something towards addressing this problem.
Your advice on going to the dealer if you have any problems with a kite is 100%correct too.
We, in the NT, have been going to our dealer with these problems for years and to his absolute credit he has bent over backwards for us, in spite of him having the same issues with his own personal and training kites. And, as such, North have been aware of the problem for years too.
It interesting that despite knowing about the issues for years, it is only when they were exposed on the forums that North has been motivated to address the issues with some (hopefully) positive responses.
I agree, give credit where it is due (I think their kites are good), but give them a smack them if they are slack.
Can't wait to see how the next six months with the 2011 kites unfolds.
Hey Puetz, Did it end up getting windy yesterday? I'm freezing my balls off down here now... got to dig around and find my wetsuit befor the weekend.
never had to fix a north valve and how stupid are some people just open up the end of the bladder get the iron hot and weld your old valve back down come on youse youre common dog f$%k you fools
Been riding the 2011 vegas for a couple of weeks now the new valves are sweet.. In saying that ive flown Norths for 6-7 years and have never had a valve problem
Hm. Was about to buy a North Rebel after almost wearing-out, from new, 2x Cabrinha switchblade 08s. Now I won't. I'm just glad i did a quick Google search to see what the word on the beach was. There seems to be too much negative feedback about North. My switchies have been flawless and I think I've taken that for granted.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I hope things improve for all affected. I, sure as ****, wouldn't want to put up with such gear woes.
Ta.
