Welcome to the kitesurfing forum dedicated to the sale of used kiteboarding gear and used kitesurfing equipment. Used Kiteboarding.com has the best deals on cheap kite boarding/ kite surfing gear and equipment. Take a look through the forum for multiple categories of used kitesurfing equipment, ranging from cheap kite boards, used kites, kite accessories, and other various kiteboarding deals. Please read below for the used kite boarding buyer’s guide.
Used kiteboarding: used kite boarding kite buyers guide
Buying a used kite for kiteboarding can be tricky, especially online. You will have to ask the seller to take different pictures so you can make your virtual inspection. Knowing what to look for and where to look for it can make the difference between getting a decent kite and getting junk. Here we will give you some tips on what parts of the kite and bar to inspect and what you should be looking for. We have been repairing kites for a number of years, so we are familiar with the typical wear points. We hope this guide helps you get a sweet kite for a sale price. Click each topic below to read the tips.
The leading edge seam of the kite
The factory seam on the leading edge of the kite can be broken into three types; not re-enforced, re-enforced or double re-enforced. Obviously double re-enforced is the best. After the kite has been crashed hard time after time the thread, stitches and fabric can become weakened and eventually fail or blow-out. By inspecting the leading edge seam you can often get a good idea of how strong it is.
The canopy or panels of the kite
As a kite ages the rip-stop fabric which makes up the canopy, and the dacron that makes up the struts and leading edge, start to become softer and thin like tissue paper. Whereas when it is new the fabric is crispy like a potatoe chips bag. This is due in part to two things. Firstly flapping when the kite is sitting on the beach can cause this weakening. And secondly the UV rays of the sun slowly degrade the fabric. Regardless of the reason, you can look closely at the rip-stop material to get an idea of how used the kite is.
Has the kite been repaired? if so by who?
Repairs make a kite worth less, but badly done repairs can fail and cause more damage than was originally there. Asking about repairs can save you some serious time and frustration.
Do all the bladders hold pressure?
All bladders should hold full pressure ideally for at least a half day. You can ride a kite with a 1 hours leak in the leading edge. You just have to keep coming back in to shore to top it off. If you stay out too long the kite may become too soft and you end up swimming in. On pump systems can leak as well. Keep in mind when buying a used kite that working on a one pump system is MUCH more time consuming than a regular system. Handy on the beach but a pain to repair.
Check the fly line sleeves and pigtails on the kite or bridle
If the sleeves of the fly lines are worn through then you will have to buy new lines or find someone to re-sleeve them. Either way it costs extra money. If pigtails on the kite or bridle are worn through it is not as costly to repair but definitely something else to fix before flying the kite.
Check for wear or knots on the fly lines, and wear on the leader and throw lines
When fly lines get old they look fury. Check it out as new lines are usually $100-$200. Knots in fly lines can weaken the lines, the last thing any kiter wants is to swim in after blowing a line. The leader lines and throw line(s) are usually made of a thicker dyneema or spectra type material.
Engage all safety systems and verify they all function properly
Check the function of the chicken loop release and the leash break away. You don't want to find out to late that one of these isn't hooked up right or not working at all.
Trim strap, sheeting strap or other depower systems
Make sure the depower system is working. Sometimes old cleats won't hold line anymore, in cleat style depower systems.
Used kiteboarding: used kiteboard buyers guide
Ask if the board is delaminating if it is a pressed kiteboard
Pressed kiteboards, or sandwich style, are comprised or multiple payers which are pressed together. If the sandwich starts to separate it is called delaminating.
Is the board sold complete
Having to buy foot straps, foot pads and fins will add to the price.
Has the kiteboard / kitesurf board been repaired?
Repairs make a kiteboard worth less, but badly done repairs can fail and cause more damage than was originally there. Asking about repairs can save you some serious time and frustration.
Are the fins is good condition
Fins are surprisingly expensive. So if they are badly worn or if you like deep fins and the board has shallow fins. Be prepared to spend at least $75 for new ones.
Are the board inserts in good shape
Having clean and usable Kiteboard inserts in your board is necessary to changing your board stance. If there is rust or your board inserts are stipped then it makes it impossible to screw in your pads and straps. It is also possible to spin an insert where the insert spins around inside the board when you try to screw in your pads.
