Many kite manufacturers, having their kites made in China, do not get any replacement parts for their kites. They simply do not have a single part to replace those broken in shipment to dealers, returned because the part is defective, etc. In extreme need, they may even take parts out of unsold kites on their shelf. But usually they cannot provide any replacements. Instead they rely on the dealer to stock a variety of parts, from which the replacement part is cut to size and substituted for the original part. For single line kites, this usually works. Although many times the replacement is not the same weight, thus throwing off the delicate balance of the kite.
But with stunt kites, either dual or quad, replacing a similar part can do more than upset the balance. That itself is enough to make the kite difficult to fly. But inferior parts can also be weaker, breaking and damaging or tearing the cloth sail. You wouldn’t replace the Toyota parts in your car engine with a generic piece of metal, cut off at some similar length, instead of the genuine article?
Before you purchase another stunt kite, ask about availability of parts. Prism, for example makes available all the parts to its stunt kites, either on line or from Prism stocking dealers. You will pay the same thing from Prism on line as from the dealer. Prism will charge you shipping, while the dealers who stock the part, won’t need to, if you buy them in the store. Most dealers will install the parts for free.
If you beak a part on your stunt kite, you want it be returned to its original state, not just repaired with only a similar stick of fiberglass or carbon. Balance, performance, and reliability are at stake. And you will pay about the same for genuine parts or generic. Why not ask for the best?
Submitted by
Kiteguy
