HQ Shadow - Stand Offs

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[tcope]

I've had an ongoing issue with the Shadow and I wonder if anyone else has had this same problem. The stand off connectors broke off and HQ (Invento) sews them up into mylar pockets on the trailing edge of the kite. I take very good care of my kites and in 10 years have probably only broken 2 spars (never a stand off). Upon inspection, it seems that the base of the connectors are very soft and I'm betting not very durable. Anyone else have one break?

In my case the two on one side broke. I have carbon rods so I can replace them but I need to install connectors. I'm looking at the Jaco's as I think I could squeeze the rubber o-ring through the hole and into the mylar pocket. I think the Jaco fitting would then fit into the hole and through the rubber fitting. I'd put some glue on it to it would not come free from the rubber o-ring.

I've not seen any replacement parts for the Shadow and even if I could get some, I'd have to rip open the mylar pockets and then sew them back up. I could do it but I'd rather find a way I can repair it easily if it happens again.

Has this happened to anyone else?

I hate buying just a few fittings as shipping is always 10x as much on these things.

[Hadge]

On the latest Shadows they no longer have the pockets for the standoff fittings. Instead they are now using a snagproof 2 part fitting that goes through the sail ( re-enforced with mylar patchs) with the second part screwing into the top part.  They are very similar to Jaco's and I would think you could use Jaco's pretty easily.  The original standoff fittings that clip through the sail should be available through HQ USA, you can certainly get them easily enough here in the UK. I haven't seen the new fittings for sale though.

[indigo_wolf]

Nice to hear..... about 3 years too late. 

Don't mean for that to sound rude, and I am in no way "shooting the messenger".... it's a genuinely appreciated bit of heads up (now if they would only offer it with the red center applique  )

I just always thought that particular "design feature"    was pure camel dung on the Shadow. 

After all the bells and whistles, a certain nod and tip of the hat to survivability and the ability to field service a kite with a minimum amount of grief/drama is always appreciated.

A couple of other kites get severe dings in this area. 

ATB,
Sam

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