Prism 4D centre T

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[Moonfog]

I finally snapped the aluminium/ aluminum centre T on my 4D. Dead launching in long-ish grass...what was I thinking?!?  (Got it in the air though!  )
I'm reluctant to replace it with the same material as this seems like it may be an on going breakage issue. Does anyone have any good ideas as to what other materials could be used that would maintain a similar weight?

[tpatter]

Same thing happened to mine.  I had let a new flyer try it out and he planted it nose-down a few times so I think that also may have contributed, but it was the dead-launch that did it in.

It does dead launch nicely however.  Maybe its the grass (mine was on grass as well with not alot of ground winds) - either that or the kite needs only a small pop (it is pretty flexible and will readily bounce I think).  On sand it should be no issue.

I ordered another center T - 2 actually.  I checked the hardware store, but they were out of the diameter tubing that would have worked best. I bet most hobby stores would have it and you can probably get it in brass for that extra-special look (and you won't break that).

Anyhow, the new ones came.  They are crimped on on side.  I put the new one in with the crimp toward the back thinking that this will prevent the problem in the future (while putting more pressure on the frame during high stress).

Good luck with your repair and let us know how it goes.  Other that this by-design issue, I've been loving the kite.

-Tom

[RobB]

Two things will prevent this in the future...

Don't dead-launch... for me, trying the dead launch is the #1 way to break a kite. Just not worth it.

Don't fly the 4D in winds above 5mph... I don't see the point, unless it's the only kite you have with you at the time.

Probably the best way to fix it is to order up the direct replacement part, and order 2, like Tom suggests.

~Rob.

[Moonfog]

Thanks Tom. I also came across this info over at the Prism forum:

"I did ask Brent (from Prism) whether there was anything in the works to rectify the aluminum "T" and he said they are working on it and should have a replacement part within a 3 or 4 months."

This was posted on July 20th so we'll see if anything comes of it.

[Moonfog]

I went down to my local hardware store and bought a one metre length of 4mm aluminium tube. It cost me less than a buck fifty. My local kite store was selling replacement parts for around $3.50. Looks like I made a huge saving and have a lifetime of replacement Tees. 

P.S. The 4mm is slightly bigger than the original so the spars may need a wrap or two of tape, otherwise she's good to go.

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