Guys,

Purchased a new Tensor 3.1, UPS delivered it this afternoon and I went out to fly this evening. To my surprise when I opened it up I saw what looks like rust on the white part of the kite. When laying the kite down to see all of the white it is across the entire back in strips - almost looks like tire tracks...

Is this common? Does anyone know what this is, or what could have caused this?

Did you notice any staining on the package (as if something was spilled on it in transit)? Is the staining limited to just the white portion? Is there anything that looks like rusted areas on the control bar/handles or hardware?

I would contact Prism first thing on Monday and speak with Sandy to get things straightened out.

Their number is: p: (206) 547-1100 and they are on PST time.

And no... not common. Have never seen or heard about something like this before.

ATB,
Sam

I ordered on Tuesday from a kite shop - it came in standard size box, it's in good condition - no sigh of rust/damage. Tensor 3.1 backpack is in new condition. I noticed some of the control lines are discolored but I would not have noticed this had the rust color not been on the white canopy.

It appears to be only on the white... (all over the white) but will have to take a closer look tomorrow to see if it's all over or just white.

I had planned on calling the kite shop when they open on Monday and asking for them to send another (rust free) 3.1 ASAP.

Is it actually rust or dirt and does it brush or wash off?

It might be color bleed if the kite got damp from humidity during transport?

Well it shipped from Las Vegas on Wednesday and arrived in CA this afternoon. Box is in good condition - not damp, backpack/kite/control lines ++ are dry as the wind. I did not try to clean the color off...

Ok - curiosity got the better of me and I took a wet paper towel and am now able to answer the Q - does it wash off... Answer is NO!! - It is not coming off with water and paper towel.

Quote: Originally posted by rtz

It might be color bleed if the kite got damp from humidity during transport?

That would have to be a heck of a lot of humidity.

I had a kite shipped to me from the UK soaked in seawater without any color bleed.

No... the additional salt water wasn't a special option that I accidentally checked on the order form.

ATB,
Sam

Call kite shop and get a replacement! Do not settle for those stains. If it's brand new, let the vendor work it out with Prism.
IMHO.

That really sucks.....

Thanks Guys. I purchased this from Kent and to date he has gone above and beyond so I'm sure he will take care of this. I have asked to have a new 3.1 shipped out on Monday - with return shipping label so that I can return this damaged kite.

I'm assuming they get the kites directly from Prism and then they go out to customers? Something like this would surely have been spotted by anyone looking in the bag. Makes me wonder a bit about QC at Prism,, not sure how something like this could get out of Prism w/out notice....

Your in good hands with Kent! Sometimes things just happen.
He will make it right .

Update -

Kent was going to ship out another 3.1 but found that it had the same damage. I was told Prism will ship me a new 3.1 direct from Seattle - hope to get is soon as the winds this week have been higher than normal and perfect for the 3.1.