Fifth Line Converts, Are You One?

[ricki]

Have you changed over to riding with a fifth line? If so, why? What have the strengths and weaknesses been?

[ricki]

Have you changed over to riding with a fifth line? If so, why? What have the strengths and weaknesses been?

[gipseysurfer]

i am using the slingshot oneline.
the slingshot system is an upgrade to their 2004/2005 profire bar sold as a kit for 140 bucks.
positives
1)the shape of the kite is maintained better in gusty conditions.
2)safety-you can let the bar go and the kite flutters down to the water,no more mindless drags on a suicide leash or high impact crashes of your leading edge on the water or beach.
3)self landing a breeze. go to the waters edge of the beach in side or side onshore conditions. drop your bar. the kite flutters down on the 5th line. secure this to your board. i've done this in 25knot winds, and walk up to the kite.
secure the kite and your bar and lines are perfect for a relaunch or rats nest free pack up. you can also secure the board or tie the 5th line to a more secure object like a jetty or boat piling if you don't think your board will hold the kite. bear in mind the kite is in a crescent shape fluttering downwind with very little torque on the 5th line.
4)handlepass leash to the 5th line is spinning and makes wake style tricks a breeze.
5)the slingshot 5th line is adjustable, so it increases the range and efficiency of the kite.

negatives
1)rigging-you have to set up your outside lines on the kite then do a 2nd walk with your 2 center lines and the 5th to make sure there are no twists. thjis adds 1 and a 1/2 to 2 mins. to rigging time.
2)dropping the kite in waves. you cannot afford this as it could result in the 5th line twisting around the kite damaging it or making it unlaunchable.

good luck

barry

[gipseysurfer]

i am using the slingshot oneline.
the slingshot system is an upgrade to their 2004/2005 profire bar sold as a kit for 140 bucks.
positives
1)the shape of the kite is maintained better in gusty conditions.
2)safety-you can let the bar go and the kite flutters down to the water,no more mindless drags on a suicide leash or high impact crashes of your leading edge on the water or beach.
3)self landing a breeze. go to the waters edge of the beach in side or side onshore conditions. drop your bar. the kite flutters down on the 5th line. secure this to your board. i've done this in 25knot winds, and walk up to the kite.
secure the kite and your bar and lines are perfect for a relaunch or rats nest free pack up. you can also secure the board or tie the 5th line to a more secure object like a jetty or boat piling if you don't think your board will hold the kite. bear in mind the kite is in a crescent shape fluttering downwind with very little torque on the 5th line.
4)handlepass leash to the 5th line is spinning and makes wake style tricks a breeze.
5)the slingshot 5th line is adjustable, so it increases the range and efficiency of the kite.

negatives
1)rigging-you have to set up your outside lines on the kite then do a 2nd walk with your 2 center lines and the 5th to make sure there are no twists. thjis adds 1 and a 1/2 to 2 mins. to rigging time.
2)dropping the kite in waves. you cannot afford this as it could result in the 5th line twisting around the kite damaging it or making it unlaunchable.

good luck

barry