Anyone got some advice on this one.

I have three attachment points on the front of my kite for different conditions. I have the lines tuned so on the center setting the 5th line has the correct tension. Problem is if I change the attachment point it affects the 5th line and makes it either too slack or too tight. I notice where the 5th line goes through the bar there is a cleat (slot in a ball) that the 5th can be pulled through. It looks like an adjustment for tuning the 5th on the fly but the line doesn't lock into it. I'm wondering if putting a series of knots in the 5th will allow me to lock it into that cleat and tune the line as I am flying? Also the 5th is supposed to help you with the sheeting of the kite for going upwind or reducing the power in overpowered conditions. How do you lock the line off in this situation?

Yes you can tie knots in the 5th line, But it will eventually wear more on the knot. Keep an eye on it or it will snap when safely flagging the kite in stronger wind.
Use 2 attachments they are stronger than 1 when flagging the kite in stronger winds.

If you put tension on the 5th line you effectively reduce the angle of attack. This also reduces the size of your wind window and reduces your upwind ability.

Cleat your 5th line when walking around on the beach. It will reduce the chance of lofting in gusty conditions. Only cleat the line 40cm or the wing could back wind.

Hope this is helpful.

Thanks Pornstar, Seems though I read conflicting opinion on tightening the 5th. Some people like Steve say it helps you go upwind and others like you say it reduces the upwind. Also, what exactly do you mean by two attachment points... Two leashes?! or attaching the safety to two lines?

Jim

quote:

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Originally posted by pintofpale

Steve, The 5 line kite I have is a Wipika '06 Matrix. I love the relaunch - often it pops up by itself without me even doing anything. I find it a bit heavy to steer compared to my 4 line boxer and its not as forgiving in the air. I have the 5th line tension correct on the center attachment but it goes out if I change attachment points ie. too tight on the back attachment and too loose on the front,

jim

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Try to use the same connections at the kite all the time and adjust for bar position using the trim strap/cleat.
I'm not familiar with the Matrix system, so cannot comment.
It should have a bungee section that keeps it just tight when you use the trim?
The adjustment of the 5th on the fly, like on a Slingy Fuel or Machine really does help upwind, but it is a fine adjustment as Colinwill78 says.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

some 5 line big big kites can be powered up by pulling in 20-30cm and flattening out the main part of the kite. but most just become faster and semi depowered.