OK 5th lines are pretty old news with the rise and rise of hybrids and co. For newbies with older gear this may be very important.

I'm not wanting to start a C vs SLE discussion here but after running my two 2005 Yargas (9m & 13m) as 4 lines (largely due to slackness on my part) I would strongly urge all newbies convert/set their C kite gear up as 5th line systems!

Having recently contended with some pretty high/gusty winds and awkward locations to launch and land, I cannot rave loudly or longly enough about how cool 5th line is in every aspect.

The safety aspects alone are a huge leap forward from 4 line systems. When throwing away the bar (as newbies often do) a death spiral does not ensue, usually meaning less tangles - therefore less reluctance to do so.

Being able to trim the 5th line a little when on the upper end of your kites range (to depower) is also in the super cool category. Yep, I know newbies should never even launch if that is the case but lets face it most only buy 1 (probably 2nd hand)kite and are mega keen to get out. Also judging the wind strength is pretty tricky for some time.

My kites are 5th line designs however my bar n lines are not. Thinking this was too awkward and time consuming left the conversion in the "do it next session" basket for too long. Since the conversion I can't believe the benefits and really it only means a slightly trickier roll out of lines for mucho benefito..

Pay a shop to it today or get someone with experience to help you. Last resort check out the website of the kite and B n L manufacturer for a conversion pdf.

In the words of the great Starskie: "Do it, do it, do it"

I had my 15.5 kite (which I am yet to run as 5th yet)sewed as 5th for less than $40, and a bit more for a 5th line and yoke which is cheap cheap for such a huge safety improvement. Neil at Hold the Line does this BTW.

I'd be interested in any feedback on postitives/problems with converting non 5th line Cs from others.

Safe kiting all...

I love 5th line, bought my 05 fuels 4 line standard and flew them for a while like that. The death spiral that results from letting go to safety makes you never want to do that again ever.

Added bonus I found is I no longer launch by folding wing tip over and covering with sand. This causes almost as much damage to the kite as trying to get the kite back into the too small bag.
I launch now on my wide open beach almost like the bow guys do. With the kite parked just into the wind I walk backwards till it turns around then launch like a relaunch off the water.

I wondered why that sounded familier??

Didn't the Phantom run off with the other bloke who wore his jocks on the outside Superbloke or something his name was? Maybe Wonder Woman had a thing going with both of em due to the same fashion house designing their kits... Jeez that would be confusing when Wonderman came home unexpectedly "geez fellow heoes/heroinnes whose reggies are these anyhoo?"

More importantly...

NEWBIES GO THE 5th LINE!! Much more chance of making it to your 2nd season...

Hey funky.
Should have added that Once the kite is on its back on the sand i walk 90 degrees pulling in a little on the top steering line, hence the need for an open beach

quote:

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Hey funky.
Should have added that Once the kite is on its back on the sand i walk 90 degrees pulling in a little on the top steering line, hence the need for an open beach

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Umm... are you sarting upwind then walking out to 90 degrees though?

So I guess it is an easier version of self launch or similar.. does it give you a chance to check your lines though?

I had never heard of self launching being detrimental to the kite but it seems to add up... I need my gear to last baby.

Cheers dan