Before peoples come and tell me how safe their kites are to self-land in high winds, I feel that for the average kiter the release systems still need improvement, specifically with regard to self landing in high winds.

4-line kites just a few years back could easily be flagged to 1 line and the kite was pretty much dead. The 4-line bridled kites of today (bows and hybrids)can be flagged to one line, but only after moving the leash clip from ones harness to the os handle (Cab, Flexi). Even then, it only flags to a bridal and the kite still keeps some of its shape which is not good in strong winds.

I'm still hanging around for the invention that does not require this extra action having to unclip from the chicken loop and then clipping to the os handle. At one time or another everyone gets caught having to land solo or needs to really kill the kite quick without releasing it totally.

5-line kites kill to the 5th line and that is one of their advantages. However, I find 5-line kites take more maintenance and prefer the simplicity of 4-line. 5-liners can rip the kite up in the waves too....sure SS have the wave bomb, but you have to hold on the the release thingy while you swim back to shore, what a crack up.

Great progress in kite design and overall safety systems, but I'm still waiting for the no brainer one line kite kill....maybe 08 models a lucky number to some.

Need wind.

Gruezi,
It's a no-brainer, mate.
Everytime I land my flat kite,
I self-land.
High wind....low wind. It doesn't matter.
I flag the kite on a rear line.
(I have double flags, left and right).
Port and starboard.
I mix it up.
Sometimes left, sometimes right.
lol.

When using my 07 rebel I've given up connecting the 5th line to the suicide leash unless its really nuking or gusty. I find by connecting to the chicken loop the kite wont invert when it crashes as much, like any 4 line bow/hybrid. The 5th line is only connected when launching and landing for the added safety benefit.

In strong winds, you still see the odd 5th line disengaged hover kite not the safest method in crowded cramped conditions..

NEED wind, any wind...