I've got both but use my five line bar the most. If you're a competent kilter 90% of the time the fifth line won't be a problem. Then you'll have a spaz day and swear you're going to throw the lot in the bin. I find I get the wrap around when I get too excited on a wave and forget about the kite, kite drops in water as I'm turning towards it, kite wings roll back and hey presto CHEESE CUTTER! Most of the time though its not an issue. Six months ago when I first started though.. Totally different story.

You can actually untwist the kite in the right circumstances and a bit of manipulation but most of the time in the surf, you're rooted. Having said that though, if you lay a four line kite down in the water without relaunching quick enough you are just as rooted. Drop a four line kite in heavy current going with the wind, it'll wrap itself enough to make the lines pretty much unworkable as well.

I would base my purchasing decision on how a fifth line handles in contrast to a four line rather than one off wrapping incidents. North do similar kites with 4 and 5 line options, as probably do others, give em a try and see what you think.

I've got 4 line and bro has 5 line. From my experience self landing is totally viable on either number of lines. I don't think a kites self landing ability would be a reason to buy one or the other. 99% of the time you'll have someone land your kite. (Unless you live in a remote area?)

/2c

Someone is telling porkies to you, 5 line is most definitely not making a comeback. There are 4 line kites and 4 line kite though, I prefer single font line flagging systems like found on the Ozone, Slingshot, etc, kites. Dual front line and "mini 5th" systems tend to not depower the kite enough in stronger winds and without a single front line flagging option you are a bit screwed. Cab IDS system works extremely well.
I've just travelled to WA from Gero to Safety Bay and then the East Coast from Sydney to Noosa and back (by road), 90%+ of the kites I saw were 4 line kites. Virtually zero 5 line kites used by wave riders.

Preference for simplicity so 4 line for me.

SaltySinus said...

I consider myself a competent kiter (and kilter) and took my brand new 5 line kite out for the first time on Sat and had a kitemare. Gusty as all hell. Kite fell out the sky and turned inside out. I pulled the centre lines to straighten it out, but got one of the steering lines crossed with the centre lines and as it was a 5 line, I was unable to sort it out at the bar end... had to release the safety and collect it by hand.

Moral of the story, don't use your 5 line in crappy gusty weather...

Oh, thanks to "Rooie" (North Vegas) for getting my board for me. I owe you a beer!

I don't consider myself competent at kiting or kilting I just know the guys that have been doing it for a few years don't seem to have issues with fifth line wrapping. Sounds like you were having a "throw it in the bin day".