4 line vs 5 line kites
I'm just curious.
Hybrids are becoming popular that incorporate some "C" kite qualities with SLE safety/relaunch (ie. Liquid Force HiFi). What qualities were good about a "C" kite? Why 5 lines vs 4?
Thanks.
I started kiting with Cabrinha C-kite with 5th line. I currently ride Wainman Hawaii and I like the 4 line. With a swivel its really easy to just attach the steering lines. Then the center lines can be attached and the swivel use after launch to take out the front line twists. The Wainmans are very C-kite feel where you send the kite deep and its a great wave kite. I think that you might try those as an alternative to the BOW kite if you are riding a 5-line that may be similar.
They are also Delta shape and roll over very easy. I have had the kite invert and flip inside out. And the lines then after are still ridable to come ashore for the worst case. You also would ride it suicide which then most likely without these kite flag issues with fifth line you will be off and back on the board. The kite sits ready to be lunched or is bobbing ready to go.
But why would you want a 5 line? I really don't get it. 4 lines roll over even when down wind and launch. The 5th line takes more skill and time to deal with getting it out of the water. I think 5 line kites are prob good kites too but so are 4 line kites so what gives? Its interesting conversation and would be interested in the benefits of 5 line besides C-kite lovers. But Wainman is pretty close for a 4line C/hybrid feel. Totally dif then Bow and much faster. It sits back during unhooked and is great and stable in gusts and super fast in waves. Can be flown in waves too with short lines.
I think one of the benefits of 5 line kites is no bridal. Direct connection between bar and kite. The rider feels the kite more directly. On the bowkites I tried this month I noticed I couldn't feel the kite as well.
I'll admit my five line kites have been very safe kites to ride, the fifth line is an excellent safety, but the price I pay is the tangles if the kite inverts. Cabrinha IDS system does a good job of mimicking the North 5 line safety system, with four lines. But, I can't stand that the Cabrinha bar has no bar stopper ball!!!!! I like to chill and hang my arms while unspinning my bar, with the Cabrinha control bar I have to hold onto the bar at all times, no chill.
North is one of the best selling kite companies in the world. IMO they make fantastic flying kites, with solid construction and materials. Unfortunately, North has been married to the 5line concept for many years (except the EVO). So, if you want to buy a North you have to make peace with the 5line system. I am looking to buy a new quiver right now (johnny D what deals do you get on Wainman's?). I was offered a killer deal on 2010 North Rebels at wholesale, but I don't want to deal 5 line tangles (stranded out on the water too many times). I wish I could try out the Wainmans. I have been trying out Crossbows this month, taking some time getting used to a bow. I make like Switchblades even better.
I wish there was no dilemna between 5line and 4line b/c it is already hard enough to pick a kite. Big investment in money. More than my cheap car is worth!
Ok so the Rabbit series especially the 9m and smaller have minimal bridal. So Cabrinhas have big elaborate bridals I have noticed and maybe that is beacuse its a bow with bow benefits. I know it has light bar pressure which to me is not what I want in my kite. No I dont want the kite hurting my arms but really that is not what heavier par pressure is. Light bar, bow, bridal to me is not that "direct connection" I like immediate response and I want to feel the kite. When I send teh kite like a C kite I send it back! Not just pullin on the bar slightly but radical. I like to go for it!
Now as a hybrid the bridal is on the boss two pieces and smoke one u shaped front bridal with pulley. No mathematical web in multiple bridals. I prob would like a C kite before a bow kite. The Wainman turns on a dime like a zero turn tractor so its a C-kite more than bow in hybrid sense. Its direct feel more bar feel and yes you can ride without holding the bar while resting a moment and the kites Delta shape holds well in the air without much extra movements. You can cut hard a carve in a u turn and the kite will even fly backwards in a controlled stall til you hot the wave and head back the way you were traveling LEI forward. Lou preached flying the kites on short lines 9m, 7m, 5m especially on a surfboard. But expect little bridle there a deep C shape, riding suicide, and bar pressure. Yeah you should give the kite a try, send me a PM or call me 508-259-9440
Thanks Johnny, I hope to get to try the Wainmans soon, sound great.
This is a link to my forum topic that has to do with some of your question. I have some questions too b/c I am making a new kite purchase this year, upgrading. I have been on 5-line kites for the past three years, but I am considering going back to four line for the reasons I say in my forum below...
http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2361187