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Adjusting a 5th Line is relatively simple and has some great benefits too when used correctly. I see too many people riding around with loads of tension on their 5th lines. It is not supposed to be under tension, as the attach point was never designed to have excessive load on it that comes from tension during riding. Stopping the kite from warping or elongating in gusts reduces the kites ability to absorb the gusts and tends to hold the center of the canopy into the shape similar to a "bow" kite only less efficient. This makes the kite more uncomfortable to fly and loses some of it's originally designed flying characteristics. The 5th line was originally intended as a safety de-power device for practicing handle passes whereas if the rider missed the pass, the kite would immediately de-power safely. It was a replacement for the older "suicide leash". Loosening the 5th line so it has a slight loop downwind when you are riding powered up is perfect. Another good idea is to have a means of detaching the 5th line from your bar quickly in case of the kite doing a forward tumble where the 5th Line is wrapped from Leading edge around the trailing edge. This has been known to tear many a kite almost literally into two pieces. Perhaps a simple snap shackle would be ideal or check out the Slingshot grenade system which uses a cleat to release the 5th line. Note : Please note that some manufacturers build the kite with the 5th Line being an integral part for canopy stability like North, RRD and some models of Best. Without the 5th line under tension on some kites, they fly rather poorly. Check with the manufacturer to see if the kite came standard with a 5th line and if so, it should be under tension during normal flight. This does not include kites that have optional 5th line bars like Airush.
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Last Updated on Monday, 27 September 2010 02:51 |
