I am just wondering what the benefits are in shortening the 5th line on the vapor (or any other 5th line kite). I have heard that the main benefit is that the kite will turn sharper (but not necessarily faster ?) and fly further forward in the window ??
Are there any other benefits ? Also, how much shorter should you go ? I have shortened my 10m and 14m about 8-10 cms but haven't really noticed major changes, do I need to go shorter ? My guess is that too short will cause the front lines to slacken and or make the kite too flat/less stable ?
Lastly.......the vapor 2's 5th line runs into a Y just before the kite, is this just to prevent bow tie-ing if the kite rolls in the surf ? Is it worth doing this with the vapor (1) ?
All your thoughts and experiences will be very much appreciated
Cheer's
it splits to Y to make it more stable i assume, also does help with the bow tie a little as it spreads load over bigger area.
as for 5th line, longer means more c arc shape, you get more power out of the turns and i think more bar pressure aswell, basically makes it more similar to the generator ( power in the turns c kite feel)
shorter 5th line makes the kite pivot turn more like the flow does and then accelerate out of the turn creating the power, soo the kite can turn a bit more on a point generates less power in the turns and gets its power from accelerating out of the turn etc. i found the kite flew premo on just its standard setting, slacker 5th was my favourite.
Hey dude have a look on www.airush.com and go to the forum theres heeps of info from the designers of the product
I'vs split my 5th line into a Y and put an extra knot about 3 inches closer to the kite, this seems to have increased the bar pressure slightly and stopped the kite from collapsing in so much when hit by gusts.
IMHO it makes the kite a lot better to handle and keeps the steering lines a bit tighter, therefore better controlled in gusty conditions
