Just recently there have been references to using a fifth line on a 4line inflatable kite. Here in Oz I've never seen it, can anyone shed some light on how it works...where to attatch etc. ?

hi
a fifth line is connected by another line at the end of 2 struts (back end of your kite.
check it out at
http://www.flow-motion.de/shop/katalogseite01.html

i hope that helps
jd

it is very simple:
you just have to attach a line, thinner or same size than the flying lines, to the left and right strut out of the middle. Attach it at the end of the struts. So it connects the two struts, but the lenght is long enough so the kite can stretch. Then you need a small metal ring where the line goes through. On this metal ring attach with a knot a line, which goes all the way down to the bar. Attach it at the bar somewhere close to the middle. And that is your 5th line!

Greez
Toby

here the pic from Flow Motions 5th line

But watch out. 5 lines mean a lot more potential for mean knots. since you get 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 combination instead of 4 x 3 x 2

correct, forgot about that!

Hey, I've never seen or heard of a 5th line before.. What is it for? Easy Relaunch??? And if so How?

You attach a fifth line to the two struts next to the middle one. If the kite is leading-edge down, you pull on that line to make it reverse off the water. Same principle as with the Wipika/Takoon Bridle.

Had a fifth line on my 11.5 ARX for a while, and saved me a lot of stuffing around, relaunch within seconds instead of all that swimming, great if your are shark phobic in any way. There is no differace in turning, I even felt as if the kite luffs less, only draw back is setting up takes a bit longer. All you need is about 20m el cheapo line, one end each is tied to these loops on the ends of 2 struts, then attach another 15m (give a bit more) to the first line with a loop so that it can slide along. The other end of the second line just ties to your bar, anywhere allong the grip where it bothers you least, dont tie it on right away, launch the kite, dont hook in, and get a mate to find out how long you have to leave it, so that the kite is not affected in flight, the whole setup tends to hang out the back a fair bit and looks a bit stange, but works well !

Ray

Another possibility is to attach the 5th. line to the center of the main tube. If the kite lies on the leading edge pull the 5th. line and the kite turns (topples) and restarts easier than without this line.