kazi wrote:I'd still just like to know how the depower is on this kite.
I'm interested in the safety features. Doc has used both and I figured he could shed some light on this, especially with his comments about the 5th lines.
OK, the trim strap was set for maximum power almost all the way out and Shannon told me you don't have to change that for light wind.
It’s long enough to give you the depower range when you needed IMO.
The safety feature has 2 quick releases, the main is just below the sheeting system for easy pull.
The secondary is at the chicken loop which would get rid of the kite in extreme cases.
This system is simple without any extra safety leash to tangle up because the chicken loop becomes your leash
when the main QR is activated.
Of course if you don’t like this system and you could find a better one you like, use that!
I’ve flown the 13m without any 5th line. I didn’t feel the need for it because I could relaunch it very fast.
Maybe because I have a lot of experience relaunching big kites in a light wind.
The other reason because I was one of the first one who experimented with 5th line and 5th elements I know the following disadvantages.
#1- Mainly more BS to set up.
#2- Spaghetti factor and line tangle.
#3- When your kite tumbles the 5th line wraps around the LE than your session is over because of swimming it back to shore.
#4- The 5th line can cut the LE as happened to people.
I didn’t like it after 3 months of flying, that’s why I got the Raptures.
Certain cases probably it’s desirable like in a case of a beginner or cold water quick launch and safety.
My opinion is that you could use a 5th line while you’re learning on the Hellfish since there is a place for it on the LE.
Later on when you don’t drop the kite to the soup you could remove it.
It would be easy to learn on this kite and learning to jump since the sweet spot is wider,
so you don’t need any board speed like with other high performance kites.
Same token a beginner could do more mistake on the Hellfish since it’s turning much faster.
Also as I mentioned it could lift you up in a cat’s fart in a light gust unexpectedly.
Because the 13m is so light the hang time is increased to a 17 – 18 m kite,
and the jumps are effortless like on a 7 – 9 m kite now you see? You have to be careful!!!
Don’t forget the Hellfish is a high end high performance kite so things can happen much faster,
that's part of the reason why you can get lofted easier!!!
Good luck with it,
DrLightWind