Newbie here looking to get the most simple, fail safe bar that I can use with different kites (OR Prodigy and Cabrinha SB).

What's the consensus these days about which bar has the easiest, most simple release mechanism that doesn't deploy accidentally and can be reattached with ease?

Also, is it possible to use bars from one manufacturer or era with different kites from another manufacturer and era?

Thanks
Amir

95% of bars today are "single line release", which means the bar slides up 1 line when you quick release. These are interchangeable on any kite.

There's a few manufacturers of 5th line or "mini 5th" bars -- they can only be used with kites specifically designed for them. Ocean Rodeo Safety Bar is an example. North still has 5 line bars.

Ocean Rodeo's current Control Bar is a nice clean package -- roughly equivalent to many bars out there (eg I use BWS Undertow bar, which is basically the same). Their Stick Shift is popular, as it has the depower mechanism right in the bar, but is also a fair bit more expensive.

Just go see the crew at Ocean Rodeo, those guys will set you up right. The right product at good price.
Juan de Kooka, just for clarity sake, North makes 4 and 5 line bars.