Yep, still have the 4.9 and sort of sold the 5.7 on time. Both used the Hooter very successfully.
Raced the 4.9 in the local club and had it honking really well.
On the 4.9, I am only using a 12' pole and sheet the Hooter from the sidestay. In winds up to about 8 mph I can still hold it down going to windward.
In very light air I sheet it in really hard and am able to outpoint and outrun my son's N6.0 and an I20 upwind.
With both the 5.7 and 4.9 I did use a dolphin striker on the pole, attached wires to the bows from the striker and the tip of the pole.., it has been very stable.
Rick