No doubt 5 holes are a marketing ploy. I guess the majority of uninitiated surfing consumers like to get more bang for their buck so perhaps 5 plugs is seen to offer more however depending on the shape could actually offer no more than what the shape was designed for ie 3 or 4 fins. I wouldnt really know as Ive never tried one but would only ever advise testing one before anyone forks out their hard earned.