Slackline Kit | How To Choose The Best Slackline
What started as a rest activity for rock climbers has now turned into one of the biggest crazes in outdoor fitness. Slacklining began decades ago as a form of recreation among rock climbers, mountaineers, and other outdoor aficionados.
The original slackliners built their gear from old climbing equipment--carabiners, ropes, tow straps, lines, etc. Basically anything they could get their hands on. Today, slacklining is a different sport altogether, with its own specialized gear and prescribed equipment. Unlike the makeshift lines in years past, modern slackliners have a wide range of brands and products to choose from.
In fact, a quick search will show literally hundreds of products and thousands of reviews. Pretty cool right?
Before we go any further, here’s a rundown of the main categories of slacklining equipment. This guide will take you through the different kinds of webbing, tensioning systems, and a few products to get you started.
Webbing
1-inch
Most of the original slackliners used 1-inch webbing. Although you should pay attention to the tension and elasticity of the webbing, as opposed to just the width. 1-inch lines are usually stretchier and less stable--they’re more challenging to master but a lot more versatile than 2-inch lines.
1-inch lines are constructed like regular ropes, cylindrical and tubular in shape. They come in several types of material, most of them derived from nylon, polyester, or a combination of the two. Nylon webbing is more elastic, which means it can handle a lot more weight. Great for dynamic exercises and tricks.
However, it’s also extremely wobbly. If you don’t give the line enough tension, it can sway and throw you off balance.
Others looking for more stability are better off with polyester-based webbing. Polyester is a lot gentler and much better for static poses (i.e. yoga, stretching, etc.). The downside is, it’s less versatile than nylon-based webbing.
2-inch
Though slacklining began with 1-inch webbing, 2-inch variations are quickly gaining popularity in the market--especially among beginners. 2-inch models are twice as wide and a lot easier to walk on. Also, their rachet rigging systems look and feel more stable.
Unlike their 1-inch counterparts, 2-inch lines are flat and rectangular. Not only are they wider, they also provide a stiffer walking surface.
2-inch lines are low-stretch, which means you can position them closer to the ground without bottoming out--the perfect setup for beginners who are still afraid of falling.
Classic 2-inch kits are stiffer and easier to walk on. Whereas other, more modern “trick lines” have more elasticity (almost like a trampoline). There are several kinds of 2-inch lines, each with varying tension and elasticity. So it really depends what you’re looking for.
Many 2-inch models are built with a reinforced loop at one end. This design allows the main line to anchor or “girth line” around a tree so that the remaining line can run towards the ratchet side. That way, there are a lot less moving parts--ergo a simpler, more stable design. The only knock is the additional wear-and-tear against the anchor point and a decrease in walkable line length.
Tensioning Systems
Tensioning systems come in two main categories:
(1) primitive system and;
(2) ratchet system.
There’s a third system that uses complex pulleys, but that’s basically a permutation of the previous two methods.
[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Primitive System
The classic. A primitive system (aka Ellington) is cheap, portable, and durable. This system consists of a couple of carabiners, a line lock hitch to prevent knotting up the webbing, and some rings for holding the line in place.
A lot of the more seasoned slackliners have this down to a science. The basic gist of a primitive system is creating enough tension to hold a line of webbing in place, usually by using a line lock.
Here’s a step-by-step guide in case you’re interested.
The primitive system is perfect for more experienced slackliners with enough experience and a basic understanding of rigging. Although the setup isn’t too complicated, it requires more work than the other two.
Just one thing: before you even think of setting up, make sure you use tree protection, in the form of a carpet, cardboard, or a specially-made sling. You don’t want to go killing trees just to get your slacklining fix.
[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Ratchet System
Slackline ratchets look a bit like the ones you see in the hardware store--but not exactly. The way they work is pretty simple: a lever-and-lock ratchet keeps the lines tight. Everything else should work fine provided the webbing is in line with itself. Otherwise, the line may get stuck or, worse, permanently damaged.
If you’re a beginner, there are a couple of things you need to know. First, don’t get scared of releasing the cog lock on your ratchet. You’ll usually hear a loud pop, but that’s perfectly normal. Second, be careful when releasing your line. You don’t want anything to get broken or anyone to get hurt.
Now to the important question: How do I choose the best slackline?
The answer is, it depends. “The best slackline” depends on your needs and your level of skill. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want the ones with more stability and less bounce. If you’re an advanced trickster, you’ll want the complete opposite.
Not sure where to start?
Here’s are some of the best slacklines on the market today:
Slackline Industries Baseline
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Founded by former US-based distributors of Gibbon Slacklines, Slackline Industries brings years of expertise to perfecting the standard 2-inch lines. The result is an affordable, high-quality slackline perfect for both beginners and intermediate slackliners. It’s stiff enough for beginners but bouncy enough for basic tricks.
Oh, and it comes with FREE tree protection and a cool instructional DVD.
Pros:
The Baseline is a solid 50-ft (15m) and 2-in wide with the capacity to carry over 300-lb. Now, we weren’t actually able to test it on a 300-lb man, but based on our experience it looks like it can hold up pretty well. The webbing itself comes with an additional 8-ft (2.4m) of ratchet strap so that you can maximize the main line. In case you really need something longer, there’s always the 85-ft line.
The webbing is quite durable and the graphics don’t fade in spite of heavy use. As long as you feed the line to the ratchet properly, you should be able to keep the line from fraying for a long time.
The best part of the Baseline is how accessible it is--easy to setup, easy to take down, and doesn’t require too much technical skill to use. It’s practically plug-and-play. Setting up takes roughly 10-minutes and taking it down is even quicker. You won’t need to work too hard adjusting the tension. The ratchet handle is made of soft plastic that’s very easy to the touch, and it comes with a nifty brake release kit for easy disassembly.
One of the product’s best selling points is pretty subtle, and you may not even pay attention to it unless you’re a techie. Slackline Industries is the only American brand that passes US (CPSIA) and European (EN79400:2012) regulations and certified by TüV - German Technical Inspection Association. In other words, it’s as safe as it gets--good to know when you’re high off the ground!
Cons:
The only “problem” with the Baseline is the webbing on the ratchet end. At 8-ft long it can pretty much fit any tree. However, in parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, where the vegetation is massive, it may not be enough. That said, it covers pretty much everything else.
As long as you follow the instructions on the packaging, the Baseline should last you a very, very long time.
Rating: 10/10
Gibbon Classic Line
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Probably the most purchased slackline in the market, Gibbon’s Classic Line is popular among beginners and recreational slackliners.
The Gibbon Classic Line is an updated version of the Gibbon Classic, the first ever commercially-produced slackline. Like its predecessor, the Classic Line is simple and affordable, about five to ten dollars cheaper than its closest competitors.
To say the Classic Line is an overhaul of the Classic is a stretch, although it comes with a “new and improved ratchet and ratchet handlebar”. The design is the same 2-in wide 49-ft long that’s a little more comfortable than the older Gibbon models. However, when compared to some of the newer brands, there’s nothing that really stands out. In terms of technology, the Classic Line is more middle-of-the-pack that it is a market leader.
If you’re looking for something cheap, simple, and easy to use, the Classic Line performs alright. Although there are other slightly more expensive products that can give you more bang for your buck.
Pros:
The biggest come on of the Classic Line is really its price. At only $69.95, you’ll be getting a decent slackline that’s easy to setup and fairly durable (emphasis on fairly). The design is intuitive enough, and you shouldn’t really encounter any problems as long as you’re careful. You just need to get used to the loud pop after releasing the tension on your line.
There’s also no need to worry about safety as the Classic Line is approved by the German Association for Technical Inspection, although we find that it works best when assembled close to the ground.
Cons:
It’s not so much that the Classic Line is a meh product, really. It’s just the fact that there are other truly great options out there.
The weakest point of the Gibbon is its versatility. The line itself is too rigid, which is great for beginners but not so much for intermediate and advanced slackliners.
If you’re the type who likes to set up close to the floor, then the rigidity actually works to your advantage. Furthermore, at 49-ft (15m), already including the 8-ft part of the ratchet sling, there isn’t that much walkable line.
Quality-wise the Classic Line is ok but not remarkable. While the line can last years when rigged carefully, it frays easily when misaligned. Make sure you put everything together carefully.
The Classic Line works best for beginners and slackliners who aren’t really into tricks. If you want something that does its job but doesn’t burn a hole through your wallet, get yourself a Classic Line. Slackliners looking for more oomph should look elsewhere.
Rating: 6/10
Voodoo Fearless
This one is a special one. For the advanced slackliner.
The Fearless is a handful to take in. Now, where to start…
With 100-ft of walkable line, a dual ratchet tensioning system, rubberized webbing, and a whole lot of bounce, this is possibly the most impressive slackline--or trickline--you can find anywhere. The Slackline Industries Trickline comes close but isn’t quite as impressive.
The Voodoo Fearless is the first commercially-available professional-grade trickline, with the capability to withstand big air and all sorts of tricks. Seriously, you can’t possibly run out of tricks on this thing.
Pros:
The double ratchets and rubberized webbing give you both stability and elasticity at the same time. That way, you can do the craziest tricks and have enough wiggle room to stick the landing.
Built with the advanced trickster in mind, the Voodoo Fearless is durable enough to handle a lot of stress. Even when you think you’ve pushed the line to the limit, there are still more than enough safety measures to make sure nothing comes undone.
Moreover, the whole thing is surprisingly easy to disassemble. Unlike previous 2-in lines you can release the ratchet without using a knife or any other form of leverage. The lock comes loose with a little push. Just brace yourself for the usual pop that follows.
Cons:
Obviously the biggest drawback is the price. The Fearless costs almost twice as much as most commercial slacklines and $50 more than its closest competitor. However, you’ll be paying for one-of-a-kind features you can’t find anywhere else.
Because of all the tensioning involved, the Fearless is a bit difficult to assemble. The extra-long ratchets and the sticky webbing can seem like a lot to get around, although you’ll get used to it overtime.
The line frays overtime but not significantly enough to get worried about. In fact, it keeps together much better than other lines. Again, unless you’re an advanced slackliner or, at least, training to be one, the Fearless isn’t for you.
The Voodoo Fearless is a trickliner’s fantasy. It gives you all the features you need and a couple more that you didn’t even think of.
With 100-ft of solid walking line and a bunch of other cool features, what more can you ask for?
Rating: 9/10
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