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Best Slacklines
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Fundamentally, slack lines are made of webbing material that is designed to both stretch and change shape as needed but still provide a core of strength and stability.
Type of Webbing
The material used to create them is often synthetic materials, such as nylon, spandex, or a more rubber-like material. In addition, the slackline usually falls into different widths that are used in different situations. The two most common are the one-inch slackline and the two-inch slackline. The one-inch version is often seen as somewhat harder to use, but also more traditional, harkening back to when the slacklines were fashioned from actual climbing rope and used by climbers for basic balance exercises during base camp break times. The two-inch version, is, of course, wider and somewhat easier to navigate. However, it is a later addition to the slackline family, and some purists do see it as less true to the original idea.
In addition to the width and material used to create the slackline, another category often seen is the overall length of the line. Often slacklines are seen in lengths of 25, 50, 100 and even 200 feet, with the longer lines offering more of a challenge when it comes to walking, turning, or balancing.
Tensioning System
There are quite a few different tensioning systems available when it comes to slacklines. The first system used by most climbers, in the beginning, was to use their carabiners and the slacklines overall tension after being set up to provide enough support to walk across. The second and perhaps the most common tensioning system is to use a type of ratcheting system that provides additional tension in the line, more than what can be provided by the slackline and carabiners alone. The third tensioning system that is sometimes seen is the use of actual pulley systems that allow the tension to be adjusted as needed for finite control and a more challenging walk. In truth, a pulley system is rarely used, simply because the weight of the equipment and its finicky nature doesn’t allow for a lot of wiggle room when it comes to using.
Grip
In this case, the grip refers to the user’s ability to stay on the slackline, and to hold on to their feet and overall balance. While it is a skill that can be mastered, the texture of the slackline itself also plays a part. Simply put, if there is more texture on the slackline, there is more opportunity for the feet or shoes to “grip” the line and aid in the balancing act.
The texture itself is often a product of both the materials used to make the webbing as well as the weave used to create the slackline. For example, a slackline that is made from primarily rubberized or spandex material won’t have the same level as a grip as one that is made primarily from nylon.
Ease of Use
Once the type of webbing is chosen, and the tensioning system is decided upon, the next step is to simply set up the line between two trees, posts, or other stationary objects and start walking across the slackline. The ease with which the slackline can be set up, therefore, should be taken into consideration. Most slacklines offer a fairly simple set up; simply attach to one tree or post, roll it out to the desired distance and attach to the other tree or post. The complication comes in, of course when the actual tensioning takes place. Whether you use a ratchet system, or something a bit more primitive, making sure that the slackline can easily maintain the tension you need to safely walk the line is important.
Thankfully, the slacklines presented here are fairly simple to set up and use, and also offer cushioned bands to place around the trees during use. While these cushions don’t affect the quality or the usefulness of the slackline, they do offer good protection for the bark of the tree. The tree understandably can be damaged if the slackline is tightened too tightly. These cushions act as a type of buffer zone between the slackline and the tree or post it.
Size
And finally, in order to find you the best slackline we took a closer look at the overall length offered by the various members of the competition. While a longer length doesn’t obviously mean higher quality if the slackline is available in a number of different lengths that can be an indication of a commitment to the sport and the wide variety of people that enjoy it. Generally speaking, the longer the line, the more difficult it is to traverse. Therefore, companies that offer slacklines of various different lengths will often have a strong commitment to the sport, since they cater to both novices and veterans alike.
Top 10 Picks
1. Flybold Kit & Training Line
If you want a slackline that is versatile, tough and provides an endless amount of safe enjoyment, you really can’t go wrong with the Flybold brand. Designed for ease of use and longevity, it’s little wonder why this particular slackline continues to receive high marks no matter where you find it.
Read moreMaterials
This slackline is made from 100% polyester material that is 2 inches in width and can offer just enough give and stretch to be a challenge for more experienced walkers but still provide the stability needed for novice users. A training line is also provided for added security. Overall the grip was found to be adequate, but beginners might have a little trouble gripping the line due to a lack of texture overall on the slackline. This is one kit where the use of the training line is recommended.
Ease of Use
Overall this is one of the easiest slacklines we’ve seen to set up. The included instructions are clear and easy to understand, and the overall system is as simple as it gets. Everything you need to set up quickly is included.
Size
The length of the slackline measures 15 meters, or just shy of 50 feet. It’s a versatile length that is easy to use for both beginners and more season users.
Summary
While we would have liked to see a better gripping surface, overall this slackline from Flybold is a great way to spend your time in the outdoors. It’s easy to set up, offers an included training line, and is strong enough to withstand nearly 300 lbs of pressure. If you’re looking for a slackline to help you go the distance, this is it.
2. Driftsun Trick Line
The Driftsun brand of slackline offers a durable line that is easy to use and features springy, responsive webbing that allows for a wide range of movement and fun. If you’re looking for a great way to get some exercise and improve your dynamic balance, this is a great overall choice.
Read moreMaterials
The webbing of this particular slackline is made from durable and flexible nylon material. It is also one of the strongest available on the market, having the ability to withstand almost 4 tons of weight and pressure. So there certainly shouldn’t be any worry about the webbing breaking under your weight. This slackline features the classic ratcheting system that is very easy to use and set up. However, it also has an added feature of safety locks on the ratchet themselves, which make it harder for the slackline to become undone unexpectedly. Also, the ergonomic handle of the ratchet makes it much easier on your hands when tightening the line.
Ease of Use
With the easy to use ratcheting system and the durable tree guards, this slackline kit is a breeze to set up. Our only real complaint is that when fully tightened, it can be difficult to keep the line itself straight.
Size
The length of this slackline is fifty feet, making it a great length for both beginners and experts alike.
Summary
If you’re looking for a slackline kit that offers a fantastic range of motion, and durability, you’ll certainly want to consider this option. While keeping the line straight overall might be an issue this is a great choice if you’re looking for ways to improve your balance.
3. Gibbon Classic
When it comes to slacklines, the Gibbon brand is well known as one of the veterans of the industry and with good reason. Their Classic Slackline is not only easy to set up and use, but it also offers a great balance between rigidity and flexibility that makes it a great all-around choice.
Read moreMaterials
The Gibbon slackline utilizes specially designed webbing made from synthetic materials that are meant for use in slacklines. It provides just enough give and flex to make walking on it a challenge, but still provide the stability you need. If you prefer a slackline with more grip than most, you might want to look at other options. However, for the average user or beginner, this slackline offers a nearly perfect amount of grip for a slackline.
Ease of Use
Except for the struggle getting the slackline through the ratchets of the tensioning system, this slackline from Gibbon was fairly easy to set up.
Size
The length of this slackline is 15 meters, or approximately 49 feet, making it a great overall length for beginners. What’s more, it can easily be shortened if desired.
Summary
If you’re looking for a great overall static slackline for a beginner or those who want to concentrate on stability and balance, you can’t go wrong with this line. While the ratcheting system does need to be improved, overall the Gibbon brand doesn’t disappoint.
4. Trailblaze Quality Slackline
If you’re just starting out, a quality and lightweight slackline like this one from Trailblaze is a great place to start. It’s wide two-inch base, and slightly shorter length allows you to practice easily on the fundamentals with ease.
Read moreMaterials
This slackline is made from fairly strong and durable synthetic materials that measure 2 inches wide. Overall it is fairly rigid when fully tensioned, and is a great choice for those who don’t want too much play in the line, or beginners just starting out. It should be noted that there have been reports of the line snapping with excessive tension is applied, so caution in that area of set up should be used.
Ease of Use
Overall this system has a fairly straightforward set up with few parts. Provided you have sturdy trees or posts to attach the line to, you’ll be traversing the line in mere moments.
Size
This slackline actually measures 43 feet in length, which is somewhat on the shorter side of the spectrum when it comes to slacklines. It’s a great overall length for beginners or those who are not entirely confident in their overall balance.
Summary
This slackline from Trailblaze offers a great choice for those just starting to enjoy the sport of slacklining, or for those who haven’t quite mastered the art of balancing properly on the line. While care should be taken during the tightening of the line due to potential breakage, overall this is a great choice for backyard fun.
5. Macaco Kit
If you’re looking for a slackline that is both affordable and that offers to go with you anywhere convenience, you’ll want to take a closer look at this entry from Macaco. Designed to be lightweight, it easily folds away for storage and can be taken just about anywhere that the urge to step onto a slackline takes you.
Read moreMaterials
This slackline features a lightweight synthetic material that is specially designed for slacklining. It is two inches in width. While it is very lightweight overall, weighing only a few pounds, there were reports of breakage and fraying on occasion, which we found troublesome. The tensioning system uses a fairly simple ratcheting system that is easy to use overall. It should be noted that there were reports of the ratchets sometimes sticking on initial use, but after a few times, everything seemed to work well.
Ease of Use
Overall this slackline is one of the easiest to get set up and use.
Size
The length of this slackline is 50 feet, which is more than enough to satisfy most users.
Summary
While not the most durable we’ve seen, the Macaco Slackline Kit is one of the easiest to set up and has one of the best grips we’ve seen on the market today. It is also very lightweight and easy to transport. Truth be told, this would be a good addition to any collection of slacklines overall.
6. Zen Monkey
Do you have a few tricks up your sleeve when it comes to using a slackline? If that’s the case, the Voodoo Slackers 100 feet Fearless Slackline kit was made for you. Designed for the more adventurous user, it features a strong and flexible line that reaches well over the average 50-foot length to give you plenty of room to play.
Read moreMaterials
The webbing is made from a synthetic material with multi-weave webbing. It offers a great deal of flexibility and movement, which is great for intermediate or more experienced users. The line itself is one inch in width. A beginner might have a bit of trouble with their balance on this particular type of webbing, though.
Ease of Use
Once the ratchets are used a few times and the gears are loosened a bit through use, this is a fairly easy slackline to set up. It can easily be handled by one or two people.
Size
This slackline measures 60 feet in length. We had hoped for a longer line from such a strong competitor, but this length is decent and slightly above average. It is long enough for those who wish to try their hand at a few tricks while walking across the slackline.
Summary
If you’re looking for a slackline that is specifically designed for doing tricks and concentration on your core strength, this one from ZenMonkey is one you’ll want to consider. While both the webbing itself and the ratchets could use improvement, the length and overall ease of use make it a great overall choice.
7. Zero Gravity
If you’re looking for an affordable slackline kit that has nearly everything you need as a beginner, this one from Zero Gravity may be just the one you need. Designed to have everything a beginner needs, you’ll be able to start traversing in no time at all.
Read moreMaterials
This webbing is approximately 2 inches in width and is made from synthetic nylon material. While it is not as tough as we would have liked to see, some reviewers have found the line to be slightly too flexible. Overall, it still offers a great deal of flexibility and stability and can support up to 315 pounds. The texture and the grip of the line are serviceable, and for most people with some experience, it will do the job quite well. However, a true beginner might want to look for other options with slightly more grip.
Ease of Use
Overall this line is fairly easy to set up. The included bag is large enough for all of the slackline accessories and a few of your personal items.
Size
This slackline is approximately 52 feet in length, which means you can have a true 50-foot distance between two trees or posts if you desire while still taking up a good deal of line slack.
Summary
Generally speaking, this slackline is a good overall choice for the average user who is just starting to enjoy doing tricks or focusing more on a core workout. While we would have liked to see a better grip overall, and the toughness could be improved, this is certainly a slackline to have on your list.
8. Slacklines Industries Baseline
If you’re looking for a tough overall slackline that is a great choice for those who are a bit rough on their equipment, this is one to definitely consider. The tough nylon webbing and superior ratcheting system provide wonderful overall stability.
Read moreMaterials
This slackline is created from tough yet flexible nylon webbing that measures 2 inches in width. It is a great overall static line that is perfect for taking things slow and concentrating on building your core strength and balance. Overall the tensioning system is simple and straightforward, featuring an easy to use ratcheting system that nearly everyone can use after reading the included instructions.
Ease of Use
As far as the setup is concerned, this slackline is fairly easy and straightforward. However, with the tightening of the slackline can be a little bit difficult, especially for someone who doesn’t have a great deal of hand strength.
Size
The length is approximately 50 feet, which makes it a great overall length for beginner and intermediate users.
Summary
While the tightening of the ratchet system can be somewhat difficult, overall this slackline kit is a great choice for beginners or people who enjoy a slackline that offers both static and flexible options. The versatility makes this slackline a great option.
9. Slackers Eclipse Trick Line
Interested in teaching someone how to use a slackline easily? Well, the Slackers Eclipse Trick Line Slackline Kit not only features the ability to easily perform basic tricks, but it also comes with a teaching line or guideline that is perfect for helping people improve their balance overall.
Read moreMaterials
Both the webbing and guideline are made from a synthetic material that offers a fair amount of flexibility and gives when put under some weight. It is two inches in width. In addition, the slackline itself is painted with bright neon colors which make it easy to see and navigate even in the dark. The tensioning system is comprised of two larger ratchets with rubberized grips, making it fairly easy to use and operate.
Ease of Use
Truth be told, this is one of the easiest setups we’ve seen when it comes to slacklines. Simply wrap it around your initial post or tree, stretch it out and attach it to the second. It is very simple indeed.
Size
This slackline measures 50 feet in length, which is slightly shorter than we would expect for a trick line, but perfect for beginners overall.
Summary
If you’re looking for a way to teach a novice or intermediate user some new tricks on a slackline, this entry from Slackers with the included teaching and guideline will serve you well. We certainly would have liked to see a better grip and more length, but overall this is not a bad kit to have around.
10. Gibbon Surferline
If you’re looking for an introduction into long-lining, this is a great option for you. The Surferline is durable enough to be used over water, in the park, or anywhere you can think of. It features trickline webbing and a strong metal ratchet that allows you to find the perfect amount of bounce.
Read moreMaterials
The polyester webbing of this slackline gives just enough bounce for you to use it as a beginner or for advanced tricklining. The line is two inches wide and can hold up to three tons. It is printed with high contrast and bright colors to allow for greater visibility for you, and for those around you. It has an eight-foot sling, a breaking load of four tons, and double cog. The power ratchet is easy to use and includes a safety lock.
Ease of Use
This two-part set allows for easy set-up and break-down. Even though it looks simple, for the first time, you should bring the instructions along. One reviewer set it up incorrectly and had no option other than to cut the line down! Included with the set are two felt tree protection pieces with velcro closure.
Size
This line is 98-feet long. It can be adjusted to fit in smaller areas and is a great introduction to long lining. Together, all of its features offer you great visibility and adjustability. The overall weight of the system is about 9-pounds.
Summary
Gibbons is known for producing great quality slacklines. This line is versatile and can be paired with a slow release system or trick tension anchor to turn it into a real competition trickline.
Sources
- , Slacklining For Beginners – Step by Step, Advice
- , These 6 steps will take you to slacklining greatness, Action Sports Energy Drink Blog
- , Best Slacklines For 2019, Nomad Blog