Gibbon Classic slackline kit
Gibbon Classic slackline kit
- Pros: Easy to set up; 2-inch webbing makes it easier to walk; Ratchet system helps make line really taught
- Cons: Heavier than a do-it-yourself system; Black verbiage on slackline comes off on feet; More expensive than making one yourself
- Bottom Line: The Gibbon slackline kit, albeit more expensive than a DIY system, is incredibly easy to set up, easier to learn on and gives beginners the confidence needed to fall in love with slacklining.
- MSRP: $80, 15 meter; $100, 25 meter
What started as an underground movement by climbers, slacklining has turned into an addicting hobby by college students, hippies and action sports athletes looking to increase balance or join the circus.
It’s so addicting that some people call it a “crackline.”
Slacklining, stringing up nylon webbing between two anchors so you can (try to) walk it as it bounces and shakes uncontrollably, is becoming widespread throughout the country, and Gibbon is helping make it more accessible to those of us who need help balancing.
Unlike traditional slacklines, which consist of 1-inch webbing used by rock climbers held taught by a few carabiners, Gibbon’s Classic slackline kit consists of 2-inch webbing tensioned by a ratchet system making it easier for novice slackers to try their tight-rope walking tricks.
The kit, which comes in either 15- or 25-meter lengths (49 or 82 feet), is in two pieces: a roughly 6-foot long piece of webbing with a heavy-duty ratchet on one end and a loop on the other, and a long piece of webbing with a loop on one end and nothing on the other. It also comes with a backpack-type sack to carry it.
To set it up, put the ratchet through the loop on the short webbing to secure it around a tree or other anchor, and then put the loose end of the long webbing through the opposite end’s loop to secure that side around the other anchor. Then insert the loose end through the ratchet, crank it tight and you’re ready to slackline.
While setting it up is confusing at first and takes a little longer the first few times you do it, it does become simple and quick. One tip: I found that it’s best to keep the ratchet on the bottom side of the slackline or the weight of it will make the entire line twist.
Unlike a traditional slackline, which I’ve also tried via a do-it-yourself lesson, the ratchet helps keep the line tighter, which in turn makes it easier to walk. A tighter line also allows you to put it closer to the ground, which in turn makes it easier to learn.
Then, once you get better, you can loosen the line so it has more bounce making it more difficult but easier for doing tricks such as flips, butt bounces or simple squats (none of which I can do).
You can even try doing yoga on a slackline.
While the black verbiage on one side of the line easily comes off on your feet and it’s more expensive than making one on your own (you can do so for about $60), the Gibbon system, which also comes in a kids, trick and travel version, is perfect for an afternoon in the park. I haven’t tried them, but some versions now have grippy graphics to make it easier to walk as well.
And there’s no real age requirement. My 4-year-old niece walked it (with adult supervision of course) and did better than many adults.
photos courtesy Gibbon Slacklines
Tips for beginner slackers:
- Make sure the slackline is about knee-high off the ground. When you fall off, there’s spring in the line, and you don’t want the slackline snapping you between the legs.
- Flat-soled, skater-style shoes or bare feet seem to work best.
- When walking, keep your eyes fixated on something 10 feet in front of you or at the end of the line. While it’s awkward at first, your feet will know where the line is.
- If you’re having a hard time walking and can’t get the line low enough without being on the ground, put it low and then place a foot stool under both ends. It’ll keep it off the ground while keeping it taught.
- If using a tree as an anchor, make sure it’s at least 8 inches in diameter, and use cardboard or carpet as a wrap to protect it from the tight slackline webbing.
