What is Slackline?

"Slackline“ is taken to mean balancing on a webbing strap which is attached between two fixed points. An attempt is made to balance or carry out tricks on this strap (so-called "slackline") which is fixed relatively low down (approximately knee or hip height above ground). This sport, associated with climbing, is becoming increasingly popular. Our slackline kits or components are ideal for the purpose.

Where is it possible to enjoy this sport?

Slackline is a year-round sport. The line can be installed anywhere where fixed points can be found. Trees are particularly suitable (Fig. 1), or use can be made of stakes or columns. Remember that each fixed point must be able to withstand a minimum load of 1000 kg (this is important when anchoring fixing points into walls or similar). Try to make sure that the area under the strap is soft, such as grass and sand, or lay mats down so that you will not be injured if you lose your balance and fall.

The line has an actual strap width of between 25 mm and 35 mm, depending on the kit. The ratchet buckles are supplied with a strap width of 35 mm as standard.

Anchorage:
The slackline is fixed between to fixed points of equal height. Trees with a diameter of more than approx. 30 cm are particularly suitable if the slackline is to be set up outside. It is essential to use some kind of protective layer to safeguard the fixed points - for example an old piece of carpet, an insulating mat or a protective tube of PVC.

Fixed point 1:
First of all, lay the protective layer round the first fixed point. After this, lay a round sling or similar around the tree, so that the two ends of the sling are approximately the same length. Now you need the ratchet buckle. It consists of a ratchet buckle, and a strap approximately 25 cm long, which is supplied with a sling or a hook. Now connect this ratchet buckle with the two ends of the sling by means of the shackle. The threaded bolts of the shackle must be screwed completely tight. Please make sure that the ratchet strap lies on top of the threaded bolt of the shackle. Do not lay the strap on the round body part of the shackle, as this would mean that the force is not transferred effectively to the strap, and because of the raised embossing on the shackle the strap can wear and possibly snap.

Fixed point 2:
Carry out the instructions just as given for Fixed Point 1. Depending on the set, either a second ratchet part or the line directly will be fitted into the shackle.

Fixing and tensioning the line::
Lay the line on the ground between the fixed points. Thread them through the slit shaft of the ratchet(s) and pull them up as tightly as possible. Only then begin to tension the line by ratchet movements. The line can be tensioned as far as can be achieved using hand power with the winding spool of the ratchet. Do not attempt to increase the force, for example by increasing the length of the lever - this is prohibited. When you have achieved maximum tension, close the ratchet by completely folding together. Of course, because the strap stretches slightly, it is permitted to re-tension the line several times. Shorter lines stretch less than long ones. When the line is used for the first time, it is possible that it stretches rather more. The more tightly the strap is tensioned, the easier it is to walk on it. If the line is slack, it is more difficult to balance on it because it will move around more.

Maximum line height: The tensioned line may not be higher than 90 cm above the ground. In the case of higher lines, fall protection or a fall arrest system must be used, which is not supplied with the slackline equipment. In any case, we advise most strongly against fixing the line any higher than 90 cm above the ground, as otherwise fatal injury and death may occur. In addition, in the case of a "highline" (a line which is fixed more than 90 cm above ground), a second and fully-independent, non-tensioned safety system must be provided, which requires a great deal of experience in the area of cable and arrest system technology. The ideal height for the tensioned line is knee height. At this height, it is easy to get on and off the line, and the risk of injury is low. If lines are fixed at greater heights, they can flick abruptly against or between the legs.

De-tensioning the line

Cleaning and storage

Check the following points each time you use the equipment

1. Are the fixed points anchored securely enough?
2. Are there sharp edges anywhere which could harm the slackline or yourself?
3. Are the shackles turned far enough to be secure?
4. Are the straps lying against the threaded bolts of the shackles?
5. Are there any pointed or hard objects (stones, splinters etc.) underneath the line? If so, remove them.
6. Is the line tensioned lower than 90 cm above the ground?
7. Is the line twisted? Adjust, if so.

Guarantee

We undertake to guarantee this equipment for 2 years as from the date of purchase. Within this guarantee period, we will correct all defects due to material or manufacturing defects, either by means of repair or replacement, at our discretion.

The following are not included in the guarantee:
Damage caused by improper use, normal wear and tear, as well as any defects which only influence the value or usefulness of the equipment to a slight extent. Use of other replacement parts than original parts leads to lapse of the guarantee. The receipt for the equipment must be shown when claims are made under guarantee.

Liability

The slackline may only be used for the purpose described here, in the manner described. The purpose and function of the slackline is for balancing on a webbing strap. No liability whatsoever is accepted by the manufacturer and/or seller if the product is used for any other purpose or in an improper manner. Neither does the manufacturer and/or seller accept any liability for damage to life and limb, or for consequential or collateral damage which results from use of this product.

Only use parts from our slackline range! Only then can we guarantee that the equipment can supply the necessary safety!

Notes on safety - please read and observe!

The slackline is a dangerous piece of equipment and must be used with extreme care. A tensile force of up to 1000 kg can be applied to the line through tensioning. When under this tensile force, the line can cause extremely serious injury! Please also note the following:

The slackline:
•  may only be tensioned using hand force. Extensions or other aids are not permitted.
•  may only be used by one person at any one time
•  may only be fixed to a firm surface
•  may not be set up over water
•  may never be tensioned between cars or similar aids, as then the pretensioning can be extremely,
    high and is not known or subject to control
•  may only be used by children under the supervision of adults
•  must be fixed so that it is not accessible to children

Product disposal

Basically the slackline parts do not have any "sell by" date!
The straps may no longer be used if they are torn, if more than 10% of the yarn is cut or if there are notches / breaks in loadbearing fibres and seams.
The metal parts may no longer be used if they are deformed, cracked, or if their are strong signs of wear and corrosion.
The straps should be disposed of as residual waste, the metal parts as scrap metal.