While a slackline is designed to withstand the weight and stress of a human body, it has its limitations. Over time and through use, a slackline may get damaged and need replacement.
A slackline can snap if it is set up incorrectly or if the weight limit is exceeded. Over time a nylon or polyester slackline can fray or tear and eventually snap especially if you store the slackline outdoors in harsh conditions which can further degrade the material.
But even if the slackline doesn’t completely snap, damage can occur over time that you can avoid. There are a number of factors that help determine how long a slackline may last and things you can do to ensure a long and safe lifespan.
A slackline can weaken and be damaged over time due to:
- Storing the slackline outside
- Excessive weight placed on the slackline
- Wear and tear through normal use
- Incorrect slackline usage
- Improper slackline set up
- Failure to use tree protection
- Using a cheap, inferior slackline
- Improper slackline maintenance
Let’s take a closer look at each factor, what you can do to avoid having to prematurely replace your slackline while ensuring the safety of those who use it.
Storing the slackline outside
Harsh weather in the winter and even summer rain and hot direct sun will damage a slackline over time.
Slacklines are typically made from polyester and nylon. How durable is each material to various weather conditions?
Polyester – Polyester is used in a wide variety of products due to its strength and relatively high resilience to Ultra Violet (UV) light damage. Its ability to resist discoloration also helps to partially explain why polyester is a popular material for clothing. Australian manufacturer GEOFABRICS discovered through research that polyester fibers can withstand 12 months of sunlight while still retaining 67% of its strength.
Polyester is also easier to tension than nylon so it tends to be used for longlines more so than nylon slacklines. This helps to explain why polyester is the go-to material for slacklines for many people: It combines strength, durability and usability.
Nylon – Nylon is also used for (shorter) slacklines typically due to its high availability as a material and the superior stretchability that if offers over polyester. Like polyester, nylon is also very strong and durable which is why you find nylon ropes so widely available.
The webbing of the slackline will deteriorate with constant exposure to harsh weather and you may also damage the fix points of the slackline which is typically the trees you use.
Thus, storing your slackline indoors when not in use is your best bet.
Excessive weight placed on the slackline
A slackline comes with a weight limit or range that it is capable of withstanding. Stick to this limit to avoid damaging or breaking the slackline or worse, hurting yourself.
The absolute top weight limit of a GIBBON slackline is 240 lbs whereas Slackline Industries advertises some slacklines capable of safely holding a user weighing up to 300 lbs.
It depends on the model you choose too. Check the specifications before you purchase.
Some slackline kits aimed at kids will obviously have a much lower weight limit and are only meant for children, too.
Wear and tear through normal use
Not only can simply using the slackline damage it through regular use, constantly taking the line down and ratcheting it back up again when you want to use it can also cause damage. It’s why some people simply leave their slackline intact and don’t take it down after use.
As mentioned above though, exposure to harsh weather and direct sun creates a new set of problems for your slackline equipment.
Depending on what slackline model and manufacturer you choose, the anchor system that is included may quickly cause damage to your slackline especially if you frequently set it up and take it down. Improper use of the ratchet system can also jam or otherwise damage the slackline material eventually causing it to snap.
Once you see noticeable wear and tear – or actual tears in the slackline for that matter – consider replacing it before you have an accident.
Incorrect slackline usage
As mentioned above, exceeding the weight limit on your slackline can damage and even snap the line. Not only will you have to replace your slackline, you run the risk of personal injury.
If you tend to try tricks and other higher risk moves, you want to ensure you buy a quality slackline that can withstand the extra stress that your weight will place upon it.
If you’re planning on tricklining, get an actual trickline that is designed for this use. A trickline tends to be heavy duty and when set up properly will tend to act like a trampoline. It should come with 2 ratchets or a pulley system and is more suited to tricks than a standard slackline. The second ratchet ensures you can properly tension the trickline for this type of use.
Improper slackline set up
There are a variety of ways that you can incorrectly set up your slackline such as:
- Not securing the slackline properly on both trees.
- Setting up the slackline with too much or too little slack.
- Choosing improper trees that aren’t suitable for slacklining. In this case it might be the tree that snaps and not the slackline.
- Choosing the wrong slackline to begin with i.e. choosing a slackline but really needing a trickline, choosing a slackline with a low weight limit, etc.
- Setting up the ratchet improperly (i.e. the lever arm should be below the slackline, not above).
- Not pulling the slackline through the ratchet properly.
Always follow the manufacturer instructions when setting up your slackline and don’t be afraid to watch a video or two from the manufacturer to do it right.
Failure to use tree protection
Tree protection is something that you place around each tree before securing the line around the tree trunk. The material you use for tree protection might be a professional product that you purchase or it could be homemade i.e. an old piece of carpet or foam.
Tree protection protects the tree trunk and outer bark and is not only recommended but is often a requirement if you’re slacklining in a park or other public area.
But it also helps to protect your slackline as the rough outer bark of a tree may damage your slackline prematurely or eventually cause it to snap.
Using a cheap, inferior slackline
Well-regarded manufacturers and distributors of slacklines and related equipment include GIBBON Slacklines, Slacklines International, Balance Community, ZEN Monkey, Driftsun, flybold, Zero Gravity, and more.
Buying a slackline or slackline kit for the first time? Try to see the products in person and try them out if possible. At least be able to feel the material and check out the parts in person.
Buying a slackline online is convenient but being able to actually see and touch the product when buying it for the first time is ideal.
Improper slackline maintenance
Read the manufacturer instructions regarding slackline maintenance especially when it comes to cleaning. In general terms, you can wash the slackline itself with cold water and a neutral detergent unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Never wash any metal parts such as the ratchet as they can rust.
The better you protect and care for your slackline, the longer it will last.
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