How Long Should A Slackline Be?

Slacklines come in various lengths and can be set up accordingly for both beginners and experts. When starting out you want to pick a slackline length that is fun and safe but not too long. The longer the slackline the more it will shake around the middle especially as you try to climb on the line.

There is also a minimum length for your slackline that you will not want to go under as it can have negative implications on your slacklining experience, too. Plus, you also want to consider other features that quality, modern slackline sets have for better safety, fun and tree protection.

Slacklines come in various lengths up to 100′ (30m) and tend to be 1″ or 2″ in width (25mm or 51mm) but shouldn’t be shorter than 16′ (5m) for them to work properly.

Minimum Slackline Length

While you want to pick a slackline length that is challenging, you also don’t want the slackline to be too short. It is called a slackline for a reason: The line does sag as you use it and there needs to be some slackness so that the line can flex and adjust as you’re using it. The absolute minimum slackline length that is generally usable is 16′ (5m). Any shorter and the amplitude will be too high and your legs will shake uncontrollably as you’re climbing on the line. The slackline also won’t be able to move and adjust as it needs to.

As you get more experienced and comfortable, you can increase the slackline length to make it more challenging.

Slackline Length and Dimensions

Slackline kits are designed for a wide range of ages and experience levels. Depending on how young your child is, you might opt for a beginner indoor set that is installed on the floor inside your house and is a true starter kit only a few inches off the ground to get them started. It doesn’t require any trees and just sits on the ground indoors!

For older kids, you might go right to an adult set as there often isn’t much difference and they can grow into it. A 2″ wide slackline is ideal and various slackline lengths are available as we’ll see below.

And for adults, you have various options that also come with 2″ width and various lengths. Your choice. But there are a few features you should be on the lookout for when you choose your slackline in each case particularly related to the ratchet quality and size.

Below, we discuss example Length of slacklines, Width of the slackline, Ratchet specs (length and width of slackline cables) and Other things to look for when purchasing.

Child Beginner Set

Length	Width	Ratchet	Other
28′ (8.5m)	2″ (51mm)	High grade but easy to use ratchet system.	The shorter the length of the slackline within reason, the less the swinging of the line. The less swinging, the easier it is to learn slacklining. Get a set with a top helpline training line to maintain balance. The stated length is the maximum so you can make your slackline shorter for your kids. You might want to get a helmet for your younger kids to be safe. Rig the slackline low to the ground as per instructions to maximize safety.

Youth Beginner Set

Length	Width	Ratchet	Other
49′ (15m)	2″ (51mm)	A single lever-and-lock ratchet that is easy to operate.	You can find sets that can hold up to around 330 lbs (150 kg) so they should be no problem for the average youth. Get a set with a top helpline training line to maintain balance. Stated length is the maximum so you can make your slackline shorter as desired. Look for sets with a bag to put everything in and it should come with an easy to use but solid ratchet system. Many youth sets are basically the same as adult ones.

Adult Beginner Set

Length	Width	Ratchet	Other
49′ (15m)	2″ (51mm)	6′ x 2″ and 6′ x 1″ (1.8m x 50mm and 1.8m x 25mm) length ratchets	Expect about up to 330 lbs (150 kg) weight limit for this type of slackline set. Get a set that includes a top helpline training line and decent tree protection to use beneath the slackline to protect the trees from damage. Adult beginner sets are going to be a reasonable length such as 49′ give or take and of course you can make the slackline shorter if desired.

Adult Advanced Set

Length	Width	Ratchet	Other
100′ (30m)	2″ (51mm)	8′ x 2″ (2.4m x 50mm) ratchet for larger trees	Expect about 280 lbs (127 kg) maximum weight for this sort of model. 100′ is one of the longest you’ll find on the market currently. This is a set you can grow with because of course you don’t have to set it up to measure 100′ but could set it up shorter and increase your slacklining length over time as you get more experienced. You’ll notice the ratchet set is bigger than other examples to enable you to utilize larger, thicker trees. This type of set probably won’t come with a safety topline to hold onto as it assumes you’re past needing one.

Slacklining versus Tightroping

What is the difference between slacklining and tightroping and aren’t they basically the same? While they appear to be similar, they are actually quite different activities.

Slackline: Is tightly fastened at each end typically between two trees but has some slack, will flex and adjust as you climb on the line and walk on it. A slackline is usually made of webbed nylon or polyester and is flat. It is typically 1″ (professional) or 2″ (beginner to intermediate) in width. The slackline can be of varying lengths as shown above.

Tightrope: A modern tightrope is usually made of rounded steel or other material and is fastened between two posts or other solid objects. It is tightly wound with no slack or give hence the name tightrope. It often has a stabilizing line as well to help prevent it from swaying. Tightrope walkers will often use a long pole to balance themselves. Tightropes can be made as long or short as desired.

Conclusion

• A slackline can be of various lengths depending on your age and skill level. The shortest slackline you can use is about 16′ (5m) as any shorter and the slackline may not adjust properly and will sway too much when climbing on it.
• The longest commercially sold slackline currently is about 100′ (30m). It can be set up much shorter than 100′ and can be grown into so to speak as you desire to slackline further with experience.
• A 2″ (25mm) slackline width is normal and recommended for most slackliners but more experienced pros might use a thinner 1″ (51mm) width variety.
• One consideration is whether to slackline barefoot or with shoes. Read the article Is It Better To Slackline Barefoot Or With Shoes to learn more about pros and cons of each.