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mrtristan
Mar 23, 2010, 5:30 PM
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Registered: Jun 21, 2002
Posts: 596
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It seems like new devices keep popping up, so I figured it would be worth it to ask again.
I've been slacklining for several years now. At first I just used the carabiner methord, then I got a big ol' ratchet, and then I bought one of the Slackline Express releasable hitch things for longer lines for when the spool on the ratchet fills up. This system has worked fine for me for 5 or 6 years now.
Well, I'm tired of the ratchet. I want something new. What is THE device to get? I want something that is fast and easy for setting up long-ish (~100 foot) lines. Is there any device that is strong enough to be used in-line for a highline (meaning that it doesn't have to be removed?). If not, a device that meets the other criteria is fine.
Thanks guys!
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slacklinejoe
Mar 25, 2010, 2:19 AM
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Registered: Nov 5, 2003
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Glad to hear you've stuck with the sport for so long.
A couple options come to mind:
A Griphoist: Dear got their strong, but pricey and damn bulky depending on model. I used to use one on the farm to lift boulders out of the ground. Scary with the cable slips though, could easily maim someone.
A rather large amount of pulleys: Personally, I'd suggest rescue grade ones for inline systems. Bulky and expensive, but kind of fun to play with. The bigger the sheaves the less friction and more efficency (usually).
As a moderate step up, a Come Along can work, but honestly I don't recommend leaving them in the system. I've used them on 200ft lines, but I usually had to reset them a couple times to get the line tight and well, only the really expensive ones release safely in my opinion. I've broke teeth off entry level ones at less than 1/4 their rated load. They are really cost effective though, 30-100 bucks for a self contained system.
As a note of preference, I don't like having ANY tensioning system in a highline that has a easy method of releasing the line. It temps Murphy's law. Best to hard set IMO.
(This post was edited by slacklinejoe on Mar 25, 2010, 2:23 AM)
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petsfed
Mar 25, 2010, 2:54 AM
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Registered: Sep 25, 2002
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slacklinejoe wrote: As a note of preference, I don't like having ANY tensioning system in a highline that has a easy method of releasing the line. It temps Murphy's law. Best to hard set IMO.
Anything longer than 30 feet and I try to minimize the failure points no matter how far off the ground, but that could just be me.
I think the biggest unknown for choosing a good system is how many people you'll have on hand to help get it tight. If you can just brute-force it, you can get a pretty tight line without much effort. On the other hand, if you're working alone, a more complicated system can be worthwhile. My many-pulley system can get a 100 foot line up all by my lonesome, but it takes about half an hour. With 4-6 people pulling, its under 10 minutes.
(This post was edited by petsfed on Mar 25, 2010, 3:12 AM)
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chrismcnamara
Aug 18, 2011, 2:50 PM
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Registered: Apr 20, 2003
Posts: 94
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Damian Cooksey just put about 10 slackline systems head to head in tests in this slackline review
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Slackline-Reviews
Damian has walked more than his share of 500+ foot lines and broken more than a few in the process... so he knows about tightening systems.
He found the Balance Community Titen Series was the best. The version he tested cost $600+ but if swap out some of the components with gear you already have (like a GriGri) you can get the price down
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