|
mr-pink
Deleted
May 18, 2006, 3:13 PM
Post #1 of 6
(2685 views)
Shortcut
Registered:
Posts:
|
Hi,
so, I want to start slacklining.
I have some problems though, slacking is almost unknown around here, so there's nobody who can give help/advice.
I found a park around with some trees which I can use.
Thus, the question is: what type of rig should I do?
(this is my first ever rig, so I have nog gear to use , and little money)
I don't want to invest a lot of money for the beginning, because I don't know if i'll like it.
thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
slacklinejoe
May 18, 2006, 7:27 PM
Post #2 of 6
(2685 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 5, 2003
Posts: 1423
|
There are two methods to go, assemble your own or buy a complete (or mostly complete) pre-made rig. Each type of rig has it's own set of trade offs - unfortunately it's nearly impossible to mention every way of setting up a slackline so sometimes you'll have to just step out on a limb and guess which type of rig will fit your needs best.
The real trick is how your going to get the line tight as almost all slacklines use 1" tubular nylon web (a few use thinner webbing or other special purpose stuff) - so what your walking on won't change, how it feels and how easy it is to get tight will change drastically across the different methods.
For making your own all you need is webbing and carabiners. However one should note that not everyone has great success with this method. Basically you use the webbing and carabiners to make a block and tackle effect to tighten the line. For how to set up a basic line check out Cold Climb's Article You can also use more elaborate methods to make rigging easier but the trade off is often cost and complexity. Some do-it-yourself setups will use climbing grade pulleys, ascenders, static rope and such. (search the forums a bit and you'll get seemingly 100's of different rigs)
Other options such as pre-made kits range anywhere from around $35 to $300. Depending on your needs, you may be able to pick up a professionally made kit that might be easier to use for just a few bucks more than you would spend to make one and most of the time they offer some really cool features that you won't get if you make your own.
*Disclaimer - I run a company that makes slacklines (refer to the link in my sig to check out our stuff) so my best advice is to shop around to check out your options before you jump on any particular method. It seems some strongly believe in particular methods over others and often it comes down to semantics. Try and find one that fits your budget and is targeted at being easy to use.
|
|
|
|
|
aphazia
May 19, 2006, 5:07 AM
Post #3 of 6
(2685 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 12, 2006
Posts: 17
|
My beginner set up is pretty simple.
Anchor end is simply a bowline. Pass it around the tree, pull the loose end through the bowline. Not the most hardcore, but certainly works for the relatively simple lines I'm setting up.
Tensioning end I use a rigger's belt I have. I wear it as a belt for airsoft weekends and can use it to belay off at the climbing gym. ( example: http://www.lapolicegear.com/spribe.html though mine is made by Blackhawk Industries.)
70 feet of 1" tubular nylon webbing.
2 simple Omega oval biners.
1 random smaller biner I use to put in the clove hitch so I can get the knot out.
All I ever really rig up on are trees, works great.
Total cost was about $35 for webbing and biners, and $20 for the rigger's belt. Rigger's belts, btw, are good stuff. Everyone should have one! You've always got a clip in on you! ;)
|
|
|
|
|
mr-pink
Deleted
May 20, 2006, 12:21 PM
Post #4 of 6
(2685 views)
Shortcut
Registered:
Posts:
|
I've got an idea how to rig one.
This is the thing:
on the anchor side:
-I but a munter hitch with a mule knot around the tree.
the other side:
-I tie a clove hitch with 2 biners, then I wrap the webbing around the tree, and then I tie a garda knot with the 2 biners.
Maybe a tie off.
Will this rig work?
|
|
|
|
|
jrzacher
May 20, 2006, 2:17 PM
Post #5 of 6
(2685 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 21, 2005
Posts: 71
|
My friend and I set up a 135 foot line yesterday with the use of only Carabiners and 2inch steel O rings. For the anchor side we use a separate piece of webbing to girth hitch around the tree so that we can have the most use of the walking line. On the Anchor side we used a sort of cinch knot with the O rings. Its hard to explain. You push a big loop of webbing through the Ring and then bend it around to the front of the line, tucking it under the webbing that continues forward. Then you sort of make a a doubles up loop big enough to fit 2 carabiners. This replaces the Clove hitch, is really strong, and comes out of the line even easier then the clove hitch when not weighted. WE also have a piece of webbing girth hitched around the tightening tree with 2 carabiners in it. ( since we had such a long walk we placed the carabiners with the O rings probably 20 feet or more back. WE then threaded it like Slacklinejoe said to make a block and tackle of sorts. WE then clove hitch carabiners to the tail end of the line for a handle to pull the clack out of the system. We yard on the system until it becomes too difficult and then do a half wrap around the tightening tree and have someone hold it there for a minute. We choose this park because there was a large open are with another tree staggered behind the tightening tree. WE then continue to do the exact same " Block and tackle" system from the staggered tree to the middle of the tail end except for using 3 carabiners on each side instead of two to create more mechanical advantage.Then yard on that. This uses the mechanical advantage to tighten the first Tightening system. This may sound involved ( it is ) but after you do it a couple of times you can envision it. It took: 6, 2" O rings ( 20 cents at the hard wear store) and 200' section of webbing. and 12 biners. Of course there is always a better system. Such as the one that Slacklinejoe sells but we just did this with what we had. And we didn't have the money to pay for a system strong enough to deal with the amount of force. It only takes 2 people to set up this system and we get it darn tight.
(sorry for the novel)
happy slacking
Jesse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
