Climbing and slacklining go together like a boulder and a brush. Not only do these activities both offer the perfect combination of technical challenges, natural setting and fun, but they also complement each other from a training perspective.
Slacklining technique relies on mindful footwork, weight distribution, mental focus, body awareness and a strong core… in other words, it overlaps almost perfectly with the essential components of climbing success!
Gibbon slacklines are a world-wide favourite for casual slackers, beginners and pro trickliners alike… but with so many options on the market, how do you find the perfect fit for you?
That’s where we come in! This blog gives you a brief introduction to each slackline’s measurements, unique perks and intended function. Have a read and find your perfect Gibbon:
1. THE CLASSIC
Length: 15m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Everything!
The Classic is called the Clasic for a reason – this line is made of Gibbon’s standard webbing, which can easily be adjusted for your preferred tension or slack. 15m is the perfect length for advanced slackers and beginners alike, and the ratchet tension system is easy and quick to set up.
You can choose between the Classic & Ratchet Padding set or the Classic & Tree Protection set. The former does not include equipment for protecting trees, so you will need to buy this separately. If you are setting up a line between trees, you HAVE to use padding of some kind or else the tree can become severely damaged.
Length: 25m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Everything, but bigger!
This one is pretty self-explanatory: it offers all the benefits and features of the Classic in a 25m line. This is great for advancing to walking long lines, practicing for highlining and doing some basic tricks.
3. THE FUN LINE
Length: 12.5m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Beginners and kids
This line is slightly shorter than Gibbon’s other lines, plus it has a design printed in rubber along the length of line to offer improved grip. All of this comes together to create an easy-to-use, safe and non-intimidating slacklining experience which is perfect for beginners and little ones.
4. THE JIBLINE
Length: 15m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Daredevils
If you’re looking to get into the wild and wonderful world of tricklining, the Jib is your new best friend. With specialised webbing and a line-long rubber design, this line provides the strength, elasticity and grip needed to perform advanced tricks. It is the gear of choice for many professional trickliners and international competitions.
Length: 30m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Getting funky
The Surferline is a whole big bunch of adventures wrapped into one. With its extensive length and dynamic webbing, this model can be used for standard slacklining, longline training, tricklining and setting up waterlines (a slackline suspended over a body of water).
If you want to dive straight into the epicness of slacklining, this is your match.
6. THE FLOWLINE
Length: 25m
Width: 2.5cm
Best for: Stepping it up
The Flowline is Gibbon’s only 2,5cm line; this is the standard width for advanced longlines and highlines. As such, the Flowline is great for training these skills, and perfect for people that prefer the feel of a more narrow line.
Length: 15m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Slacklining on the go
The Travel Line is designed to be compact, lightweight and easy to set up. This is your baby if you’re looking to embark on wild adventures in far off places while still being able to get your regular slacking in.
Length: 15m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Slacking anywhere and everywhere
It doesn’t get more classic than a slackline strung up between two trees… but this set-up doesn’t work so well if you slacklining destination has no trees. Enter the Independence Kit! This nifty set allows you to anchor two stable frames to the ground and set up the line between these – whether you’re on the beach, in a campsite or in your tree-free backyard, you’ll be set to slack.
Length: 4.5m
Width: 5cm
Best for: Static practice, fitness and indoor slacklining
The Slackrack pairs Gibbon’s classic line with free-standing anchor points. This allows you to set up your line quickly and easily in any place you’d like – indoors, outdoors, and everything in between! You can also easily move your Slackrack from place to place, so you’ll never be lacking for slacking.
Of course, the best way to find your ultimate line is to head over to the CityROCK gear shop and ask one of our MMO team members for their expert advice. You can also find slackline accessories and spare parts in-store or online at mountainmailorder.co.za.
Happy slacking!