Slacklining is a trendy new workout that involves walking on a tightrope for a total body workout. This workout activates the core and the lower body, strengthening the spine and back while toning the legs and the midsection. Because Slacklining is a simple workout, even a beginner can start reaping its many health benefits as long as he or she has set up a slackline!
Image used under Creative Commons from Dave Gingrich
If you’re interested on giving slacklining a whirl and investing on a kit, here are the best slack lining sets worth checking out:
Table of Contents
Best Slackline for Beginners
- 52-feet webbing
- Compact ratchet
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
- Reported quality issues
- All-in-value kit
- Includes a 50-feet slack line and 2 training line
- With tree protectors
- Perfect for beginners and kids
- 100% risk-free guarantee
- Expensive
- 50-inch webbing
- Suitable for beginners and intermediate users
- Easy to install
- US and EU Safety Standards Compliant
- Reported minor quality issues
- 50-feet webbing with ratchet
- Bonus training line
- Easy to set up
- Reported quality issues
Macaco Slackline
The Macaco slackline is a complete slack lining kit that includes a 52 feet webbing with compact ratchet and loop, a Slacklining booklet for beginners, and a carry-on bag so you can take your Slacklining gears wherever and start having fun! Because of its longer, stronger webbing, the Macaco slackline can be set up high in the yard or at the local park. The line is also wide so it’s the perfect slack line kit for beginners or children. That said, this kit also works for advanced slack liners. The ratchet is durable too so there’s no fear of the line collapsing in the middle of a routine. Set up is a fast and straightforward affair, which we loved.
There’s not many complaints about the overall quality of the Macaco slackline. However, some users say the kit is not as portable because it’s hefty. Other reviewers on Amazon also lamented the lemons that they received, noting that they got a line with bad stitching but we did not come across the same issue. But for this Amazon user, the Macaco Slackline is perfectly portable and he bought not just one but three sets:
This is a perfect starter slack line for all ages. I use this for my balance and meditation training. After a stressful day it’s great to jump on and forget everything and just focus on taking one step at a time. I now have 3 lines in total. I use this line as my travel line. If you’re looking for a good line to start out the sport. This is it!
Trailblaze Slackline Kit with Tree Protectors
Perfect for beginners and advanced slack liners alike, the Trailblaze Slackline kit has all the gears you need to start your workout! This value set includes a 50 feet slack line as well as training line, 2 ratchet, 2 tree protectors and a carry-on bag. Really, everything you need to slack line is here in one nifty set that you can take anywhere you go.With this set, you can perform a variety of balancing tricks because the webbing is strong enough to carry a maximum load of 150 kilos. New to slack lining? No problem, the Trailblaze Slackline kit is perfect for newbies and children alike! Just set it up outside, in the yard, garden, park or beach and start having fun. Set up is pretty simple. We also love the 100% risk-free guarantee.
As for the negatives, there’s not much to complain about because the quality of the Trailblaze Slackline is pretty impressive. It’s quite expensive for what it is, especially since there are lots of slack line sets that are much, much cheaper, but for the quality, we think this makes a great investment! This Amazon user says his Trailblaze Slackline was a hit among his children:
Bought this for my 5 & 8 year olds. It’s a great set with everything a beginner would need. Really liked that it came with the tree protectors as well. Directions to set up are very clear & it’s easy to do. It still takes a little bit of time, but it’s not confusing in any way.
Slackline Industries Baseline Slackline Complete Kit
Made by Slackline Industries, the Baseline Slackline is a complete kit that includes a 50-inch long, 2-inch wide slack line with ratchet strap, ratchet tensioner, tree protectors, and an instructional video! The Baseline Slackline is designed for beginners and intermediate users as well as children as young as five years old. The customized weaved slack line is extra strong and flexible, able to withstand rigorous workout effortlessly. The thicker weave also makes the Baseline Slackline ideal for getting started with tricks or tightrope walking.Setting up the Baseline Slackline is just as easy, the kit itself is divided into two parts so there’s no confusion once you’re ready to install. What’s more, the Slackline Industries brand is the only US brand that’s fully compliant with the US (CPSIA) and European regulations and certified by TüV – German Technical Inspection Association so you can bet the set meets all safety standards.
The reviews are quite mixed on this set, most users left glowing reviews because of the fantastic quality of the Baseline Slackline. But there are some who are complaining about receiving a defective product. Because there’s not much bad reviews on this product, it seems like the incidents are just isolated ones. For the record, our test unit was in great condition and worked just as advertised. And this Amazon user agrees, highlighting the quality of the slack line:
This is an extremely well made product by a quality company. I’ve posted some pictures of the box, packaging and instructions which come in both manual and video. The attention to detail is fantastic. This is such a cool piece of sport/exercise equipment for family fun.
Slackers 50-Feet Slackline Classic Set
The Slackers slackline set is a classic Slacklining kit that includes 50 feet webbing and ratchet, a bonus training line with its own ratchet and a carryon bag. Perfect for budding slack liners who’d like to master all balancing tricks, this kit is ideal for beginners, even children. Setting up the Slackers slack line set is just as fast as simple. There’s no confusing components that’ll keep you from working out. Everything in the set is laid out in order so set up won’t take more than 10 minutes.
The quality of the Slackers slack line set is great but for its price, we think Slackers can do better. Some users are complaining that their webbing snapped off after just a couple of uses. Others say the ratchet was on the flimsy side. We did not come across the same issue but this is something worth noting when buying this set. That said, this Amazon user loved his set and his son loved using his Slackers slack line:
Very easy to install, with a simple storage bag. Used this for my son’s 5th bday party as a “spacewalk” feature and it was the hit of the party. We did a dry run the day before and my boys (5 and 6) literally walked up and down it for hours (sometimes alone, a lot of the time together).
The Benefits of Slacklining
Slacklining is a new workout that improves balance and flexibility while promoting better posture, stronger core and sharper mind. The workout itself is surprisingly easy because all you need to do is to walk on a tightrope. Even better, you don’t have to be an expert to walk on a tightrope. If you’re new to the workout or you’d like to try this new fitness trend, here are just a few of the many benefits you’d enjoy from slacklining:
Full Body Workout
Slacklining doesn’t look like much but the act of balancing on a rope will give your whole body a tough workout! Slacklining engages all the major muscle groups of the middle and lower body, which is important in toning the legs and butt area, along with the obliques and abdominal muscles. Working out regularly via Slacklining will help you achieve a slimmer, stronger frame!
Improved Balance
Did you know that balance helps keep the body young and active even later in life? It takes flexibility and concentration to improve your balance, something that you’ll learn when you start Slacklining. Slacklining boosts muscular contraction, which gently but effectively tones the muscles, keeping your muscle fibers strong and flexible. All these will translate to better balance and improved muscle control.
Image used under Creative Commons from Dave Gingrich
A Stronger Core
The core refers to the group of muscles located in the midsection, including deeper muscles near the spine. This group of muscles is responsible for your balance, coordination, and posture. Achieving a stronger core will take more than performing a few crunches. Slacklining engages the core, toning and strengthening each muscle fiber to improve balance, achieve fluid movements, and of course, build washboard abs!
Better Posture
Did you know that bad posture might affect your spine as you age? By Slacklining, the major muscle groups in the upper body are trained to keep the spine straight. This workout engages the upper and middle body muscles, helping you achieve a stronger back and spine!
Better Mental Performance
A study published in the Life Center Chiropractic found that Slacklining improves the structural and functional plasticity of the hippocampus, improving mental performance. The hippocampus is an area of the brain that’s responsible for memory and navigation. Slacklining is proven effective in improving focus, memory, and alertness.
