Slackline webbing collection. Different types, widths and lengths

How to pick the right length and width of the webbing?

Are you wondering what type of slackline should you actually buy? To help you with your decision, we put together a few of the main webbing characteristics.

About Webbing Length

Complete beginners will find it easiest to learn the basics and make the first steps on lines measuring 4–8 metres in length. With the right advice, most beginners manage to independently walk at least 5m on a line in three hours. In several days, we can learn to walk 10m. The tenser the webbing, the easier is to walk on it. It is good, however, to start practising as soon as possible on lines with a little slack in them so we can experience the true meaning of slacklining – slack lines!

17m Easy Rider slackline set will do the trick for most occasional slackliners, whereas the more driven ones will soon begin to find it too short. If you wish to walk 50m, you will need some perseverance. You can only imagine the resolve which was required for achieving the current record length of 2500m!

Do not feel intimidated by longer lines! Gradually lengthen and raise the standard settings. When you tackle a new length, simply stand in one place until you tame the wobbling. In will not be long until you experience the magic of undivided and intense focus. With a longer slackline you can of course also set up a shorter line so before making a decision about your purchase, think about how much time you wish to dedicate to your new activity.

Selecting Webbing Width

The Balansa Shop offers two polyester webbings: narrow (2.5cm) and wide (3.5cm). Walking on a slackline is not so much affected by the width of the webbing but rather by its stretch.

We can achieve greater tension with a wider webbing and set it up closer to the ground which makes it an easier option to walk on at least from the start. It is better for performing tricks and, due to its smaller stretch, a preferred option for heavier people and also suitable for most children.

A narrower webbing is softer, has larger stretch and performs similarly to nylon slacklines which are roughly twice as stretchy as polyester ones. A larger slack requires stronger focus which is one of the key attributes of slacklining. Narrow or 2.5cm wide webbings also weight much less and are thus mostly used for setting up longlines and highlines.

A 5cm Webbing?!

Due to their extreme rigidity, 5cm wide webbings are much less suitable for walking on than narrower webbings. At first sight, it seems that they are easier to walk on but we quickly realise that this is not the case. Walking on webbings of this width is similar to walking on a line drawn on the road and, as a result, we are not developing crucial slackline skills.

5cm wide webbings are intended for performing dynamic tricks and jumps (tricklining). Because we can achieve greater tension, they offer a better bounce for the person doing the tricks. If you wished to purchase a 5m webbing for walking, we recommend the middle option: 3.5cm.

1 thought on “How to pick the right length and width of the webbing?”

  1. I agree with the article’s emphasis on considering the length and width of the slackline when making a purchase decision. Starting with a shorter length and gradually increasing it allows beginners to learn and progress effectively. The choice between narrow and wide webbing depends on factors like tension, stretch, and preferred activities.

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