Slackline load testing

[111]

Information on peak loads while slacklining

 

...If you ever highlined and wondered how close you were to breaking the thing. The testing doesn't explore dynamic falls, but you can get an idea from the results. There is also a good discussion of the results on the page.

[JosephH]

The 700 lbs pre-load was very harsh and felt awkward, much like a real tight rope. Even under minimal 2-4mph wind it chattered and vibrated on its own thus pulsing the pre-load numbers. Had I not had the load scale on there I would have been concerned about breaking hardware at this stage. For anything beyond this I believe that shoes will be a requirement for further testing.

That's one of the funniest damn things I've read in a long time - almost as funny as slacklining being over-thought and commercialized by folks like 'slackline express'.

[Checat]

While I dig on anyone putting information on the loads acquired in a slackline scenario I have to agree with josephH that there is an financial exploitation of slacklining that goes beyond what the climbing industry does for climbers. You don't need to spend that much money on a line and go with a commercial outfitter to get a simple slackline going.

 

I used to work in a climbing gear shop and I'd talk people out of online ordering from these snake oil salesmen all the time. If your going to splurge- two simple petzl swingline pulleys, thats it. Throw coin down for the webbing and carabiners your robbing from your normal climbing gear and call it good.

 

"slackline express", "slackline bros" etc... its all a crock - once you start walking the thing (not high lines) you won't even need the pulleys anymore unless your doing big, long high lines and in that case you don't need the "slackline bro's" to sell you crap, be a climber, figure out some solutions!

 

Sorry to rant, I just don't like how a bunch of unemployed climbers get a foot up pilking cash from newbies trying to learn how to slackline. Webbing, carabiners, trees. When you get good go to thinner webbing, its like going from 5.9 to 5.10 slacklining

[111]

I completely agree with both of you. A 40$ set up vs. a 150$ set up is a no-brainer.

 

Edited April 6, 2010 by 111

[JosephH]

I'd also say that today's 'lining scene is pretty focused on webbing to the exclusion of everything else. It's also worthwhile to spend some time on cranked down 11mm, chain of various weights and sizes, and varying thickness and tensions of wire cable. They are all quite different and each teach a different set of skills.

[lancegranite]

Funny, I priced out 50 foot commercial 2 ton load straps for around 50 bucks from a company who makes them custom for you.

Sorry, but a slackline is just a big rachet strap. The MBS is the same, the WLL is the same, the SWL is the same... because they are the same thing, a big ratchet strap.