If you’re an adrenaline junkie, slacklining is one of the most adventurous and exciting sports you could try.

Nothing beats the thrill of challenging your body to maintain balance and focus as you walk on a moving slackline.

Choosing the right slackline length, however, can be tricky. As a beginner, you want to choose the length that will help you refine your technique while still enjoying the sport.

So, what length of slackline should you buy and why does it matter?

Let’s find out!

What Slackline Length Should You Buy?

Slackline length depends on your level of mastery.

In a nutshell: longer slacklines are more difficult because there is less stability in the middle of the line as you move along the length. Longer slacklines require a greater level of focus, balance, and experience to finish successfully and safely.

Choose a slackline length that will challenge and excite you while still staying on your experience and comfort level.

Luckily, slackline kits for beginners are designed with slackline lengths that are suitable even for complete novices. In general, you should choose a 15m slackline if you are just starting out with the sport.

If you choose a length any shorter than 15m, the slackline will not have the required give as you move along the length. Your legs will also shake as you climb up on the slackline because the tension is too high, and you will not be able to balance properly.

If you’re a bit more adventurous or your preferred spot is a bit longer than 15m, there are also beginner sets that go up to 30m.

Does Slackline Material Matter?

Slackline material is called webbing and you will find two types: nylon and polyester.

Polyester slacklines are a bit more rigid and less flexible, making this type of material more suitable for beginners. These are also easier to rig between two points.

Nylon is three to four times stretchier than polyester, giving the slackline a more “flowy” feel when you’re moving above it. Thus, nylon is better suited for advanced slackliners.

If you’re planning to improve your slackline abilities, it might be better to choose a nylon slackline. You might fall off more often initially, but you’ll get more long-term use from nylon than from a polyester slackline.

What about Slackline Width?

For most people, slackline width is not really an issue since the typical commercial slackline width is around 2” wide no matter the length.

However, for those who want to make a career out of slacklining, professional slacklines are usually around 1”. 1” slacklines are also recommended for those who want to experience longline slacklining or waterlining.

Tricklining and jumplining can be done on both 1” and 2” slacklines, although it can be easier and more comfortable to use a 2” slackline.

Conclusion

Choosing the right slackline length all comes down to how much time you want to invest in the sport.

If you’re an occasional backyard slackliner, a basic 15m polyester rig is the best option for you. They’re a great source of casual fun that would be perfect for family gatherings or bets with friends.

However, if you want to become a professional slackliner, investing in a commercial 30m nylon rig should be your choice. You’ll have the right equipment to improve your skills and you won’t need to purchase a different setup once you move on to conquering longer slackline distances or even tricklining!

So go out, have fun, and experience the thrill that can only come with walking the fine line of a slackline!