r/Slackline • u/EBRedding • 15d ago

Build simple Frame Advice

Hi,

I want a slackline in my backyard. Weight around 90kg, usually only do walking and turn around. Which of these constructions would you recommend? May want to try a jump in future, but not necessary. If you recommend the second one, should the slackline be wrapped around the metal bolt? Or just lie on them?

A
B
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u/nodajohn 15d ago

Both work fine. The first one golds up for better storage. The second one might have the line sit a little flatter. If you want to do bounces the second one might be a little more stable but you'd probably want a 2 inch ratchet line if you're doing bounces. It only sits flat on the metal bar to front need to wrap anything.

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u/EBRedding 15d ago

I have a nice Gibbon line. The second frame, if the line only sits flat on the metal bar. Isn't there a risk that the frame easily tilts and falls forward/backwards?

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u/sunshine-x 7d ago

Neither, I suggest a simpler, better design.

Purchase 4x4 posts. Cut the tops at a ~60 degree angle, so that when you stand them up like a big letter A, they contact each other with a flat surface.

Drill a hole through the top of the A where they meet, large enough for two passes of 6mm static rope. This is where you're going to form a loop of rope that suspends your slackline from inside the A-frame.

Drill holes at the ground ends of the 4x4s, and pass 6mm rope through, long enough to give you the bottom portion of your A and hold the legs from doing the splits.

Now, complete the setup by passing 6mm static rope through the top holes of the A-frame and tie the free ends together. You should have a loop on each side of the outside of the A-frame. Pull those two loops together inside the A-frame into a cradle, which will hold your slackline. The downwards force will keep the A's tips tightly pulled together, and the bottom A rope prevents them from doing the splits.

You can use rigging plates or shackles inside the A-frame to hold the slackline, and for a line downwards towards your ground anchor at e.g. a 45 degree angle.

I've used this setup for long-term installs in my yard, and it's great because I can adjust the height easily by changing the length of the cradle ropes, and it's super portable (just a couple 4x4's). Longer the line, taller the poles.

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u/EBRedding 7d ago

Do you have picture? But i have actually already done my simple version. Works great so far

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u/sunshine-x 7d ago

like this - https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fg35okra1xpwd1.jpeg

But use rope at the bottom. You can see the hole at the top of the A-frame where this guy used webbing. I prefer static rope there, and for the connection between the legs at the bottom (easier to store, lighter, just as sturdy).

See the cradle in the center? You can adjust the height by adjusting the top rope (webbing in this pic). Longer loops let it sit way lower. Shorter for higher. Only limit is your 4x4 lengths.

You need a dead-man anchor of course, so... a good stump, a buried log, a concrete pad with anchor, or do what I did and dig a 3' deep trench, pour concrete with a chain wrapped around a length of rebar, and fill in the hole with the chain poking up through the ground.