silenttransitions asked: Hi, I am pretty new to slack lining and have been using a lorry ratchet for the last 1-2months on and off. I climb in my free time and want to take my slackline experience to the next level. I am going to invest in a 25m Line that is 25mm but am unsure whether to go witha ratchet set or a primitive set up. Reviews and user advice are pussing me more towards a primitive setup due to their beter safety. The ratchet could pop i hear?. What are you views and opinions on this? Thanks :)
Hello! thanks for stopping by. I have some opinions on this for sure. Ratchet systems have always frightened me. I guess at this point that fact that so many people are using them successfully should be enough evidence to alleviate my fears, but they persist. I personally would take a primitive system (with multiplier pulleys) over a ratchet system any day. The cost difference is small at the end of the day, and it will make you a better slackliner. The webbing most often used in primitive systems is nylon, which has lovely stretch, too much stretch to be effectively tensioned with a ratchet. The nylon makes for a fun, bouncy soft line that’s a joy to walk. Ratchet lines on the other hand are usually poleyester, which is far more static (3% stretch to nylon’s 12%) this makes sense, and is an advantage when you are rigging lines 100m+ long, but I’ve found it feels strange under foot at shorter distances. I have never experienced a ratchet failing, but I’m sure it could happen. I have been on a primitive system that has worked itself undone, and its no big deal, primitive systems fail relatively slowly with minimal risk. I Don’t know how a ratchet system would fail, but my gut tells me it might not be pretty. I recommend primitive systems.
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slacksf posted this
