REASONS TO BUY
Great line-feel for beginners
Long length
Easy set-up
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimal features
Gibbon Slacklines Classicline XL Review
One of the first widely-available slacklines on the market and continues to be a good option for those looking for a good basic kit
Credit: Amazon
RELATED: Best Slackline
Our Verdict
The Gibbon Classic Line XL is the longer version of the original kit that has been around for years. The added length makes it possible for someone to learn to slackline easily if set up in the 30'-35' length, but once they get the hang of it, the added length will keep things exciting for years to come. The webbing is less dynamic than something designed for tricks, which is good for the beginner. This kit also comes with a set of tree protectors that do a good job of protecting the tree anchors, but their shorter length (40") is sometimes a little short to reach around the circumference of larger trees.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Gibbon Slacklines Classicline XL | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Bang for the Buck | A Great Value for Beginners |  Best One Inch Ratchet Kit | ||
| Price | $115 List | $87 List $54.95 at Amazon | $80 List | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $43 List $42.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A tried and true basic slackline that has been time tested | If you are a beginner looking to try slacklining, this kit has all the features to get you started | If a long slackline is what you are after, but don't want to spend a fortune, this is what you are looking for | This one inch longline is quick to rig and great for beginning longliners | This fully featured kit has everything needed to assist the first time slacker |
| Rating Categories | Gibbon Slacklines C... | Zen Monkey Complete... | Slackline Industrie... | Gibbon Flowline | Zero Gravity Kit |
| Ease of Set-Up (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (20%) | |||||
| Quality (20%) | |||||
| Disassembly (20%) | |||||
| Features (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Gibbon Slacklines C... | Zen Monkey Complete... | Slackline Industrie... | Gibbon Flowline | Zero Gravity Kit |
| Width | 2 in | 2 in | 2 in | 1 in | 2 in |
| Features | Tree protection, basic ratchet, slackline | Overhead training line & ratchet, arm trainer, tree protectors w/ loops, cloth carry bag | Tree pro, carry bag, ratchet cover | Two ratchet anchors | Carry bag, ratchet w/ molded finger grip & smooth operation, tree protectors |
| Time to Rig | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Tightening System | Ratchet | Ratchet | Ratchet | Ratchet | Ratchet |
| Anchor Length | 8 feet | 8 feet | 8 feet | 8 feet | 8 feet |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Gibbon Classic Line claims to be one of the first fully complete slackline kits available, and for a while, they were one of the only well-known makers of ratchet based slacklines out there.
Performance Comparison
This long version of the Classic Line is great for the casual enthusiast that enjoys a bit of a challenge.
Ease of Set-up
The Classic Line XL is one of the most straightforward slacklines to set up. The ratchet is effective at tensioning the webbing even at its full length due to using a less stretchy material.
After a bit of practice, we could get this line set up in under five minutes, including the installation of the ratchet cover.
The Tree protection that comes with the kit is decent for smaller trees, however with only 40" to work with, we often had to borrow pads from other sets to get around larger trees. We recommend picking up an extra set from the Gibbon web site to make sure your bases are covered.
Versatility
Though this line does not come standard with an overhead training line, one can be purchased separately and this line makes a great starter-line due to the less dynamic style webbing. If you slackline long enough, however, you may find that the Classic Line webbing lacks the dynamic feel to challenge yourself. You can create more of a challenge by loosening the line or making it tighter than what you normally find comfortable. The extra length will also fit in more locations and extend the fun factor as you work to master longer lines.
The extra length of the XL version allowed us to find more options where it could be used.
Quality
The thick nature of this two-inch webbing lends itself to being more durable than some others, but even with this kit, it's important to pay close attention to how the webbing runs inside the ratchet drum so that it doesn't abraid the edge of the webbing when it's released.
The webbing and ratchet were both great quality.
The ratchet is the same basic run-of-the-mill two-inch ratchet that most slacklines use and we had zero problems with it. Gone are the days of ratchets breaking or skipping a tooth. However, it's still crucial to lock the handle in place.
Disassembly
The disassembly of the Classic Line XL is no different than the majority of the other basic rigs in our test. This line can be slightly more jarring if the line is set up long and tight but that is due to more slack being popped loose. Watch your fingers and follow the directions and you won't have an issue.
Pay close attention when disassembling this slackline and be sure to keep the webbing aligned while running it through the ratchet. If you aren't careful, the line can rub hard against the wall of the ratchet drum. If you find the webbing is drifting to the side when tensioning, release it and start over to maintain a long life of the webbing.
Features
The Classic Line XL comes with a set of 40" tree pads and a simple ratchet cover. The pads are on the short side but will work for small trees.
The ratchet cover adds extra safety by assuring you don't forget to lock the handle in position.
The ratchet cover is there for aesthetics, but also, it's hard to forget to lock the ratchet handle if you wrap the whole shebang with the cover, so it does add to the safety of the kit.
Value
This kit is a pretty good all-around rig for those not looking to do crazy tricks, and for the price, we think its absolutely worth it. The time tested webbing and ratchet isn't likely to cause you any trouble and Gibbon has a long reputation for making quality gear.
Conclusion
The Classic Line XL is great for those looking for a basic line, but with the added length (82'), it will keep the beginner challenged for a long time. The extra length also allows you to find more options for where to put it. Not every park or backyard has the perfectly spaced trees, so we loved the versatility that that extra length afforded.
All in all the Classic Line XL is a great, albeit basic, slackline
—
Adam Paashaus
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