Mammut Slackline Review

Likes
The Mammut tensioning system is unique in that it utilizes a combination of two tensioning methods: the friction hitch (a.k.a., primitive rig or the Ellington) and a ratchet. By using these two methods together there are three very important benefits.

First, the ratchet is completely removed from the system once the desired tension is reached. This eliminates the unpleasant feeling of additional oscillation caused by a heavy tensioning device left in place while walking.

Second, the spool on the ratchet never fills up with webbing while tensioning. While the friction hitch holds the slackline taut, you can easily release the ratchet and unspool the webbing from the ratchet. If you want to make the line tighter, simply reset the ratchet and tighten away.

The third main benefit of Mammut’s tensioning system is that the walking line never comes in contact with the ratchet. Sharp edges of ratchets, in our experience, can do pretty serious damage to the line. Not only does this system keep the walking line away from the ratchet, it boasts some nifty plastic shields to protect the webbing that is engaged by the ratchet – a feature other ratcheted kits could tremendously benefit from. The Mammut system is excellent because it lets you keep your walking line pristine, and it does a good job protecting the webbing used for the friction hitch.

Dislikes
We had a difficult time getting the Mammut Slackline up to trickline tension, and when we did, the line clamp suffered some damage to the plastic wedge (see image above).

As much as we liked the slow bounce and soft feel of the webbing, it did elongate slowly over time. This means you’ll have to re-tension several times before the line settles in at the desired tension.

This was one of the more complicated lines we rigged. If you are a beginning slacker, follow the instructions carefully and expect a half hour or so to rig the first time. (It took our tester Chris McNamara, a slackline novice, more than a few trips back to the instruction manual to make sense of the line.) Even with experience the Mammut system has a lot more pieces to keep oriented correctly compared to a Gibbon line like the Gibbon Jibline which just has two pieces.