The Trailblaze Complete Kit is a full beginner kit that has everything to get a new slacker up and walking. The overhead training line and arm trainer can be set up for learning the basics and removed when you get the hang of it. The webbing has some grippy texture, but the texture gets worn where it goes through the ratchet drum. Our biggest complaint with this slackline is, being the shortest of all tested, the 40' just isn't quite long enough in many situations because you still have to account for wrapping both the ratchet and slackline around sometimes thick trees or other anchors. This slackline is best used for backyard learning. Kids or anyone looking to try slacklining casually would love this line. It makes a fine intermediate line but is on the short side, and others in the same category are more fun to walk.
Trailblaze Complete Kit Review
Cons: Not great for advanced slackliners, short
Manufacturer: Trailblaze Products
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Trailblaze Complete Kit | |||||
| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $38.97 at Amazon | $145 List | $48.95 at Amazon | $80 List | $84.18 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Great beginner set-up, quality components | Lightweight, lots of length options, gear is adaptable for progression | Attractive package, beginner friendly | Inexpensive, long length, beginner friendly | Easy to set-up, challenging, long |
| Cons | Not great for advanced slackliners, short | More complicated set-up than ratchet systems | Red dye | Minimal features | Not great for beginners |
| Bottom Line | A basic slackline with quality components and beginner friendly features that is mostly limited by its shorter length. | This model uses a traditional rigging technique to achieve a 1-inch line that will help you progress into more advanced slacklining disciplines like longlining and highlining. | A great complete package that has all the features to get you walking the line. | This affordable slackline is perfect for those wanting to start walking longer lines. | This simple to set-up 1-inch line is great for your first foray into the art of longlining. |
| Rating Categories | Trailblaze Complete Kit | Primitive Kit | Zen Monkey Complete Kit | Base Line | Gibbon Flowline |
| Ease Of Set Up (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (20%) | |||||
| Quality (20%) | |||||
| Disassembly (20%) | |||||
| Features (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Trailblaze... | Primitive Kit | Zen Monkey... | Base Line | Gibbon Flowline |
| Width | 2 in | 1 in | 2 in | 2 in | 1 in |
| Features | Tree protectors, rachet cover, arm trainer | Tree pro w/ loops, independent anchor slings, BC shackle, webbing specific carabiners, multiplier ring, BC line locker | Overhead training line & ratchet, Arm Trainer, Tree protectors w/ loops, Cloth carry bag | Tree pro, carry bag, ratchet cover | Two rachet anchors |
| Time to Rig | 5 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Tightening System | Rachet | Primitive | Rachet | Rachet | Rachet |
| Anchor Length | 8 ft | 8.08 ft |
Our Analysis and Test Results
This slackline, with its overhead training line, is a great beginner line, but the short length makes it harder to find gaps that work. The overall quality of both the webbing and the ratchet is on par with the more prominent brand names, but we didn't love the color scheme and graphics. The flat, tightly woven webbing is "seatbelt-like", but thicker than a typical trick-line, making for a slightly more lively intro line.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Set-up
The Trailblaze Complete Kit has all the things needed to open the box up and get slacking in a matter of minutes. The direction booklet, however poorly translated, has good illustrations and written descriptions. The ratchet kept the webbing aligned during the tightening process, which, for the durability of the webbing, is one of the most important things a ratchet can do.
Versitillity
This kit can be fairly versatile since it has the overhead training line, but the short length can sometimes limit where you can put it. With the slackline measuring 40' and the ratchet measuring about 8', the average max walking gap is only about 43', the shortest in our test.
Quality
The Trailblaze Kit has pretty good quality overall. No red flags, so to speak. The stitching that forms the loops in the main webbing is messy and chaotic looking, but I know it doesn't affect the performance or safety. the ratchet works well and keeps the webbing aligned, so when you detach the line, everything is running smooth.
Dissasembly
Taking this line down, like with other ratchet systems, can be a bit tense. This one, unfortunately, has more bite than some of the others in the lineup, but isn't too much to handle, just get everything lined up, watch your fingers and hair, and… POP!!!
Features
This kit is complete and all you need to get out and start slacklining. A two-part overhead training line sets up just like the slackline, and when used with the arm trainer, teaches natural arm movement while you learn the basics. The tree pro, though included, is short and often not long enough to get all the way around many trees. It also came with a ratchet cover, and while cheaply constructed, we thought it was a welcome addition.
Value
This kit has a good value and has all the features to get you slacklining at a low investment. A few things limit the line, but overall, if this line works for your needs, it has a great value.
Conclusion
Was the Trailblaze Complete the perfect line? No. Not really. Even that person who would love the Trailblaze, the new walker, would be more happy with the Editors Choice Zen Monkey Complete Kit.
— Adam Paashaus