Trailblaze Complete Kit Review
Cons: Not great for advanced slackliners, short
Manufacturer: Trailblaze Products
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Trailblaze Complete Kit | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $44.99 at Amazon | $149.00 at Amazon | $145 List | $72.95 at Amazon | $115 List |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Great beginner set-up, quality components | Dynamic webbing, long length, easy set-up | Lightweight, lots of length options, gear is adaptable for progression | Attractive package, beginner friendly | Easy to set-up, challenging, long |
Cons | Not great for advanced slackliners, short | Not a great beginner line | More complicated set-up than ratchet systems | Red dye | Not great for beginners |
Bottom Line | This kit is on the short side but otherwise makes a good all around beginner line | If you are looking for a line that is great for surfing and dynamic tricks, this line is one of the best available | This classic one-inch setup is ideal for the traditionalist looking to build a foundation for future longlines and highlines | If you are a beginner looking to try slacklining, this kit has all the features to get you started | This 1-inch longline is quick to rig and great for beginning longliners |
Rating Categories | Trailblaze Complete Kit | Aggro Line | Primitive Kit | Zen Monkey Complete Kit | Gibbon Flowline |
Ease Of Set Up (20%) | |||||
Versatility (20%) | |||||
Quality (20%) | |||||
Disassembly (20%) | |||||
Features (20%) | |||||
Specs | Trailblaze... | Aggro Line | Primitive Kit | Zen Monkey... | Gibbon Flowline |
Width | 2 in | 2 in | 1 in | 2 in | 1 in |
Features | Tree protectors, rachet cover, arm trainer | slackline, Alpha Ratchet, tree protection and safety backup line | 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 | Two rachet anchors |
Time to Rig | 5 minutes | 5-10 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
Tightening System | Ratchet | Ratchet | Primitive | Ratchet | Ratchet |
Anchor Length | 8 feet | 8 feet | 8 ft | 8 feet | 8 feet |
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.
Versatility
This kit can be fairly versatile since it has the overhead training line, but the short length can sometimes limit where you are able to place 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 smoothly.
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 lower investment. A few things limit the line, but overall, if this 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 happier with one of the other beginner line options.
— Adam Paashaus