Table of Contents
Ziplining is one of the best outdoor activities if you’re looking for an insane adrenaline rush and lasting memories. While most of us assume that ziplining is only possible at certain locations above water or forests, you can actually zipline right in your own backyard!
There are ziplines designed specifically for home use with shorter line lengths and an incredible ease of set up so that you can zipline whenever you want.
They’re great for summer fun with the family, children’s birthday parties, and a whole lot more.
They’re equally as safe as the professional ziplines you’re used to, but these much more convenient if you can’t (or don’t want to) afford heading to the nearest adventure park for those high-speed thrills.
Choosing a zipline for your backyard isn’t quite as simple as selecting the first one you see.
Despite the technical aspects, like line material, braking style, and others, you’ll need to consider who will be using the line, how large of a space you have to work with, and how often you’ll be taking down/setting up the line.
To help you find the right zip line for your family, we looked at 580 reviews and analyzed 18 products over 20 hours to pick out the best zip lines in Canada.
Following our last update, we recommend the CTSC Zipline Kit for its durability, ease of setup and takedown, and quality.
Our Top Zip Line in 2023
Overall, the CTSC Zip line Kit is a highly rated, reliable product for backyard ziplining. You will need to purchase a brake separately, but the company has separate products for sale to accomplish all of your ziplining goals in style and with safety as a priority.
Pros
- Rubber handles for good grip security
- Can add a hanging seat if desired (purchase separately)
- Very easy to install
Cons
- Need to purchase the brake separately
Our selection of the best models available right now:
Zip Line Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
CTSC Zipline Kit
|
9.4
|
See price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade pick
|
JOYMOR Zipline Kit
|
9.8
|
See price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit
|
9.7
|
See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Zip Line
Presentation of the Zipline Kit
The Best Overall
CTSC
If you’re looking for a zipline that has everything you need, from a great range to easy install, the CTSC Zipline Kit is the one for you. It is made of high-quality materials and is the reliable choice you want to keep your kids safe in all their backyard fun.
CTSC Zipline Kit Video Review
What We Think of the CTSC Zipline Kit
CTSC’s zipline has so much to offer any family that buys it. The kit weighs only 8.7 lbs, so it will be easy to setup in your backyard. The 60 ft cable is made of high-quality galvanized steel, so you can be confident that it will support you and your kids as many times as you want to ride on the zipline. The handlebars are surrounded by rubber so every rider will have great grip security.
The weight limit for this backyard zipline is 250 lbs, so any size of child and most adults will be more than safe while enjoying this activity. There isn’t a seat included in this purchase, but if you would prefer to sit while ziplining instead of hanging on to the grips, there is one available through the company. The max length of the cable is 60 ft, but keep in mind some of that length will be used for securing the line around your chosen trees.
This backyard zipline is awesome! It fit perfectly in my backyard and I honestly could not believe it had a 10-year warranty. That’s really what closed the deal for me, because if a company can be that confident in the quality of their product, why shouldn’t I be? It was really easy to install, and I’ll likely end up purchasing the seat that can attach to the trolley.
Lionel E.
Our one issue with this model is that it does not come with a braking system. Depending on the layout of the line, you will not be able to gradually come to a stop. Since this can be very damaging to both the rider and the tree at the end of the line, we highly, highly recommend you purchase a spring brake separately, also available through the company. You can be confident in the longevity of this zipline due to its 10-year warranty package.
CTSC Zipline Kit Specifications
- Kit Weight: 8.7 lbs
- Max Length: 60 ft
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Seat Included: No
- Cable Material: Galvanized steel
- Warranty: 10 years
CTSC Zipline Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Rubber handles for good grip security
- Can add a hanging seat if desired (purchase separately)
- Very easy to install
Cons
- Need to purchase the brake separately
Our Final Opinion About the CTSC Zipline Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the CTSC Zipline Kit is a highly rated, reliable product for backyard ziplining. You will need to purchase a brake separately, but the company has separate products for sale to accomplish all of your ziplining goals in style and with safety as a priority.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Zip Line
Presentation of the JOYMOR Zipline Kit
The Advanced Choice
Joymor
If a standard backyard zipline kit just doesn’t have enough to offer to you, the JOYMOR Zipline Kit is the product you should be considering. It has advanced materials and all of the included accessories you could want for the perfect backyard zipline experience.
What We Think of the JOYMOR Zipline Kit
This JOYMOR backyard zipline is one of the most advanced models we encountered during our research and investigation. It has a 118 ft cord made of tough and durable 304 stainless steel, one of the best materials you can get for a backyard zipline. There is a seat included with your purchase, so you can choose to ride seated or dangling free from the hand grips.
The weight capacity is 250 lbs, meaning nearly anyone can ride this zipline, including most adults. The recommended age range is 8 to 60 years old, but younger kids can make use of it with appropriate supervision and safety precautions. This model does come with a bungee brake, but we highly recommend purchasing a spring brake instead to increase the level of safety.
I was quite surprised to find a zipline with a different cable material because all I’d been finding was galvanized steel. I wanted something a little stronger for my kids so I could be confident in the 250 lb weight limit. I had to purchase a different brake because I wasn’t happy with the bungee one, but now my kids are very safe and so are my trees.
Jason E.
This model is quite expensive, but there are a few additional features that make it worth the money. First, there is a safety harness attached to the seatbelt to increase the safety of the zipline. It may wear out a bit quicker than expected, but it is certainly better than nothing. There is a nonslip grip on the handles to make it easy to hold on, and there are even tree protection tubes to ensure the cable does not dig into your trees and harm them.
JOYMOR Zipline Kit Specifications
- Kit Weight: 16 lbs
- Max Length: 118 ft
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Seat Included: Yes
- Cable Material: 304 stainless steel
JOYMOR Zipline Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with a bungee brake
- Comes with a tree protection tube to limit damage to securing trees
- Nonslip grip on handle
- Trolley can be put on cable or taken off from anywhere (don’t need to untie cable)
Cons
Cons
- May need to purchase a spring brake instead for fast riders
- Safety harness on the seat may wear out quickly
Our Final Opinion About the JOYMOR Zipline Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the JOYMOR Zipline Kit is the advanced choice for anyone with higher expectations of a backyard zipline kit. There are a couple features you may need to replace, but the overall experience and quality cannot be replicated in any other model on the market.
Our Budget Pick for a Zip Line
Presentation of the S lackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series
The Affordable Choice
Slackers
Not every family has a high budget when it comes to extravagances like a backyard zipline kit. The Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit is an affordable kit designed for smaller backyards and a lighter load, but your kids will enjoy it nonetheless.
Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit Video Review
What We Think of the Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit
This budget friendly Slackers zipline kit is the perfect option for people with a limited amount to spend. It’s also ideal for those with smaller backyards. It’s 40 ft cable makes for a shorter zipline experience, but it fits smaller backyards perfectly because you won’t have any waste of cable like you would with longer, more expensive kits.
Plus, this kit weighs only 7.5 lbs, so you can be sure that its components are only as heavy as they need to be. It is designed to be easy to set up, and you won’t need to purchase any additional parts. This model comes with a seat, and you won’t need to worry about buying a brake system since this one doesn’t need it; instead, it uses a gradual slow mechanism to make stopping safe for all.
I have a really small backyard, but my wife and I wanted our kids to have a zipline. I was very happy to find this 40 ft model for an affordable price, because I didn’t want to spend $200 on a zipline when I was only going to use half the cable length. This one has performed great all summer, and I’m looking forward to getting it set up again next spring. Great purchase.
Dom N.
The weight capacity on this model is only 150 lbs, so it really is geared more towards children. Some adults will be able to enjoy the experience, but many will weigh too much to be safe while using it. This model is made of galvanized steel and comes with a one-year warranty. There are rubber grips on the handles to ensure safety while using it seated or hanging from the grips.
Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit Specifications
- Kit Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Max Length: 40 ft
- Weight Capacity: 150 lbs
- Seat Included: Yes
- Cable Material: Galvanized steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Highly affordable
- Has rubber grip handles for safety
- No brakes are needed: has a gradual slow mechanism
Cons
- Lower weight capacity than most other models
- Short length
Our Final Opinion About the Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Slackers SLA.490 Zipline Falcon Series Kit is the perfect choice for small backyards and budget shoppers. Although limited in range and capacity, this model is very safe and easy to install; perfect for the less handy families out there with kids eager to go ziplining.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Slackers Night Riderz Kit
The Nighttime Alternative
Slackers
If your kids want to enjoy their new adventure after the sun sets, you’ll want to invest in this Slackers Night Riderz Kit. It has LED lights that will help you keep an eye on your kids after dark, and it will increase their enjoyment as well. What else could you ask for?
Slackers Night Riderz Kit Video Review
What We Think of the Slackers Night Riderz Kit
If you’ve ever let your kids play outdoors in the dark, you know how difficult it can be to keep an eye on them with enough detail. If you’re worried about their safety on a zipline at night, this dark-minded kit from Slackers will assuage all your fears. Both the seat and trolley are decked out with LED lights that can be used at night to increase visibility and prevent unfortunate accidents. Plus, they are just plain fun.
The galvanized cable is 100 ft in length, and the entire kit weighs less than 20 lbs. It will take a couple of people to get this installed, but it is well worth the effort. The max weight limit is only 200 lbs, so while better than other models, it isn’t as inclusive for adults as we would like to see. There is a one-year warranty included, which increases our confidence in this product.
The Night Riderz name on tis zipline kit is well deserved. I have a large backyard so this zipline is at its full length, and once the sun goes down it’s pretty hard to see my kids at the far end of the yard. The lights on this zipline are great for letting me know where they are and that they’re safe. Plus, it’s just really fun for the kids, they love the lights and can’t get enough of the zipline.
Joanne P.
There are a couple features we really enjoy about this product aside from its light-up seat and trolley. First, this model comes with the best style of braking system it can have: a spring brake. This is the safest and most durable type of brake, and we are glad the company wen the extra mile with this feature. The hardware that allows you to attach the zipline to trees is water resistant, and this will help increase the longevity of the kit.
Slackers Night Riderz Kit Specifications
- Kit Weight: 18.7 lbs
- Max Length: 100 ft
- Weight Capacity: 200 lbs
- Seat Included: Yes
- Cable Material: Galvanized steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Slackers Night Riderz Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with a spring brake
- Seat and trolley light up at night
- Hardware is water resistant for longevity
Cons
- Weight capacity could be better
Our Final Opinion About the Slackers Night Riderz Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Slackers Night Riderz Kit is a backyard zipline designed to be safe even after the sun goes down. The bright lights ensure that your kids will never be caught unawares by the seat flying around, and you’ll be able to keep an eye on them. As long as you follow the lower weight guidelines, this zipline is one of the safest you’ll find for any time of day.
Presentation of the Slackers Zipline Eagle Series Kit
The Low-Capacity Alternative
Slackers
If you have younger children and won’t be using the backyard zipline yourself, a lower weight capacity model is the best one for you. It is lighter and easier to set up, and still provides all the safety you’d expect out of any backyard zipline kit. The Slackers Zipline Eagle Series Kit is the best in this category.
Slackers SLA.512 Zipline Eagle Series Kit Video Review
What We Think of the Slackers SLA.512 Zipline Eagle Series Kit
Once again, we have a zipline kit from Slackers. Their Eagle series is designed for a low weight capacity (only 100 lbs), the perfect model for kids-only use. While this will be upsetting for parents who want to make use of the zipline as well, not ever product can have a 250 lb weight capacity, which is understandable. Diversity is key, after all.
The cable that makes up the majority of this kit is 90 ft in length, perfect for medium to large sized backyards. The cable is made of galvanized steel, which is the industry standard for this type of product due to its durability and strength. This model does come with a seat to make kids more comfortable and feel safer while enjoying the zipline.
This was the perfect backyard addition for my young kids. The low weight limit means I don’t get to ride it with them, but I wanted a model that was less than 100 ft and would last a long time. This one seemed really easy to set up and so far it has been very safe for my children. I highly recommend this model for all single moms looking for a safe backyard zipline.
Mary O.
This model comes with our favorite braking system, the spring brake, and the nonslip rubber grips on the trolley handles make this zipline even more secure for your children. The entire kit is incredible durable, and the hardware is even designed to be water resistant to increase its longevity and prevent accidental injuries if the cable were to become untied due to rust damage.
Slackers SLA.512 Zipline Eagle Series Kit Specifications
- Kit Weight: 17 lbs
- Max Length: 90 ft
- Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
- Seat Included: Yes
- Cable Material: Galvanized steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Slackers SLA.512 Zipline Eagle Series Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with a spring brake
- Nonslip rubber grips on handles for security
- Highly durable
- Water resistant hardware for longevity
Cons
- Very low weight limit
Our Final Opinion About the Slackers SLA.512 Zipline Eagle Series Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Slackers Zipline Eagle Series Kit is the best fit for families looking for a low-weight-capacity zipline for their backyard. This model is designed to last and perform for a long time, and its great range makes for a very fun experience every time, as long as you get the install right.
Presentation of the HearthSong Zipline Kit
The Long-Line Alternative
HearthSong
If you’ve got a huge yard and you’re looking for a way to make use of the space, the HearthSong Zipline Kit is the one you need. With one of the longest cable lengths we encountered, this model is sure to bring joy and excitement to your kids, and even you with the great weight capacity.
What We Think of the HearthSong Zipline Kit
HearthSong’s zipline kit is one of our favorites. For the families with a lot of open space in their backyard, this is the perfect activity to make use of it. The galvanized steel cable measures a whopping 150 ft in length, making it the longest zipline we have to offer. You’ll need to make sure you secure the ends high up on a tree and with limited slack, because the weight in the center of this 150 ft will cause a significant dip as the rider goes down the line.
The weight capacity is 250 lbs, making it a great fit for both children and adults. Plus, the seat that comes with the kit means everyone can be comfortable no matter their confidence. Brave kids can fly down the line only holding onto the handlebars, and more reserved children can enjoy the peaceful seating experience.
This was such a great gift from my parents. I’d talked with them about wanting to find some more fun outdoor activities to do with my kids, and next thing I know, I’ve got a backyard zipline! It was really easy to set up with the help of my lovely wife and our kids have such a great time on it. It’s a great activity to do together and I feel like it will last a long time.
Kevin A.
The seat isn’t only removable, it is also adjustable. This means that both kids and adults alike can enjoy a comfortable ride on the seat with the best distance from the trolley to hold onto the handles. The rubber braking system isn’t the most effective, so we do recommend you purchase a spring brake instead. As if all the great features aren’t enough, the kit also comes with protective rubber sleeves to keep your trees safe from cable damage.
HearthSong Zipline Kit Specifications
- Kit Weight: 20 lbs
- Max Length: 150 ft
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Seat Included: Yes
- Cable Material: Galvanized steel
HearthSong Zipline Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Seat is adjustable and removable
- Comes with a rubber braking system
- Rubber sleeve included to protect trees
Cons
Cons
- Will likely need to purchase a spring brake for added safety
- Pricey
Our Final Opinion About the HearthSong Zipline Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the HearthSong Zipline Kit is the optimal choice for people looking for a long line alternative. With 150 ft of strong galvanized steel cable, the extra money you’ll spend will be well worth the fun you’re bringing to your backyard.
Presentation of the Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit
The Safety-Conscious Alternative
Slackers
If you are a very protective parent wanting to let your kids experience the joy of ziplining but nervous about the security of a backyard kit, the Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit is the safety-conscious choice you want to make. It’s got some extra features to make it safer than most other models.
Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit Video Review
What We Think of the Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit
Last but not least, we have another Slackers zipline kit to discuss. This is their Hawk series, and it has cable length of 70 ft. the cable is made of galvanized steel like most backyard zipline kits, and this model does have a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs. This allows both parents and kids to enjoy the activity together. We are also happy to tell you that this kit comes with a one-year warranty.
There is a seat included in this kit to allow every child, no matter their confidence level, to thoroughly enjoy the benefits of a backyard zipline. The seat is adjustable too, to let everyone find a comfortable distance from the trolley to hold onto the handles and feel secure. This entire system is very easy to set up, and the trolley even comes pre-loaded with the seat and rope to make installation that much easier on you.
My kids absolutely love this zipline. I didn’t realize it didn’t come with a brake, but it was really easy to find one online. Now I am confident that my kids are safe every time they ride it, and I’ve even given it a try myself a few times. My sister brings her kids over to play too, which has helped strengthen our relationship. So glad I purchased this zipline!
Carry W.
Safety is one of the biggest priorities in this model. Your trees will be kept safe due to the rubber sleeves at the end of the cable, and the riders will be kept safe due to the rubber grips on the handles and turnbuckle backup safety system. This model doesn’t come with a brake, which is pretty common, but it is very easy to purchase a spring brake separately. If you do, you’ll have the safest zipline on the market right in your own backyard.
Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit Specifications
- Kit Weight: 12.5 lbs
- Max Length: 70 ft
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Seat Included: Yes
- Cable Material: Galvanized steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Seat is adjustable
- Cable has rubber sleeves at ends to protect trees
- Turnbuckle backup safety system included
- Trolley comes pre-loaded with seat and rope for easier setup
Cons
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a brake, will need to purchase one separately
Our Final Opinion About the Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Slackers B44 Zipline Hawk Series Kit is the safest choice on the market, as long as you remember to buy a brake system for it. With some extra safety features and great convenience, there isn’t anything really missing from this product aside from the brake. That’s why we recommend it for worried parents.
Presentation of the CTSC 75FT Zipline Kit with Stainless Steel Spring Brake and Seat
The Well-Rounded Alternative
The CTSC 75ft zipline kit with stainless steel spring brake and seat is a product that has all of the things you should be looking for. It is comfortable and designed with kids in mind, and it has a number of safety features to keep kids as safe as possible. It doesn’t stand out in any way, but it is a solid choice.
CTSC 75FT Zipline Kit with Stainless Steel Spring Brake and Seat Video Review
What We Think of the CTSC 75FT Zipline Kit with Stainless Steel Spring Brake and Seat
This CTSC zipline kit has a lot of things going for it. While there aren’t any truly spectacular features to boast about, it is a solid zipline that will provide a lot of safe outdoor fun for children. It can build up speed pretty quickly so is only recommended for kids 8 and up, but with adequate supervision, younger kids could make use of it too. The 250 lb weight capacity ensures all kids will be completely safe.
The long seat rope helps keep kids close to the ground, so they won’t get badly hurt if they slip off the seat. There are rubber grips on the handlebars to give kids a sturdy way to support and balance themselves while enjoying the zip line. With the spring brake, the zipline will come to a gradual stop so your child does not end up crashing into a tray or falling off when they hit the end of the line at top speed.
“I think it is really important for parents to keep their kids active and participating with the rest of the family, especially since technology is so easily within reach. This zipline is a super fun way for my two kids to enjoy the outdoors, and all of their friends love it too. It is really sturdy and easy to set up, but the slow braking system was the feature that closed the deal for me.”
Joel H
There are a couple of unsatisfactory elements to briefly touch on. There are no tree protectors included, so you may want to purchase them separately to keep the trees safe. Secondly, the cable is made of stainless steel rather than galvanized steel; this means it won’t be as rust-resistant as other models, so we recommend taking it down in extremely wet weather over the winter.
CTSC 75FT Zipline Kit with Stainless Steel Spring Brake and Seat Specifications
- Kit Weight: 9 lbs
- Max Length: 75 ft
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Seat Included: Yes
- Cable Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 10 years
CTSC 75FT Zipline Kit with Stainless Steel Spring Brake and Seat Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Spring brake system provides a safe, gradual stop
- Rubber handle grips are designed for smaller hands
- Seat rope is long enough to keep kids close to the ground
- Kid-friendly seat
Cons
Cons
- Fast speed means it should be used by kids 8 and up only
- No tree protectors included
Our Final Opinion About the CTSC 75FT Zipline Kit with Stainless Steel Spring Brake and Seat
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the CTSC 75ft zipline kit with stainless steel spring brake and seat is a great pick for any family. It is comfortable for kids to use but has a weight capacity able to support heavy adults. It has a longer cable length than most standard ziplines to provide hours of funs for kids 8 and up.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Zip Line
Benefits of a Backyard Zip Line
Backyard zip lines can be great for both your mental and physical health. No matter how old you are, ziplining can be a fun and exciting experience that gets you laughing, and this releases pleasurable chemicals in your brain.
If you find yourself stressed and busy with day-to-day life, a ziplining session with your kids can be exactly the break you need to reset and improve your mental health.
Backyard ziplines are also great for getting active. Setting up the zipline is an active process in itself, and then every ride on it will start activating various muscle groups and burning some calories.
Running back and forth from the end to the beginning of the line is also some great cardio.
Believe it or not, ziplining can also help improve your vision and eye strength, since you are constantly focusing and readjusting your sight as you fly down the line.
This low intensity exercise can help you avoid serious health problems in the future and it’s a great way to get your kids off their screens and enjoying the outdoors.
Zipline’s are also a great tool to improve family bonding, and it can be a wonderful activity for your kids to enjoy with their friends.
Social bonding is a key element to our overall health, so adding a very fun way to do this at home should be a no brainer. If you weren’t convinced about buying a backyard zipline before, we hope you are now.
How to be Safe with a Zip Line
While backyard ziplines are designed to be safe for adults and children alike, there are steps you can take to further increase your safety and prevent accidental injury.
First off, you’ll want to consider the braking system on your zipline. There are many types of brakes, like spring, rubber, and bungee brakes.
Spring brakes are the safest, so we recommend investing in one if your zipline comes with a different style. Another important thing to remember to be safe is to avoid exceeding the recommended weight limit.
While ziplines have a maximum load higher than that maximum weight capacity, it isn’t safe to operate them at that extreme regularly.
You should also make sure the person riding the zipline feels secure before they begin the trip, whether they are seated or just hanging on to the handlebars.
Your kids should always be supervised while enjoying his activity as well, just in case they get ahead of themselves and forget to be safe.
How to Properly Choose Your Zip Line
- Price.
The cheapest ziplines will cost you around $100, and these models can be very safe. However, they’ll often have a lower weight capacity, so you’ll need to consider who will be riding it before purchasing.
There are models that are priced well over $300, and these will have the best design and materials, and a high weight capacity. They also often have longer lines. Most people will find a happy balance somewhere between these two price point extremes.
- Length.
The length of the zipline is one of the most important factors to consider, because it determines how long the ride will be and whether or not you have trees spaced an appropriate distance for setup.
Longer lines will need to be tied higher up in a tree to account for the extra slack potential, but they are also the most fun for kids since the ride is longer. The longer the line, the higher the price, so it’s up to you to determine the right balance for your family.
- Weight Capacity.
Adhering to a zipline’s weight limit is one of the most important steps to take to ensure safety. Some are as low as 100 lbs, and some are up at 250.
If adults will be riding the zipline as well as the kids, a higher weight limit is suggested. Paying attention to the weight limit is important since you put yourself at risk of an injury if you break a line that isn’t designed to hold your weight.
- Brake System.
If your zipline doesn’t come with a brake system, you will need to purchase one. A rare selection of ziplines don’t require a brake since they have a gradual slow system, but most will need one for safety.
There are a few different types of braking system, but we recommend you use a spring brake no matter what as they are the most effective. Most brands have spring brakes for sale separately that fit all of their ziplines, so it won’t be difficult to find one.
- Detachable Trolley.
A detachable trolley can be a great convenience when you want to take it down, whether that is after every use or only during the winter and inclement weather.
Detachable trolleys eliminate the need to take down the entire cable as well, saving you time and a lot of hassle. Trolleys like this also tend to be made of higher quality materials, so that’s another bonus.
- Hand Bars or Seat.
All backyard ziplines will have a set of handlebars attached to the trolley, but some will also have a seat attached. Seated ziplines are safer since the rider is not only secured by the strength of their grip.
Models that come with seats are generally more expensive, but we think the cost is definitely worth it. Some brands offer seats for sale separately, so you can make that choice later on if you want to.
- Cable Material.
The cable material that comes with the zipline will determine its strength and durability. Most ziplines are made with galvanized steel cables, which are more than adequate.
However, a small selection come with 304 stainless steel cables or a similar material, and this is a stronger cable that will have a higher longevity than others. It will increase the price, though.
- Warranty.
Since backyard zipline kits do cost a substantial amount of money even on the more affordable end, you’ll want to purchase a model that has some kind of warranty coverage.
Most models will come with a standard one-year package, but there are brands that offer up to 10 years of protection. If you are purchasing a more expensive model, you’ll certainly want to look for a longer warranty term.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of zip lines allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
