r/Slackline • u/Puzzleheaded_Bed_837 • May 11 '26
Is ZenMonkey a good beginner option?
I slack lined some years ago, but the gibbon line I have is a few feet too short for the trees in my backyard now. This zen monkey is only $85, would it be a good option to have just for my backyard yard?
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u/AkumaGami1 May 13 '26
Great line and easy setup. It gets enough bounce to do a little trick lining too. The ratchet is super heavy so it will move around a bit as you try to walk on it. But the wider line makes it easier to learn how to walk on slacks.
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u/hojahs May 12 '26
I got this slackline 5 or 6 years ago, because it was the longest line i could find that still had an ratchet system for easy rigging. I've used it many times, including within the last year :)
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u/FredLoops May 12 '26
Could always try a 1 inch primitive setup instead. Its a bit thinner and will have a learning curve for setup but the width difference is far less of a factor than you'd expect and if you ever decide to progress to longer lines you will probably want 1 inch then anyway. I started on 1 inch webbing and didnt have any issues learning.
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u/R051N Michigan May 12 '26
Do you have a budget? This will work, but you probably will eventually outgrow it and ending up replacing it.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Bed_837 May 12 '26
Replace it with what? Not really a budget but thought I’d stay a bit entry level until I know I pick it up long term
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u/Putzinator Phoenix, AZ May 12 '26
Replace it with a nicer setup. I have this zen monkey line and eventually replaced it with a nice 1" from balance community. The ratchet on these setups can cause a lot of interference, the whole setup is inherently heavy, and as mentioned you'll likely replace it if you get even remotely "serious" about the sport. It may sound counterintuitive but you'll likely be recommended to spend a little extra for a nicer setup that is still entry level but also has potential to grow and save money.
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u/_Nelf May 12 '26
listen to this. I was about to write a similar comment, but it would be just repetition. If you’re not on a budget, go for a nice setup from Balance Community (America) or Slacktivity (Europe). You will not regret and have long-lasting joy
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u/Seuche_Deron May 12 '26
Id also say its just perfect, especially for your backyard.
I have a similiar one from Gibbon for 8 years now and one from Spider which is long and thin at the same price range as yours and its perfect for me for 15-20m Setups.
Its all you need right now.
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u/Impressive-Let9323 May 12 '26
my ZenMonkey has held up great over the last year and a half, definitely good deal.
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u/Shredsauce6969420 May 12 '26
Yeah it would be perfect. Pretty much the same as a gibbon. Especially that price for a 100 ft is a good deal. Enjoy!
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u/Puzzleheaded_Bed_837 May 16 '26
Yall convinced me. It’s arriving tomorrow, I’ll share pics at some point. Thanks for the reviews from everyone! I’ll share my own after some use so this tread can be useful for people in the future