REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Dynamic webbing
REASONS TO AVOID
Short length
Ratchet rattles
HopOn Powerline Review
A trickline that brings the bounce without breaking the bank
Credit: HopOn
RELATED: Best Slackline
Our Verdict
The HopOn Powerline is an excellent kit for the beginning trick master. The dynamic webbing is almost identical to the Slackline Industries Trick Line, down to the printing texture, which makes us wonder if the same factory makes them both. If one thing defines the limitations that this line has, its the length. This line left us, multiple times, wishing it were a few feet longer when the ratchet wouldn't reach around the tree, or the webbing didn't quite reach the ratchet. However, if you can see past the length issue, this is a great priced line that packs a punch! This line is great for a casual trickster. If jumping around and surfing sounds fun, but you don't have an interest in long-lines or a big budget, this could be a great kit for you.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Powerline might not have many of the features that some other trickline kits come with, but for most beginning stunt devils, this should be all you need. the webbing is great for dynamic moves and tricks, and the shorter length makes it easy enough to tension without the use of a heavy-duty ratchet system.
Performance Comparison
The powerline is a good quality trick-line with webbing just like the Slackline Industries Trick Line.
Ease of Set-up
This kit is a breeze to set up when compared to other trick-line kits. When tensioning the line, the ratchet has good action with definitive audible clicks that inspires confidence. The line is easy to keep aligned in the ratchet drum when tightening, which, in turn, improves it's lifespan since it won't rub the metal edge of the ratchet when released.
A good working, but basic ratchet tension the bouncy webbing.
The tree protection included in this kit is slightly longer than the padding supplied with the Gibbon and Slackline industries kits, but also slightly less padded.
Versatility
The powerline has more dynamic webbing than a true beginner kit, but this line can suffice as decent learning line, yet, if/when the walker progresses and wants to start some dynamic moves, this line will accommodate! The biggest limitation we encountered with this line was simply its length. The 6' ratchet strap repeatedly would not reach around the thicker anchor trees, and the 42' line would fall just a few feet shy of reaching the ratchet when we did find trees that would work.
Quality
The Powerline is a great kit with quality components, but nothing sets this line apart from the competition. With basic parts, the quality is just average. We like that the ratchet does a good job of keeping the webbing centered in the drum so abrasion doesn't occur when de-tensioning the line, but the printed graphics on the line sticks to itself in the ratchet drum, and the ratchet has a loud, disconcerting, rattle when you fall off. Ultimately, these issues are harmless and don't affect the safety or function of the line, but should be noted.
stitching quality.
Dissasembly
The thin “tape-like” nature of the webbing makes this unravel in a quick, usually painless, way. The snap upon releasing these ratchet based lines can be intense, but this line falls on the less jarring side of that scale. However, as “easy” this line is to take down, the process still should be done carefully. Watch your fingers and hair, and keep that webbing in line!
Features
This kit has everything you need to get going but no extra bells and whistles. Two tree pads measuring 6"x51", are about a foot longer than others in the test, but the padding was slightly less protective. The storage bag was so cheap, it broke before we even used it, but I hope you aren't buying a slackline for its bag.
Nice long tree protection pads are a welcome accessory to this kit.
Value
This kit has a good value to someone on a budget, wanting to do tricks. The webbing is the same type used by Gibbon and Slackline Industries for their trick lines, but the kit cost less. Make sure the length will work for your needs, and if so, this kit is worth the investment.
Conclusion
The HopOn Powerline is a basic trick kit that performs pretty well overall. The feel of the line is indiscernible from other trick lines, and the components are all good quality, but the shorter length left us wishing we had a couple more feet of webbing, both on the slackline, and the ratchet.
—
Adam Paashaus
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