REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Beginner-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Not versatile
No overhead hand line
Macaco Classic Line Review
A quality beginner's line with no added bells and whistles
Macaco Set
Credit: Macaco Slacklines
RELATED: Best Slackline
Our Verdict
The Macaco Classic is your standard beginner's model and is essentially a less expensive version of the original ratchet line, the Gibbon ClassicLine; the Complete Set includes the bonus of included tree protection, which is what we tested here. With an exceptionally low price tag, we wanted to love this line, but for a small increase in price, a number of the other models provide added versatility.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Complete set comes with tree protectors and a cloth carrying case. Its stiff webbing and simple set-up make it suitable for the novice slackliner.
Performance Comparison
From walking to sit-starts, this model is an inexpensive beginner friendly line.
Credit: Leslie Yedor
Ease of Set-up
Of all the ratchets we've used to rig our lines, this model has an exceptionally ergonomic and comfortable grip. That, plus the included tree protectors, make for a quick and painless set-up if you select trees with the appropriate girth. Bigger tree trunks make for sturdier anchors, but in this case, bigger isn't always an option. The anchor line is only 6.5-feet, and the tree protectors are an underwhelming 38-inches. When rigging this line, we had to search out small, but sturdy trees close enough together to properly fit this model.
The ergonomic grip of the ratchet handle make tensioning the line both simple and comfortable.
Credit: Leslie Yedor
Versatility
This line is truly a beginner's line and offers limited room for growth in the sport. For the novice, it provides a stable platform for learning to walk and static poses. With only 52-feet of webbing, this line provides limited walkable length.
Quality
With proper care, this model should last you to the end of your beginner slacklining days. Be mindful to avoid bunching of the webbing in the rachet while assembling and store in a dry, dark place to prevent UV damage to the material. Although we didn't love the feel of this line on our bare feet, this sport has finally been around long enough to see significant improvement in overall quality of ratchets and webbing across the industry and the Macaco is no exception.
Disassembly
With one standard ratchet to release, disassembly was a breeze. Similar to the Slackline Industries Base Line Kit, this ratchet has a rubberized release lever which makes the jarring pop of de-tensioning the line a lot more comfortable on your fingers.
The soft rubber grip of both the handle and the release lever of the ratchet make set-up and disassembly quick and painless.
Credit: Leslie Yedor
Features
Every slackline that comes with tree protectors deserves a bonus, and we applaud the makers of this line for choosing those of all potential added features to include. It also comes with a handy infographic and picture book on the basics of slacklining as well as a functional cloth bag that fits all the parts and pieces. Although there is nothing particularly exciting about the bonus features here, everything that comes in the box performs well at its intended job.
With the basics covered but nothing extra its the perfect kit for the novice minimalist.
Credit: Leslie Yedor
Best Applications
The Macaco Complete Set is best suited for beginners looking to dip their toes into the sport who want to embrace their inner minimalist and skip the added bells and whistles of models like the Flybold Kit, our Editors' Choice.
This model is a fun beginner's line with minimal features, but the price-tag to match.
Credit: Leslie Yedor
Value
The price of this line is hard to beat, and it is a good classic ratchet line, but if you're willing to make a slight jump up in price for lines like the Slackline Industries Base Line Kit or the Flybold Kit you'll find a little more bang for your buck.
Conclusion
This line fits the mold of the classic 2" beginner's line and offers simple, comfortable set-up and take-down. If you're new to slacklining and looking for a great beginner's line with more tools for learning, like an overhead hand line, and more comfortable webbing, opt for our Editors' Choice, the Flybold Kit.
—
Leslie Yedor
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