Most basic zip lines are about 60-150 feet long and have weight ratings up to 250 pounds. These zipline rides typically cost $2,000 to $8,000 once you add a launch platform, but can be higher if we have significant travel to your location.

What size cable should you use for a zipline?

We recommend using 7×19 wire rope for zip lines as it’s very flexible and has a high breaking load.

Can I use rope for a zip line?

Use rope on your zipline to provide safety attachments while riders are on a platform, or as an additional safety connection. Another use may be to clip to the Trolley with a carabiner and pull it back to the launching point.

How thick of a cable do you need for a zipline?

The best size for ziplines under 100 feet is between 3/16 inch a 1/4 inch. Increase in diameter as length increases. A 5/16 inch diameter works well for lengths up to 500 feet and reasonable rider weight (under 250 pounds). Aircraft cable is a type of wire rope, made with a spiral of wire strands around a central wire.

How much drop should a zip line have?

We recommend a 3% slope for zip lines will be only utilizing a stop block. This means there would be a 3 foot drop every 100 feet. If using a bungee braking system, the maximum slope is 6% or 6 foot drop per 100 feet.

Do ziplines hurt trees?

The biggest danger to trees comes from attaching cables and bolts to them in order to hold up platforms. According to a report by the engineering firm Robson Forensic, “Drilling any hole into a tree creates a wound that makes the tree more susceptible to infection and decay.” So trees need to be chosen carefully.

Can I attach zipline to house?

You could even attach one of your points to your house, such as on the eaves of a one-story home, as long as you have a solid anchoring point with enough room around it to provide clearance for the rider to swing (if that’s your end point for the zipline).

Are backyard ziplines safe?

Most parents set up backyard ziplines for their children, so there is a high possibility of injuries. However, our opinion is that ziplines for kids are just as safe as any other backyard playset equipment if you take the time to set it up correctly and implement the right safety measures.

What angle should a zip line be?

We recommend a 3 percent slope for mild speed, and a 6 percent slope as a maximum recommendation. In translation, for every 100 feet of zip line cable, we recommend a maximum 6 feet of drop.

How do you tighten a zip line rope?

We recommend using a come-along or a similar type of winch to crank your zip line tight. A winch or ratchet device can be attached to a small loop at the end of your cable and pulled around your anchor until tight, or a Cable Grab can be used to pull the cable directly up to the tree for anchoring.

What can I use for a zipline?

To build the zip line you need:
Steel cable. A pulley. Round wooden stick. One carabiner. Nylon rope. Six malleable cable clamps. Two eye-to-eye turnbuckles. Rubber tube.

How much weight can a zipline cable hold?

Riders who are too heavy may hit the landing platform too quickly, which could potentially cause injuries. Generally speaking, zip-line riders should be between 60 and 275 pounds. Some courses have limits on waist circumference as well. Ask your operator about his or her course’s specific restrictions.