FAQ's

All the zip wire equipment that we sell is very safe if installed and used correctly. The equipment has been fully tested for safety and not only do they comply with, but they also meet and exceed, all necessary required European Safety standards.

This is a difficult one to answer.

Basically there is a choice of two types of zip wires that can be used by children depending on their age and the size of the children. The junior zip wire has been specifically designed for light to medium use by younger children between the ages of 6 -9 years old and with a max weight of 57kgs (9 stone).

Then there is the adult zip wire which is of a better build and quality zip wire which is ideal for both domestic or commercial use and can be used by all members of the family.

Our recommendation for ages would be between 5 and 9 years old for the Junior zip wire and with the garden or commercial zip wires we would suggest an age of 5+.

It is important to remember that any zip wire being used by children should ideally be supervised by an adult at all times.

Well let's start with the 10mm kits. You will notice that there are three types of kits to suit all requirements - tree to tree, tree to support or support to support.

Then within those kits you will then find a choice of trolleys, hence Bronze, Gold, Platinum and Pro, some with additional accessories like a handl grip too - Pro Plus. Generally speaking the more the price of your kit, the better quality of the trolley and the quicker the trolley.

Now moving up to the 12mm kits and although these are basically the same as their 10mm equivalents, the main differences are the increase size of the wire, an uprated and upgraded spring brake (the spring being a bit stiffer and the fixing plate being much bigger and stronger) and finally an adjustable lanyard as opposed to a fixed one.

Ideally zip wires at home are best installed on flat ground but with some consideration can be built on a slope.

You will need to be careful when working out you various heights at both the receiving and sending ends so that your run does not bottom out half way down the run.

If in any doubt we are happy to discuss this with you - please call us on: 0800 246 5802.

Yes you can.

We sell a range of zip wires with lengths up to and exceeding 250+m.

Can we suggest that if you are planning to build a zip wire more than 100m long, that you call us first to discuss your plans.

Yes trees in the garden are a good way of supporting a zip wire provided that you follow a few simple rules: Make sure that you are happy with the standard of the trees you are wanting to use. You need to have a clear line of sight between the two trees that you wish to use and enough clearance of approx 2m either side of the centre line.

You need to take into account the type, age and thickness of the tree to be used. A thinner tree will bend with the weight of the cable and through usage, so please be very selective. While it is not always possible to use two trees, it is possible to use one tree and then to build a support frame and platform at the other end.

We would strongly recommend that depending on the length of your proposed zip wire run, that you look at adding some strengthening guide wires to your less than established trees or support frames.

You will not be able to buy readymade supports frames but you will be able to buy the wood needed to make them. We suggest that you look for a good wood / timber merchant or fencing specialist.

Please make sure that where ever you buy your posts from that they have been either treated with Tanalith 'e' or is made from micronised wood.

There are a number of good companies offering machined round wood timber in 150mm dia, in lengths of up to 7.2m and who should be able to deliver across the UK.
Take a look at this helpful company M&M Timber - nr Kidderminster who have a great range of wood or CJ Timber - North Wales

Depending on where you live in the UK please follow one of the links here :
or if you live in the East part of the country: Railway Sleeper.com - Nottingham
or if you live in the South East of England: Total Poles - North Kent

Although you might be thinking that this is a task you don't want to do yourself, it really is not as hard as it might seem and therefore the simple answer to this is most definitely yes. In fact over 90% of the kits we have sold have been installed by the person buying the kit.

The junior zip wire can be installed very quickly by 2 adults following the supplied fitting instructions between 2 trees or supports.

The adult zip wire will take 2 adults a bit longer depending on how it is to be installed. If running the zip wire from tree to tree, this can be as little as 60mins. If running from support to support, this can take longer due to having to construct the supports unless done in advance. If the supports are already built in advance then the fitting of the adult zip wire can take about 1 hour or less.

Full fitting instructions are included with the junior zip wire kits which you will find very simple to follow.

With the adult zip wire it is impossible to supply specific detailed fitting instructions as no two installations are the same and everyone's installation is unique. However, we do supply in the box a set of generic fitting instructions which will give you a good overview as to how to install your zip wire.

The secret, and one thing to bear in mind and remember, to installing your zip wire is that there is no real science involved.

The best bit of advice we can offer is to install your zip wire as per the generic instructions we provide, and then.....tweak as necessary to suit your individual requirements.

There are a number of companies available on the internet that will offer you a complete design, supply and install the job but you will find that these can be very expensive - starting from about £8,000+.

Unfortunately it is not really possible for someone to make a living purely from installing zip wires, however we do know of someone that will offer you a complete package which includes:

a) coming and carrying out a site survey, discussing and advising on your requirements.
b) carrying out all aspects of your zip wire project - building your supports if needed, installation, testing and making any adjustments of your zip wire.
c) carrying out yearly maintenance and testing

at a more sensible price. If this is something that is of interest, then please call us to discuss.

Alternatively, in the past our customers have made use of the services of a good friend who is capable of DIY, landscape gardeners that specialise in hard landscaping or a good builder. The same applies if you are looking for someone to build end supports.

It is a good idea to help protect the tree when you lasso the tree with the cable at the receiving end. One of the best ways to do this is to use some narrow logs or broom handles cut up into 9? lengths as a means of protecting the tree. You could also try using either part of an old tyre or some thick rubber hose (doubled up if possible).

Our family zip wires, depending on which size wire you go for, will take the following:

10mm wire will take up to a maximum weight limit of 127kgs (20 stone)

12mm wire will take up to a maximum weight limit of 158kgs (25 stone)

Yes our range of family zip wires are more expensive and this is reflected in the higher standard and better quality of materials used to make a better product. The other big advantage in using an family zip wire over a junior one is that you can also look forward to a much longer life span of the equipment.

Although the 10mm kits are generally very good for all the family to use up to about 60m in length, it is always worth considering upgrading to a 12mm zip wire kit.

The main reason being that although the wire is only a 2mm increase in size, it makes a big difference in the stability and performance of you zip wire. We have found over the years that depending on usage, the 10mm wire can stretch and will need re-tensioning, whereas the 12mm is not so problematic.

Using 12mm wire also means that you can make your zip wire much longer in length as well as carrying a higher weight load on the line. All this enhancing your overall experience of an exhilarating fun filled pastime.

Yes there are a few things that you need to be aware of if you are installing a zip wire for use in a commercial area like a playground, farm shop or holiday park.

The first thing you need to know is that any installation that is to used in a commercial area as indicated above, must be installed in accordance with BS EN1176/7 and consequently inspected to make sure that these standards have been adhered to.

Secondly the normal maximum length permissible for use in this commercial situation is 35m and ideally should always be installed on level ground.

To be honest you can use either the 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm or 19mm wire. The difference in the various size wire is the breaking strain and therefore the end user weight limit. With the 10mm wire the weight limit is 127kgs (20 stone), 12mm wire this will be extended to a maximum weight limit of 158kgs (25 stone).

The size of wire to use is determined by what kind of zip wire and what length you want to use.

No sorry you cannot do this. A 10mm trolley has been designed and made to work purely on a 10mm wire and the same with the 12mm trolley. Please make sure that you buy the correct trolley.

Yes we do a couple of very good people that can both design, build and install a commercial zip wire run for you. We are happy to take some details and pass them on for you, if so please contact us to discuss further.

Using safety harnesses and other safety equipment on a commercial zip wire run is very dependent on what type of commercial run is being installed. Generally speaking commercial zip wires in playgrounds, farm shops or holiday parks would be built on level ground and up to 35m in length and are totally safe to use just the seat rubber pendulum seat supplied.

If you intend to have a zip wire installed that is of more substantial height, eg down a large slope or say from a tree house, then yes we strongly recommend the use of some safety equipment.

We do offer a full range of safety equipment that can be used with a zip wire that includes:
* A range of zip wire safety harnesses
* A range of zip wire lanyards