Everything about softpointing
Everything about softpointing
Softpointing a slackline:
to remove the tensioning system from the slackline after tensioning it.
A softpointed slackline system consists of only anchors (e.g. slings w. tree-pro), webbing lockers (e.g. lineLock) and the webbing.
Why is it called “softpointing”?
The term “softpointing” originates from the very beginnings of slacklining, which was presumably “invented” by climbers during rest days in Camp-4 in Yosemite national park, California in the early 1980s. Back then a slackline was referred to as “softpointed” if it contained no metal parts, or in other words, everything in the system was “soft”.
With todays tensions and lengths it is considered as “bad practice” to rig a slackline without metal parts, for this requires to rig webbing on webbing or webbing on rope, which results in excessive wear and tear. It is not known with certainty who first used the term “softpointed” for a tensioned slackline with removed tensioning system.
Why softpoint?
Aside from making the system safer by reducing the load bearing components, and making the line more enjoyable to walk by eliminating unnecessary oscillating weight, removing the tensioning system also gives you the option to rig other slacklines with the same tensioning system, eliminating the need for additional tensioning gear, when rigging multiple lines.
Whats the opposite to softpointing?
It is mundanely called “hardpointing“, but this term is hardly ever used. Casually slackliners say, if you’re not softpointing your rigging “traditionally”, which means that the tensioning system remains in the slackline as a load bearing element while walking it.
The downside of this practice is obvious: you must somehow overcome the tensioning system if you choose to walk all the way to the anchor, and the tensioning system usually weights several pounds, which adds up to unpleasant and undesirable extra oscillation.
How do I basically softpoint?
The easiest and most flexible way to softpoint a slackline is to grab it with a lineGrip and apply tension to the lineGrip, rather than the web lock. After tensioning, the slackline is attached to the the web lock and the lineGrip with tensioning system is removed from the rigged slackline.