Zip line stopping systems

When it comes to zip line kits there are a lot of different options, but the most important component of any zip line is how you stop. Of course there are the adventurous types who choose to build zip line stoppers out of old tires or a bunch of padding on the tree but, as I'm sure you can already guess, that's pretty dangerous. All of the full zip line kits that we sell include a brake block, but we do offer some ZLP kits that allow you to add your own braking system.

The brake blocks are popular because they sit on the zip line and once the trolley makes contact with them they stretch bungee cord that is anchored off the end of the zip line and stretch to slow the rider to a near stop and then it pushes them back towards the middle of the ride. The spring stop works in a similar way, it is inserted on the zip line during installation and pushed to the end of the zip line.

Back Blog Blog Archive. Zipstop: Advanced zipline braking system. Key benefits of the zipSTOP braking system include: Eddy current braking technology Variable rider weights and speeds Controlled braking distance Low operational cost Low maintenance costs Environmentally stable. Zipstop zipline braking system: More info and pricing. We recommend these on shallow sloped zip lines. Many backyard zip lines use this method because it takes up less cable and allows for a longer ride.

This method involves tightening or loosening the zip line cable tension to ensure the rider stops before the end of the zip line. In this case, the rider's momentum will be stopped by gravity as they would reach the lowest point of the ride before the end of the ride. Be sure to do a lot of testing with this method a bucket of water attached. There are some trolleys with speed control that will help slow down a rider, but we do not recommend this as the sole braking system.

There are some people brave enough to actively brake with leather gloves. They apply friction to the zip line with their hand strength. We aren't those people. We want families with children to be able to safely ride their zip line and this method is very advanced. Yes this method does seem a little rudimentary, but it works. We have a customer who poked a hole in several tennis balls, put it through the zip line like beads and used that in an indoor gym. The travel speed was super slow so tennis balls were perfect.