Zip Wire FAQ
Zip wires are one of our best selling items and will prodive many hours of exhilarating fun for all the family - children and adults alike.
For Outdoors understands that you might never of come across something like a Zip Wire before and that you might have many questions that you would like answered before you purchase one of our Zip wire kits. Therefore we have put together a FAQ on Zip Wires which we hope will answer most of the questions you might have, but if after reading the FAQ you still have any questions, then please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01344 750788 where we will be more than happy to answer them.
This Zip wire FAQ has been put together from some of the more popular questions that we get asked. Please either click on the Question or scroll down the page for the answers.
Is Zip wire equipment safe?
I want build a Zip wire run for my children, which one do you advise to use?
The Junior Zip wire is much cheaper than the Adult Zip wire - why?
I have two trees which I am thinking of using, can these be used to support the Zip wire?
Can you suggest where I can buy any supports from?
Can I install a Zip wire myself?
Do you supply fitting instructions with your Zip wires?
How can we protect the tree from the cable?
What if I don't feel up to installing the Zip wire myself. Can you suggest any installers for me?
What are the weight limits for your Zip Wires?
Do you sell any Safety harnesses? If you don't can you suggest where to get them from?
Is Zip wire equipment safe?
All the Zip wire equipment that is used to make a Zip wire has been fully tested for safety. Not only do they comply with, but they also meet and exceed all necessary required European Safety standards.
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I want build a Zip wire run for my children, which one do you advise to use?
This is a difficult one to answer.
Basically there is a choice of two types of Zip wire that can be used by children depending on the age and size of the children. The Junior Zip wire has been specifically designed for light to medium use by younger children between the ages of 5-10 years old and with a max weight of 63 kgs (10 stone). Then there is the Adult Zip wire which is a better built and quality Zip wire which is ideal for both Domestic or Commercial use and can be used by all members of the family.
Whichever Zip wire you decided to go with, you can be assured that the equipment supplied has been tested for and exceeds strict European Safety Standards.
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The Junior Zip wire is much cheaper than the Adult Zip wire - why?
Yes the Junior Zip wire is much cheaper and this is reflected in the materials used to make it. It has to be appreciated that Adult Zip wires are more expensive because of the higher standard and better quality of the product supplied, and that you can also look forward to a much longer life span of the equipment. Either way you will not be disappointed in your purchase.
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I have two trees which I am thinking of using, can these be used to support the Zip wire?
You will 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.
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Can you suggest where I can buy any supports from?
You will not be able to buy readymade supports 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. There are a number of places that would supply the wood you require for supports across the country and below are a couple of companies that we would suggest
Challenge Fencing or Clifford Jones Timber
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Can I install a Zip wire myself?
The simple answer to this is most definitely yes.
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 1.25 hours. If running from Support to Support, this can take longer due to constructing the supports unless done in advance. If the supports are already built in advance then the fitting of the Adult Zip wire between Support and Support can take about 1 hour or less.
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Do you supply fitting instructions with your Zip wires?
Full fitting instructions are included with the Junior Zip wire which you will find very simple to follow. With the Adult Zip wire it is impossible to supply specific detailed fitting instructions because everyone's installation is unique and therefore no 2x installations are the same. However, we do supply in the box a generic set of fitting instructions which will give you a good overview as to how to install your Zip wire.
You can also download these fitting instructions from the relevant page depending on which type of kit you purchase.
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How can we protect the tree from the cable?
It is a good idea when you lasso the tree with the cable at the receiving end, to use part of an old tyre or some old thick rubber hose (double if possible) to protect the tree from the cable cutting in.
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What if I don't feel up to installing the Zip wire myself. Can you suggest any installers for me?
There are a number of companies available that will offer you a complete design, supply and install job but you will find that these can be very expensive - starting from about £2,500 +.Unfortunately it is not really possible for someone to make a living purely from installing Zip wires, so you would need to find an alternative solution. 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.
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What are the weight limits for your Zip Wires?
The weight limit for the Junior Zip wire is a maximum of 70 kgs (11 stone) while the Adult Zip wire will take a maximum weight limit of 133 kgs (21 stone)
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Do you sell any Safety harnesses? If you don't can you suggest where to get them from?
we currently do not sell any safety harnesses but hope to do so in the near future. Safety harnesses need only to be use if you are running your Zip wire from a great height like a Tree house eg: 6 m or so. What we suggest is the you have a Safety harness with a rear 'D' connector that is connected by a Lanyard and a karabiner on the wire behind the Trolley so that it runs free (See link).
Follow this link for Safety Harnesses and Follow this link for a Lanyards Supplier
For any further advice, guidance or if you have any questions, then please call us on 01344 750788 where we will be more than happy to assist you.
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Zip Wire Disclaimer
Due to the various methods of construction and installation which are outside of our control, For Outdoors will not be held responsible for any problems or injuries that may occur during or after Installation including the use of Zip wires.
We do need to stress that Zip wires (which are also known as Aerial Runways, Flying Foxes or Tyrolean crossings) can be dangerous and that the customer who's buying these goods, should carry out their own Risk assesment of the site that will have the equipment installed on it.
You should also carry out a safety inspection on completion of the installation and once the equipment has been installed it should be continually inspected on a regular basis.
Any advice or guidance provided by For Outdoors is purely for Guidance only.
