There are so many aerial silks available on the market today it’s no surprise people want to know what is the best choice for them. I’ve been a professional aerialist and aerial silks instructor for six years so I thought I’d pick up my soap box and give you my take on the best aerial silks that I’ve found the easiest to work with in my experience.
Aerial silks are a fun and alluring piece of fitness equipment, allowing you to turn your living space into an acrobatic playground.
It doesn’t just look good in photos though, it’s a genuinely great way to stay in shape.
Aerial silks could also be described as fabric trapeze (a circus prop) that can be used for exercising, aerial performances and even meditation. However, aerial silks and yoga hammocks are different. Read our guide on the best yoga hammocks and swings here if that’s what you’re looking for instead.
You don’t need to be a professional to get started using aerial silks at home – it’s an accessible form of fitness that’s suitable for people of all ages.
All of the items mentioned here require aerial rigging of some kind.
So before we get started with the list, it’s important to note that you’ll need some of the following equipment in place for your aerial silks to hang:
- Enough space at home to practice safely
- A freestanding aerial rig
- Ceiling hooks affixed to a strong I-Beam
- A pull-up bar in a door frame (only suitable for limited movement with the silks)
- A measuring tape
- Spare carabiners, clips and swivels as needed
- A folding crash mat
Keep reading to the end of this article for some important safety advice and FAQs about handing your aerial silks!
But without further any delay, let’s get started with the list 👇
Best Aerial Silks for Beginners – Overall Winner
Best all-round features + adjustability
Uplift Active Aerial Silks Set
Our Thoughts On The Uplift Active Aerial Silks Set
This set of silks reaches the top of our list because everything you need is included in the box ready for you to get started straight away.
For beginners, the low-stretch fabric makes a huge difference too. This type of aerial fabric is the best for beginners because it’s comfortable, doesn’t stretch much, and feels nice against the skin. It’s great for strength building and conditioning.
Uplift Active are the leading supplier of aerial yoga equipment and clothing, their customer service is excellent and we highly recommend checking out their website.
Get 10% off Aerial Yoga Clothing & Equipment with Uplift Active
Use the discount code POLEFIT10 at the checkout
Best Aerial Silks for Beginners – Second Choice
Best all-round features + adjustability
SKYPHAROS Aerial Silks
Our Thoughts On The SKYPHAROS Aerial Silks
This set of silks are made from exactly the same material as the pervious set from Uplift Active, but the SKYPHAROS Aerial Silks are slightly less expensive overall.
There’s also a greater choice of colors, if that’s something that’s important to you. The colours are extremely vibrant too.
The nylon tricot material is superior for aerial silks due to its strength and comfort. It feels incredibly soft but it’s exceptionally strong.
Other Aerial Silks to Consider
Here are some other premium choices for aerial silks to check out
DASKING Premium Aerial Silks
- 16 colors options available
- 40 denier Nylon
- 10.9 yards (393.5″) long and 3 yards (108″) wide
- Comes with hardware needed to hang from a fixed point or rig
- Low-to-medium stretch
These are described as being low-to-medium stretch, but they actually stretch a lot more than that. This means that you might end up closer to the ground than you’d like.
For example, if you climbed these silks, or were to wrapped the silk around your ankle twice (double footlock hold), due to the stretch in the fabric, your foot would be on the floor. This can make it frustrating for beginners unless you prefer stretchy fabric or have extra height available.
Uplift Active Ombre Silks
- Low-medium stretch
- Beautiful Ombre colour fabric
- 98-108in width depending on length chosen
- Comes in length options of 9 – 22 yards
- Comes with hardware needed to hang from a fixed point or rig
These are BEAUTIFUL silks but they are very stretchy. You can feel the elastic-type feeling as soon as you mount the silks. If you’re a beginner, you may find this frustrating if you’re learning at home without enough vertical space to make use of.
Extended Sizes Aerial Silks Set
- Low-stretch fabric – great for beginners
- 98″ wide but this may vary by color
- Depending on your set up you may need a longer silk these come specially made in 20, 22 and 24 yards
- Comes in 9 different colors
- Comes with all the hardware needed to hang from a fixed point or rig
Just the silks – Prodigy Aerial Silks
- Available in low stretch weave
- Choose from 10 different color options
- Lengths available from 8 to 18metres – 19.7 to 8.7 yards
- 40 denier 100% polyester fabric not too bulky to grip
- 2.8m/110″ wide great for width-based wraps
- Comes with a bag
Just the silks – X Pole Aerial Silks
- Available in 8, 10, 12metres 8.7, 10.9, 13.1 yards
- Comes in blue or purple
- 1.5m/59″ width
- X Pole are a well known brand
- Medium stretch weave
Frequently Asked Questions
Aerial Silks and Safety
It should go without saying that aerial silks need to be used safely. After all, they are responsible for supporting your weight.
Before you start climbing on silks, make sure you know what’s going on underneath them! The fabric can sometimes stop you from being able to see the floor.
Always install the silks using appropriate rigging and according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Don’t cut corners with this – falling from aerial equipment is no joke.
Rigging points should be checked and tested regularly by a suitable qualified person.
Conclusion
Aerial silks are extremely easy to set up and take down.
They’re also less intimidating than other aerial apparatus such as lyra hoop or ropes. You don’t necessarily have to know a lot about circus arts to begin exploring, which is just one of their many charms as a unique form of exercise!
The key points to remember are:
Good luck – enjoy your aerial journey!
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