Climbing Rope Buyers Guide
Comparing Climbing Ropes can be quite a time consuming task and avid climbing gear freaks have been known to spreadsheet different tech specs in order to find the perfect rock climbing rope. So we've done a bit of the work for you...
Below is a chart of the "staple" models of both static ropes for abseiling, rigging and canyoning, and dynamic climbing ropes for rock climbing, alpine and gym climbing. While many models may come and go, this gives you an idea of the main players.
Static Rope Guide
|
Name |
Use |
Pros |
Cons |
Tech Specs |
Product Link |
|
Sterling 9mm HTP Static |
Industrial, Canyoning & Abseiling
|
Polyester sheath and core. Robust, durable and high abrasion resistance Low stretch Lightweight Hydrophobic. Highly water resistant. |
Price. More expensive than a standard static rope.
|
Diameter 9mm MBS 23kn Elongation 0.8% Weight 62g/m |
|
|
Edelrid Safety Super 9.5mm |
Industrial & Abseiling |
Abrasion resistant Minimal shrinkage Supple handling thanks to the Thermo Shield treatment. Price. Good option for the budget conscious. |
Not water repellent and will absorb water. |
Diameter 9.5mm MBS 22kn Elongation 3% Weight 59g/m |
|
|
Edelrid Safety Super 11mm |
Industrial & Abseiling |
Abrasion resistant Minimal shrinkage Supple handling thanks to the Thermo Shield treatment. Price. Good option for the budget conscious. |
Not water repellent and will absorb water. |
Diameter 11mm MBS 29kn Elongation 3% Weight 81g/m |
|
For all Available Static Ropes Click HERE
Dynamic Climbing Rope Guide
|
Name |
Use |
Pros |
Cons |
Tech Specs |
Price |
|
Edelrid Boa 9.8mm 60 & 70m |
Indoor, Sport & Multipitch climbing |
Durable Supple handling thanks to the Thermo Shield treatment Versatile diameter Price. Bang for your buck! |
|
Rope Type: Single UIAA Falls: 7 Impact force: 8.8kn Dynamic Elong: 32% Static Elong: 9.3% Weight: 62g/m |
|
|
Sterling Velocity 9.8mm 60 & 70m DryXP option |
Indoor, Alpine, Sport, Trad & Multipitch climbing |
Versatile. Good all-rounder. Lightweight Supple weave and handling Drycore Available in DryXP UIAA water repellency treatment |
Price |
Rope Type: Single UIAA Falls: 6 Impact force: 8.8kn Dynamic Elong: 26.4% Static Elong: 8.6% Weight: 62g/m |
|
|
Edelrid Taipan 9.8mm 60 & 70m |
Indoor, Sport & Multipitch climbing |
Durable Supple handling thanks to the Thermo Shield treatment Versatile diameter Price. Bang for your buck! |
Looser sheath weave. Not as durable as the Boa |
Rope Type: Single UIAA Falls: 6 Impact force: 8.8kn Dynamic Elong: 26.4% Static Elong: 8.6% Weight: 62g/m |
|
|
Sterling Helix 9.5mm 60 & 70m |
Sport climbing, Trad and Multipitch |
Lightweight performance rope. Skinny workhorse! Low impact force = soft catch Durable DryCore |
Runs through devices quicker than thicker ropes (this could be a pro though…).
Price
|
Rope Type: Single UIAA Falls: 7 Impact force: 8.9kn Dynamic Elong: 31.9% Static Elong: 7.2% Weight: 59g/m |
|
|
Edelrid Swift Pro Dry 8.9mm |
Alpine, Trad, Multipitch and as a “sport sending rope” |
Lighter and smaller diameter than most single ropes. Long lasting, water repellent and dirt resistant thanks to the ProDry finish. Thermo Shield treatment for a perfect handling rope. Versatile and can be used as a single, half or twin rope. |
Durability. Not recommended for toprope or high volume climbing such as dogging or working a sport route. |
Rope Type: Single, Half or Twin UIAA Falls: 5 (single) Impact force: 8.8kn Dynamic Elong: 33% Static Elong: 9% Weight: 52g/m |
|
|
Edelrid Kestrel Pro Dry 8.5mm |
Alpine, Trad and Multipitch |
Long lasting, water repellent and dirt resistant thanks to the ProDry finish. Thicker sheath for additional protection and durability |
Half rope only |
Rope Type: Half UIAA Falls: 16 (double) Impact force: 6.4kn Dynamic Elong: 29% Static Elong: 9.5% Weight: 48g/m |