Read our reviews of the best sport climbing ropes and buy a top-quality one for your next rock climbing.
When buying sport climbing ropes, most climbers face a somewhat complicated task. Also, do not forget that the rope is a fundamental element for safety when climbing. The rope to climb mountains is your lifeline. With the help of your companion, you rely 100% on your rope to stay safe and away from the ground. Do not forget that having a good harness is also essential.
Also, if you are a beginner, this task may be even more overwhelming. Therefore, in this article, we are going to tell you the factors that you have to take into account to choose good sport climbing ropes. And not only that, but we’re also going to tell you which are the best climbing ropes. Do we start?
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Keys to Choose Your Climbing Rope
First of all, you have to take certain factors into account, which we will explain to you.
Types of climbing ropes
The specific climbing ropes are divided into three different types:
- Simples: Also known as loose. These are the standard climbing ropes, so these may be the ones you use in the vast majority of your climbs.
- Double strings: It is a two-string system where the climber is tied on both ropes. This will help reduce the resistance of the rope in the winding routes.
- Twins: It is a system of two ropes, in which, you will clamp both ropes to each piece of protection. These ropes will allow you to rappel faster.
Diameter of the rope
The diameter of the sport climbing ropes can range from 9.1 mm to 11 mm. Although the choice of the diameter of your rope will depend on the use you are going to give, if it is true that it is best to use strings from 10.5mm to 11mm. This is because these thick ropes are the ones that will last you the longest. In addition, they are the ones that will best withstand friction with rocks. On the other hand, a negative aspect is that they weigh a little more.
Meters of the rope
This is a very personal decision, and, it will depend on the length of the routes that you will usually climb. It is recommended that you do not have less than 60-70 meters for outdoor climbing.
Brands and bi-pattern strings
If your rope has a middle mark, it will help you identify the center of the rope. This is especially useful when rappelling. There are three ways to identify the midpoint of the string:
- In some ropes, the brand is applied by the manufacturer. However, with time, this brand can wear out.
- The bi-pattern strings will help you identify the midpoint more quickly. Since you will know that you are halfway there when the design of the rope changes. These ropes are the most recommended.
- Third, you can choose to make the average brand yourself. For this, there are rope markers.
Brands and prices
Your safety is the most important, therefore, we recommend that you always trust the best brands. In this way, you will avoid unnecessary fright. Among all the brands in the market, the favorites by the climbers are Petzl, Edelrid, Black Diamon, and Mammut. The price will depend on the diameter and the length of the rope. Yes, we recommend that you buy online, because in online stores you will find much more competitive prices with the same guarantees.
Tips
- Most manufacturers recommend changing the rope after 5 years, regardless of the use you have given.
- If you climb regularly, the rope will not last you more than 2 years at the most. In addition, you yourself can see the wear suffered by the rope. On the other hand, if you climb a little, surely at age 5, your rope is still in good condition, but you have to be careful because the fibers with which they are made lose their properties over time.
- Make sure your rope does not accumulate dust or dirt.
- Keep the rope always away from chemicals.
- Store the rope in a clean and dry place, away from direct sunlight, and, if you can, in a holster.
- A dry treatment helps protect your rope and prevent water absorption. In this way, you will increase your life expectancy.
These are the best sport climbing ropes on the market
We have made an exhaustive study among more than 20 models from different manufacturers and we have chosen the 5 best climbing ropes.
Edelrid Python 10mm Dynamic Climbing Rope
Elderid is one of the best-known brands that produce various types of climbing ropes. This model offers excellent resistance to breakage and is presented in a single rope with 60 m of length and 10 mm of diameter, with an arresting force of 8.9 kN.
The percentage of the stocking is 38%, while the weight per meter is 64 grams. It is a quality product and environmentally friendly thanks to the Bluesign standard, which guarantees the ecological purity of the raw material used. Edelrid python is light and very versatile, supporting up to 7 falls.
It is suitable for climbing on open-air walls, especially for rock, and indoors and is ideal for both beginners and experts. ThermoShield heat treatment makes it elastic and durable.
Discover more and the price here
BEAL Tiger UNICORE Dry Cover Climbing Rope
Another top-quality climbing accessories brand Beal presents this dynamic UNICORE single climbing rope, green and fuchsia in color, 60 and 70 meters long and 10 mm in diameter. Holds up to 8 falls and has an arrest force of 7.6 kN.
This single climbing rope is one of the best in its class, also because it is very resistant to abrasion, it is light, and is easily manipulated thanks to its ergonomic design. It is a suitable rope for mountaineering, sport climbing, and indoor activities. In addition, the advanced Unicore construction and Dry Cover treatment allow the Tiger to perform with equal aplomb on wet ice routes and alpine adventures.
It weights 61 g by the meter and offers good flexibility. Static elongation is 10% and dynamic elongation is 37%. Overall it is a good product and complies with EN 892.
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Petzl Arial Climbing Rope
This climbing rope of the famous brand Petzl has a diameter of 9.5 mm and is available in lengths of 60 or 70 meters. You can choose between a gold or a dark orange color and can withstand up to 9 drops. It is a high-quality product, very renowned, perfect for outdoor rock climbing and for practicing on indoor walls.
It is a climbing rope guaranteed for three years. In addition, it has a waterproofing treatment that guarantees resistance to durability in all weather conditions and has a clamping force of 6.4 kN. Its strong points are its extreme maneuverability and long life. In addition, it is a CE EN 892-approved rope and is made entirely of polyamide, to ensure lightness and strength.
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BEAL Ice Line UNICORE Golden Dry Climbing Rope
This double climbing rope from Beal is the top of the range, especially for ice climbing. It is available in two lengths, 50 or 60 m, and both have a diameter of 8.1 mm.
It is a product available in various bright colors, from blue to pink, and in seven other ideal shades to ensure visibility on white walls.
In addition, it is a fluid string suitable for experienced climbers, ice walls, and mixed walls. The rope has a tensile strength of 4.9 kN can withstand up to 6 falls, and is guaranteed for 3 years in the event of factory defects. In addition, it weights 39 g and the Golden Dry treatment makes it very resistant.
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Nite Ize Reflective Cord Pack
This long and reflective rope has an excellent price-quality ratio and is ideal for stably fixing the awning at night or in poor visibility conditions such as fog and haze.
It is not a climbing rope but it is a single green rope, excellent for camping, made entirely of nylon to guarantee extreme resistance and at the same time lightness, and measures 600 x 0.09 x 0.09 inches. It weighs only 68 grams.
In addition, its lightness and manageability make it perfect for fixing curtains and hammocks, tying the necessary equipment such as backpacks and pegs for climbing, and in all conditions in which it is necessary to hold together various elements and be visible in the dark.
Discover more and the price here
We hope that our article has been useful to know which are the best climbing ropes. Which one do you use? Share your experience and opinion with the rest of the climbers!
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