climbing rope question

I bought my first rope 7 months ago and have put a fair amount of use on it (2-3 times a week). I've washed it like twice just using water in my bathtub. The problem I am facing is that it has become like a cable and does not feel soft and supple like a rope should. Its a pain to feed and gets tangled frequently. However my friend has the same rope he bought 2 months later and it feels much softer than mine. Is this a problem with the washing? And is there any danger with the rope being rather stiff? Perhaps it is already time for a new rope.

Try a wide open area and a buddy to help to you stretch this thing out. I'd flake it out in a pile then walk the 60m so it is fully extended. I'd wear a leather glove and squeeze the rope and go the full length again to try to get any kinks out. I've had a similar issue with a rop and have found that coiling the rope at the end of every sesh can twist the core in the sheath which results in the headache you are experiencing. Good luck!

Mark,

Personally, I think washing ropes is a waste of time. Unless it was stepped on in the sand and you have reason to believe gravel is embedded in your rope, don't bother washing it. Some people think it extends the life of the rope, but I doubt it's much, if any.

Thanks guys. By the way its the new England equinox which from numerous reviews say it kinks easily and is very stiff. I think the main problem is it just isn't confidence inspiring to have a dirty kinky rope.

markie mark wrote:I think the main problem is it just isn't confidence inspiring to have a dirty kinky rope.

Sounds as if we have different tastes.

the equinox is known as a stiff rope ... many maxims are ...

on the other hand they are also known for being durable as hell ...

mammuts are also known for being quite stiff ...

Frozen mammoths are even stiffer.

Dirty and Kinky? Are we still talking about a rope or my ex wife?? Just kidding personally I only wash my rope if it gets mud on it and once when it smelled terrible from being in the rope bag for a long time and i was using it in the gym. To me washing it often would shorten the life of the rope. Try keeping it on a rope bag if your not already to prevent gravel and grit getting into the fibers.