Thoughts on Low-E rope for TR

I unfortunately had my first real climbing injury in November.  I was originally told I wouldn't be climbing for over a year, but due to successful PT, determination, and I assume some reasonable fitness, my PT guesses I should be able to return to the climbing gym in about 4-5 more weeks of PT.  Ill be very weak on my dominant side, and I don't expect very much, but I miss my gym friend group and my routine.

I also assume that if I am in the gym in March, Ill be able to get outside late spring/early summer.  and while I've never enjoyed all-day TR'ing I think it'll be the best option for me.  Any thoughts on getting a dedicated Low-E rope for what might be a full year of TR-only climbing? Is it worth the investment? does it make a difference in working moves/climbs?

Never heard that term before, but I would say that I always prefer a tr on a static line and if I were in your position I would definitely buy one. 

I have not climbed it, but I could definitely see a swing potential and stretch would be a moderate concern.  I think a good option would be a semi-static gym rope (shorterish) for TRing.  Whether it's worth it or not is ultimately up to you, but with a snug belay and directional placements put into key sections on the rap, a standard rope would probably fare you just fine, from what I can tell.  

Definitely helps to have a LOW Elongation rope, aka static line.

Make sure that it has at least 3% elongation. You don't want the polyester ones that have zero stretch, it makes any fall uncomfortable.

Just weight the rope before climbing and get the stretch out first. No need to consume.

M Mobes wrote: Just weight the rope before climbing and get the stretch out first. No need to consume.

I love my static line, it will last me the rest of my climbing life.  Dynamic ropes are a pain for TR solo.

Depends on how often you plan to climb on it. I got 150 ft of semi-static rope (mammut 10.0) when I started tr soloing for less than $100. If you plan to do a lot of tr, it could save wear on your dynamic ropes and limit stretching. The main benefit to me is that a fall just above a ledge on tr with a dynamic rope could result in hitting the ledge due to the stretching, on a semi static rope you wont have to worry about that. Then again, this benefit is largely relevant because I only tr solo when trying to push my limits in terms of climbing ability, otherwise I lead solo if I'm climbing alone. 

If long enough you could  tail it up on multi-pitch for your double rope rappels. Static lines are useful for walls, canyon descents, fixed lines and clearing the roof of snow.

Question

Sounds like there are static ropes and semi static. Is it okay to TR on static too?

What is an example of a semi static rope that would be a good choice for TR? Do they come with dry finish?

Dave Olsen wrote: If long enough you could  tail it up on multi-pitch for your double rope rappels. Static lines are useful for walls, canyon descents, fixed lines and clearing the roof of snow.

Question

Sounds like there are static ropes and semi static. Is it okay to TR on static too?

What is an example of a semi static rope that would be a good choice for TR? Do they come with dry finish?

All static lines have some stretch. But for TR solo application, a 3.5% elongation is preferable to something less than that. You can use for top rope as well. 

For a double rope rappel, use a tag line for weight savings instead of a very heavy static line.

"instead of a very heavy static line"

That's what the second is for, carrying the pack and the rap line.

I have seen some static lines 8 and 9 mm,

Also saw a 6mm tag line, so that has to be lighter for sure.

Dave Olsen wrote: "instead of a very heavy static line"

That's what the second is for, carrying the pack and the rap line.

I have seen some static lines 8 and 9 mm,

Also saw a 6mm tag line, so that has to be lighter for sure.

I used to climb with my wife a lot, so the tag line was better for marital bliss, cause that thing weighed next to nothing. 

I have a chunk of 9mm static that I use for rigging, but it is also quite heavy compared to my 7mm tag line.

could be a solution if you do decide to go that route, especially if you find someone to split it with (only one in stock is 200m). For $215 + shipping and a little bit of emailing Backpacking-United/s CS team it's a pretty sick deal.

You could post in your local gym for older ropes in the 9.6-10mm range. Obviously inspect the living shit out of them but most people just use older ropes that the stretch is mostly out of instead of buying dedicated semi static ropes for TR or TR soloing. That petzl is nice Aidan but pretty pricey for such a niche thing.

Zach D wrote: That petzl is nice Aidan but pretty pricey for such a niche thing.

I dunno; anything close to $1/meter is a pretty good deal IMO.

That deal is way too good ... "200 m" has gotta be a typo, that's pretty much a spool. Nobody will sell you a full spool of anything for $215.

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If your belayer is competent and your TR routes don't involve swings or serious overhangs, a static will be just fine.

But seriously, why not use a beefy dynamic and try not to fall for the first 6' or so? That rope would be so much more versatile.

Nick Hatch wrote: That deal is way too good ... "200 m" has gotta be a typo, that's pretty much a spool. Nobody will sell you a full spool of anything for $215.

Many places won't even include them in their free shipping deals... 

I’ve sourced 100m spools for about $1.30/m.  The 200m was $261 shipped. 

Aidan Raviv wrote: This semi-static rope from our friends at Pretzel could be a solution if you do decide to go that route, especially if you find someone to split it with (only one in stock is 200m). For $215 + shipping and a little bit of emailing Backpacking-United/s CS team it's a pretty sick deal.

There is a Microtrax on the site for $52, which is about half what I paid BITD.

Deals are too good. Scam site?

is that website full of too-good-to-be-true deals?? makes me shushpishush.

Sterling ReVO would fit your use. I wouldn't lead on it.