Rope size for SoCal

I'm getting ready to start sporting outdoors and I've been poking around climbing areas on MP and it seems you don't really need a rope longer than 50-60M for single-pitch sport in NJC, JT, Holcomb Valley, etc. However, I would like to have a longer rope for when I eventually make my way to bigger routes in the ORG. But then again, I don't want to flake 80m of rope or carry that around everywhere I go, buuut I also don't want to buy one rope now and a second a year down the line when I'm ready for longer routes. Did anyone else face these same considerations, and what did you choose? Considering 60m ropes are still decently large investments, I'm probably close to just biting the bullet and buying the 80.

I have a full quiver of ropes for SoCal climbing. 30m, 40m, 60m and 70m. I don't climb at the ORG so I haven't needed an 80m. If I had to only get one it would be a 70m as a lot of the rappels are setup for single rope rappels. It really depends on where you plan on climbing though. I'm more of a multi pitch trad dad, long and easy climbing. Also, look for ropes on sale, you can get really good deals. You will eventually have multiple ropes. And finally, tie knots in the end of your rope.

Michael Bwrote:

I also don't want to buy one rope now and a second a year down the line when I'm ready for longer routes. 

Why not?  It's not like it's going to go "bad" in the timeframe that you'll be using them. Don't you think you're going to be climbing enough to wear out two ropes out over a ten year period? I typically wear mine out in 2-4 years.

For local SoCal stuff I typically bring my 60 which is a 9.5.  My 70 is a 9.2.

phylp phylpwrote:

Why not?  It's not like it's going to go "bad" in the timeframe that you'll be using them.

Fair enough, I'm just considering the economic cost of two ropes. But you are right that their cost does seem more reasonable when you consider their lifetime is measured in years. Mine would probably last a while as once-weekly use is the most I'm looking at.

A 60 is good 95% of the time in So Cal but there are more than a few routes where a 70 is required.  I would start with a 70, use it for a year and cut the worn ends down to a 60m after a year and buy another 70m at that time.  

If you are looking to buy one rope, buy a 70. This will cover most routes you are likely to encounter. An 80 is seldom needed, though Pine Creek has some routes were it would be handy.

If you can only get one rope, a 70 is what I'd choose. I have 3 60s, a 70, and an 80. The 70 comes with me 80% of the time

You want a 70m

If you're going to buy one rope, buy a 70 meter. 

But if you're sure you'll be climbing for years to come, it's honestly nice to just buy what you need, and buy the next one when you need it. 

I have 60, 2x70 and 80 meter ropes and I just use the most appropriate rope at the appropriate time. I always have the right rope for the job, and my ropes don't wear out nearly as fast. 

The council has spoken. 70m it is.