Gear recommendations: tag line that can also be rapped on

I recently got a new rope for alpine climbing (Edelrid Swift Protect Pro) that is 60m. Looking to do a few climbs this coming season that are set up for 60m twin rope rappels. Looking at tag lines, I figured I would get something that is a bit more burly that can be rappelled on (as opposed to some 4-5.0 mm cord that will be for only pulling the weight bearing line). I like the idea that if my main climbing rope was to get messed up somehow, I could rap on my tag line. I also generally find it easier to rap doing a double stranded rappel (the tag line and the main rope tied together) as opposed to doing a carabiner block and a pull. 

For this use case, I was looking at the Sterling 7.0m Tag Line. Pretty cheap, fairly light, seems pretty bomber and comes in a 65m length. Any other recommendations? I initially was looking at the Edelrid Rap Line Protect pro which seems like a great rope but also maybe a bit more tech than I need? I have also heard iffy reviews on its durability. The bonus there though is its dry treatment so it could be used for glacial travel. That is certainly not a huge priority for me but could be a nice bonus application?

Any experiences, thoughts, and product recommendations are welcome!

So many solid choices in this category as of late.

Personally, I have and use a 6mm line for this sort of purpose (generally as the second line in a double rope rappel, primarily for a pull line, but doable to rap on its own in a pinch/as a backup). Petzl has a few good options, but Arete just released some really new interesting cords that would fit the bill - sold at HowNot2. Stronger and cheaper than the Petzl Rad or Pur. They have a variety of material types and diameters and are all sold by the foot.

I just bought 60m of the Armadillo (their highest tech cord) in 6mm and am happy with it so far. https://hownot2.com/products/arete-armadillo-cord

I also have the Arete Alligator in 4mm to use solely as a pull cord and it's been a robust and quality choice in my few outings with it.

Petzl pur line is always your friend

Asher Mashudawrote:

Petzl pur line is always your friend

I was under the impression that it is too slick to rappel on alone and can only be used as a tagline based on what petzl says.

I've been using RAP LINE for quite some time, and it's shown similar wear and tear to other ropes. However, it's a bit heavy for a tagline. Another good option is EDELRID's tagline (5mm).

I have a Maxim Personal Escape Rope. At 7mm and just under 5lb for a 70m, there are def lighter options but I too wanted something that I could rappel on in a pinch. What I’ve really come to love about it is how easily I can double rope rappel with it. Pairing it with a 9.2-9.8 rope allows for smooth rappels joined with a simple EDK. Furthermore, I thread the Escape rope through the anchors before joining the rope for two reasons: the escape rope is quite stiff (think almost like braided cable) and when it comes down after pulling through the upper anchors, it deflects from the wall and seems less likely to get stuck. However, in the off chance it does, no sweat, I now have my dynamic rope in hand to relead up if need be

Edelrid's 6mm rap line has a "dynamic safety reserve" so it can be used as a twin rope to lead back up and free a stuck rope, etc. Seems like a nice feature, and it isn't any more expensive than pur line/rad line. Extra cut resistance too, like your swift protect pro.

Esprit APER is what you want. Stiff 6mm. Creeps a tiny bit but not much when you rap with it and a 9.8mm. 

RandyLeewrote:

Esprit APER is what you want. Stiff 6mm. Creeps a tiny bit but not much when you rap with it and a 9.8mm. 

Do you know where you can buy this line? A quick google search and looking around the website doesn't show me it

Colter Mwrote:

Do you know where you can buy this line? A quick google search and looking around the website doesn't show me it

The Esprit APER has been impossible to find for years, and the Maxim PER (also nylon and very stiff) is unfortunately 7mm, which is too bulky IMO. I've been happy using the Imlay 6mm pull cord, which is grippy but not too stiff, so you have to add extra friction to it or it will creep while rapping. Since it's just polyester, the manufacturer also says it's not strong enough to rap on directly (though people have definitely survived). I haven't used it, but I think the Arete Alligator cord is a good option because of the higher strength and possibly better abrasion resistance than the Imlay. I have some of the Armadillo cord mentioned above (used once), and it's nice but very slippery, maybe as bad as PUR line.

The RLP all the way. Yes it fuzzes up after some use, but that’s mostly cosmetic. You can rappell it single strand and you can lead on it if you have to.  No need for fancy knots or biner blocks. We simul-rap long multi’s, just bring extra underwear. I rap on it with a grigri and hollowblock backup. 

The guys over at The High Route did a pretty awesome write up on almost of the skinny static ropes out there. I'll include the link but it might be behind a pay wall. However, the subscription is worth it they put out lots of good stuff. 

https://the-high-route.com/the-skinny-rope-data-crunch/ 

RandyLeewrote:

Esprit APER is what you want. Stiff 6mm. Creeps a tiny bit but not much when you rap with it and a 9.8mm. 

Fact check: true. Best rap line I've encountered (must admit to not using the RLP yet). believe the listed weight is 4.25lb for a 70m, in the 6mm Esprit APER. Stiff AF, which makes it rap more like a 7.5 in the hand. Use double biner on your ATC and it raps just fine when paired w/ a lead line. Hard to find but they occasionally pop up here. If someone really wants one, I'd consider letting go of a 60m.

The owner of Esprit is lovely woman.
Email them about the APER coradage, you'll get a response.

Mr Rogerswrote:

The owner of Esprit is lovely woman.
Email them about the APER coradage, you'll get a response.

I got on the "waiting list" like 2 years ago and haven't heard a peep....

Every tag line can be rapped on if you're brave enough.

evan freemanwrote:

I got on the "waiting list" like 2 years ago and haven't heard a peep....

Man that's a bummer. Wonder if theyre having business woes...
They are a very small outfit. Maybe the juice isnt worth the squeeze for that product for them or somtin'. Bummer.

This could be helpful - https://the-high-route.com/the-skinny-rope-data-crunch/

If anyone wants the email address that I used for the Esprit Aper, dm me. I would post it but I don’t want it getting picked up for spam.

I don’t remember where I got her email. I bought mine up in 2020, it was a quick turnaround, the owner was fantastically communicative. I bet she would at least give a good idea how long it would take to get one. I’m VERY happy with it.

Daniel Patrick Smithwrote:

Every tag line can be rapped on if you're brave enough.

This. ^^^

And practice your planned rap config with a backup to be sure you can make it work.

Most of the public thinks climbers are crazy. Rapping on, say, a doubled 6mm Imlay (my vote) is next level crazy. It probably shouldn’t even be discussed in a public forum.

Petzl rad line. But it ain't cheap.