Are some kinky ropes just “unkinkable”?

Recently got an Edelrid hummingbird 9.2 dry and it’s been super kinky and almost unusable at times. I’ve done the “hang it from an atc and pull through starting from the same side” multiple times, each time I’ve pulled the whole rope length through 6+ times. It got a bit better but some sections just won’t unkink. Rarely have even lowered off an anchor with it (mainly used for multipitch). None of my other ropes have stayed kinky like this so I don’t think it has anything to do with me belaying etc. Have you ever had a rope that just wouldn’t unkink and you had to retire early? 

Certainly. I had an Edelrid rope that would continuously kink. It got to the point where even when tied in to both ends for multis the rope would get so twisted it had trouble passing through pro and would get stuck on every flake, that caused us hours in delay one trip and I promptly returned it. I think it's an issue of the core getting detached or otherwise twisted inside the sheath.

I've had a Beal rope that was similar, just wouldn't unkink no matter what. 

Freehanging raps, fig 8's, clove hitches, I've tried everything to untwist it. 

I thought this was a double entendre… 

Fully expected the first comment to be “ I had a girlfriend like that once”.

Was really disappointed when I read the whole “pulled it through an ATC thing”… 

That being said, it does sound like a safety issue. 

Many types of ropes and they all handle differently. Some handle much better then others, usually reflected in the price.

I’ve never heard of pulling a rope through an atc to get twists out and am honestly dubious of its effectiveness.  

The best method I’ve found is to hang the rope as a toprope with an anchor setup that isn’t gonna add twist (ideally just a couple biners that meet and definitely not some separated ring setup).  pull the rope till one side is off the ground.  Hold the side that is on the ground, then with your other hand repeatedly tug and twist the side that is off the ground.   Do this for awhile then pull the rope through so the other side is off the ground and repeat the tug and twist.  Repeat the whole cycle a few times.  You should be able to tell by the ropes sheath pattern  if you have gotten all the twists out.  

What you do in the very first instant when you take it from it’s packaging matters a lot. Different companies do things differently which makes a difference as how to deal with it.

The only real way I know to fix things down the line is to go somewhere like a playing field where you can full extend the rope. Tie off one end and run down its length a few times as it untwists itself. If it’s really twisted and kinked you may need the first run or two to be in increments from the loose end. A gentle lassoing action downwards with gravity may help, but it needs a mix of gravity and gentle tension, not running through more devices. It makes for a surprisingly relaxing hour. 

Agreed that gentle tug and twist makes for a surprisingly relaxing hour. I had a girlfriend like that once.

Mike T wrote:

Agreed that gentle tug and twist makes for a surprisingly relaxing hour. I had a girlfriend like that once.

You can’t buy love but you can rent enthusiasm

Mikey Schaefer wrote:

I’ve never heard of pulling a rope through an atc to get twists out and am honestly dubious of its effectiveness.  

I’ve done it a few times and have had success. I’m not saying it’s the best answer, but it’s worked for me.