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Best starter rope?

Original Post
TaylorNkailey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 0

Im looking into getting my first rope and and this point the choice i have would be static or dynamic. im anticipating on doing alot of TRing on this first rope and eventually some trad or sport climbing. should i just get a dynamic for future progress? what are the best brands? width/length?

David Appelhans · · Broomfield, CO · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 410

A 10.2mm 60 meter dynamic rope will hold up to lots of wear and still let you lead on it. You don't need a super skinny (9.4mm or under) rope especially if you are just starting out. A 70m will possibly make a few more climbs available to you, especially sport climbs that are 35m long and require a 70m rope to lower from. A 70m is more expensive and weighs more, so my advice it to get a beefier 60m rope first, and then later if you want a 70m rope you can get something a little skinnier (lighter but generally less durable).

Personally I have had great experiences with Edelweiss ropes. They make a well priced 10.2mm 60m that I use as my go to rope.

Daniel Wade · · Oakland, CA. · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 55

Sterling dealers carry a product called the VR10. It is an Evolution Kosmos 10.2 non-dry 60M. Usually goes for about $140. Awesome rope. backcountry.com/sterling-ev… You can try Adventure 16 stores in SoCal.

Pete Muffoletto · · Oakland, CA · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 45

Get a dynamic 60meter rope in the low to mid 10ish range for a first rope. Sterling, Mammut, Bluewater, Maxim, and Petzl, all make great ropes.

Static lines, usually designed for anchors and a rappel tag line/haul line.

Yes, you can top rope on a static line and it will hold up over the test of time. BUT, there really isn't too many reasons to own a static line. It is harder on you and harder on your equipment and the anchor as you mitigate little to no force.

Further, I'm sure as you know, NEVER lead on a static line. you will pull gear out of cracks and potentially pull bolts out of walls. Also, you will destroy your internal organs.

Like I said, not too many reasons to own a static other than to build larger trad anchors or as a tag line depending on its diameter.

Mason G · · Anacortes, WA · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 110

I bought a New England Equinox as my first rope in December and IMO can't be beat for the price. I haven't found any other dynamic dry ropes for the price. I'm new so I don't much to compare it to, but I don't notice any difference between it and the more expensive ropes my partner has, other than the fact that his are more broke in than mine.

As for static/dynamic, I would definitely get a dynamic rope. Even if you plan on TR'ing for a while, you may run into someone with more experience willing to teach you, do some leading, multipitch etc... Just .02 from a noob.

rei.com/product/735478/new-…

Rob Selter · · running springs Ca · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 125

Check out backcountry.com, and don't go sub 10mm your going to trash that thing.

bearbreeder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 3,065

are you in canada? ... if so ...

lacordee.com/eng/product/te…

tendon 60m 10mm dynamic rope ... 99$, add a biner to make it over $100 than use coupong Natur3 for 15$ off ... its an 85$ rope

ive used mine for well over 800+ pitches now of trad, sport, TR, with the mandatory whippers ...

Steve86 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 10

I wouldn't top rope on a static line. Sure, you could if you really had to with a super attentive belayer but it's still asking for trouble.

As someone else mentioned, static lines are mostly used to either build top rope anchors or in haul systems/rescue systems. You absolutely should not buy a static line for what you intend to do.

Peter Pitocchi · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 70

A static line is very dangerous for leading, and if its your first rope a bicolor 60 or 70 dynamic line is your best choice. However a static line can be a good choice for toproping if that's alll your going to use it for, since the first few moves on a climb will be less scary for the climber without the additional rope stretch. Not usually a big deal though. Probably best to go dynamic. I really like bicolor.

TaylorNkailey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 0

Thanks for the tip on moose jaw jake! The code didn't work but I ordered one any way, not too bad for 145 out the door.

Emmett Lyman · · Stoneham, MA (Boston burbs) · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 480

Avoid a static rope... you'll be leading before you know it, and then you'll never touch the static line again. 60m NE Equinox is a great price, especially at an REI or EMS 20% off sale (which happen regularly).

Auto-X Fil · · NEPA and Upper Jay, NY · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 50

I'll just pile on and say something in the 10mm to 10.5mm range, 60m length.

It'll wear well and last a long time, and you can do anything with it. You'll end up with a bunch of ropes as you climb more, but a 10.2 60m will always be your go-to rope for TR'ing and most cragging.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Auto-X Fil wrote:I'll just pile on and say something in the 10mm to 10.5mm range, 60m length. It'll wear well and last a long time, and you can do anything with it. You'll end up with a bunch of ropes as you climb more, but a 10.2 60m will always be your go-to rope for TR'ing and most cragging.
I'd avoid the 10.5. That was my first rope, and the ONLY time it comes out now is just when we have a big group top roping. Other than that it never gets used. I'd recommend putting that money to a 10-10.2 that you can TR and lead comfortably with. Auto X's advice on the 10.2 is spot on...
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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