Mammut Eternity Classic 9.8mm vs Bluewater Icon 9.1mm

I'm trying to make a decision in between these ropes. I've finally broken down and decided I need a 70 meter in addition to my 60. My objective is to get at least a moderately lightweight 70 that'll last me and won't break the bank. I've found deals on both of these ropes but I'm not seeing many user reports on the Mammut and while the Icon has plenty of people who love it I'm having a hard time believing it'd be as durable as the 9.8 mammut - though it sounds like an amazing rope. I also had a bad experience with my first rope (a bluewater) when it wore out rather quickly, so I'm hesitant to buy one again.

Royal wrote:I'm trying to make a decision in between these ropes. I've finally broken down and decided I need a 70 meter in addition to my 60. My objective is to get at least a moderately lightweight 70 that'll last me and won't break the bank. I've found deals on both of these ropes but I'm not seeing many user reports on the Mammut and while the Icon has plenty of people who love it I'm having a hard time believing it'd be as durable as the 9.8 mammut - though it sounds like an amazing rope. I also had a bad experience with my first rope (a bluewater) when it wore out rather quickly, so I'm hesitant to buy one again.

I wasnt too happy with Bluewater either. Go with the Mammut. I've probably owned every major brand out there. The Mammut 9.5 Infinity is probably the best all around rope on the market, in my opinion.

Well I just got an Icon 70m, never had a real skinny rope but figured this one was worth a shot because of all the raving reviews. Can't commit on it's durability for a while though until it gets some use. We shall see! Comparing it in my hands to the bluewater 9.7 I have, it's definitely skinnier, but a little stiffer/more solid feeling than the 9.7, which is actually a little too soft for my tastes.

I would agree that the mammut 9.5 infinity is a fantastic rope, I have one that lasted a looong time and climbed all over the country with me. I haven't tried the 9.8 eternity.

Really think about your intended usage for this rope, that may help the decision. Top roping/running laps at the crag all day with a short approach? Icon doesn't make much sense here. Long routes with big approachs, long pitches, some difficult climbing, and a confident second (who won't be hanging the whole time)? That's what I got the icon for, cuase the lighter weight might actually be noticeable.

Another to check out is the bluewater Wave 9.3. I climbed on a friend's a couple weeks ago and it felt plenty solid for cragging, and is only 1 gram/meter heavier than the icon. Kinda wish I'd got it instead...

I've had the Icon for almost a year now. The ropes held up really well and hasn't shown any wear. The Icon has been used for TRing, ice, alpine and long trad routes... Maybe 70 days? Maybe more. I don't wanna BS. I use the Bluewater everyday of ice season. The dry coating has held up well too.

I can't knock any Mammut dry rope though. I Still have a 10.2 for TRing that's gotta be six years old now. Great rope!

I would go with the Icon if you're looking for a light weight skinny rope.

I"ve got the eternity classic. I've been climbing on it for about 4 months (sport, trad, top roping, and multipitch), mainly on southern sandstone. It's a soft rope and gives a good soft catch. It's showing some signs of wear, but nothing major--certainly well within the "normal" range for how much I've climbed on it. It's not the thinnest or lightest rope, but it does everything pretty well and it's cheap.

Thanks folks! I decided to go with the mammut. The icon sounds amazing, but I'm not sure I climb hard enough to justify that skinny of a rope.