Arborists

actionarborist wrote...

Tensile strength is not the best criteria because not all ropes are their ?true? advertised diameter. A slightly larger or fatter rope will have a higher tensile but might not fit in some ascenders. Tensile can also be confusing because some manufactures will publish the lower spliced tensile strength, while others will publish the higher number from a cap wrap test. I think durability performance and knotholding are the critical things to look for. Just because you can splice a 12 strand hollow braid climbing rope doesn't mean that it's going to climb like a 16 strand.

Posted February 08, 2007

actionarborist wrote...

Know the Ropes

Various types of fibers and construction as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Constructions include single braid, double braid, parallel core, and kermantle.

Single braid is hollow in the center, able to absorb a lot of twist and not kink. The down side is that it flattens out easily, has a mushy feel and poor durability. A typical 12 strand climbing rope falls into this category.

Double braid features a braided cover over a braided core. It has good balance between strength, durability and resistance to kinking. It is most commonly found in lowering lines and slings. Double braid tends to be relatively expensive and wears out quickly in a natural crotch.

Parallel core has a braided cover over a braided core. It is higher strength and lower stretch than a double braid. This firm rope resists flattening, has better durability and works well in both a false and natural crotch. The down side is that it is a stiffer rope and is a bit harder to knot.

Kermantle has a braided cover over plied core bundlers. This type used to be referred to as 16 strand.

Posted February 03, 2007