buying ropes s one of the biggest purchases you will make as a climber. They are one of the most expensive pieces of equipment and there is so much choice on the market it can feel overwhelming.

We are here to help you navigate this process and make it easier for you to find the best rope for you. We will go over some terms and options that you should be aware of and the sizing you need to consider. Then we will look at the options you have when it comes to material, colour, braid type, UIAA falls and length.

Tied and True: Navigating the Top Rope Suppliers for Your Project

There are two types of fibres used to make climbing ropes – natural and synthetic. Each has its own characteristics which make it a better or worse option for a certain application. Natural ropes have a higher stretch which means they can be used for longer periods of time than synthetic ropes. However, they are heavier and are more sensitive to damage.

ROPE WEIGHT

The amount of weight the rope has determines how well it will perform and how long it will last. It also makes it a lot easier to handle and will have an impact on how the rope feels in your hand.

UIAA FALLS

The UIAA falls number indicates how many large dynamic fall a rope can take before it needs to be retired. It is a good idea to buy a rope with this number as it will give you an indication of how robust your rope is.