Light Rope

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Light Rope

Postby TreeClimber » Mar 19, 2014 3:13 pm

So I'm looking for super lightweight rope (the lightest I can find), and the climbing gear expert at Europe bound suggested I use the 9mm bluewater accessory cord. Do you think this is safe? It says it's rated to 3600 lb/foot.
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Re: Light Rope

Postby Scott McCrea » Mar 19, 2014 3:17 pm

It depends. What are you planning to do with it?
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Re: Light Rope

Postby TreeClimber » Mar 19, 2014 3:23 pm

I'm planning on using it for SRT tree climbing. I'm using the RAD system with a gri-gri 2 and a petzl ascension if it matters. But I'm not going to be taking any falls on it.
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Re: Light Rope

Postby Scott McCrea » Mar 19, 2014 3:42 pm

I wouldn't use it. Strength is not everything. That Bluewater stuff is cord. You want rope. There is a difference. The weight difference will only be minor. The safety difference will be huge.
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Re: Light Rope

Postby TreeClimber » Mar 19, 2014 3:47 pm

Thanks for replying so quickly!

Do you have any other recommendations? Bear in mind my equipment - the Gri-gri 2 takes 8.9-11mm, but I'd prefer between 9-10.3mm
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Re: Light Rope

Postby Scott McCrea » Mar 19, 2014 4:07 pm

A static 9mm rope should fit your wants. There are lots to choose from, but I always recommend PMI.
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Re: Light Rope

Postby LukeM » Mar 20, 2014 8:37 am

If you can get some Beal 9mm Spelenium it's very lightweight though I don't think you'd notice the ~2 g/m difference between that and other 9mm static ropes.
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Re: Light Rope

Postby Anonymous_Coward » Mar 20, 2014 9:39 am

Just sayin... but 8mm rope is lighter than 9mm :shrug:
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Re: Light Rope

Postby chh » Mar 26, 2014 6:24 pm

A lot depends on what Treeclimber is going to do after he reaches his TIP. Are you going to use this rope also as your work line/playing around line? Or is this just an access line? Are you using only SRT treeclimbing techniques (i.e. ropewrench, hitchhiker, etc...) or are you using DRT once you reach your TIP and changeover? Really static ropes and particularly different sheath/core combinations work very differently with a split tail or especially an old school blake's DRT system.

Also, tree climbing ropes (particularly static access lines) are usually exposed to much less wear and tear than american caving ropes where the "pad, chuck, and go" technique seems to rule. That's why we use 11mm :)

Also, Treeclimber, ditch that RADS system unless you like extra work. I think it should just be called the ADS, 'cause there's nothing "rapid" about it.

Feel free to PM me if you want, I'm a caver, but I'm also an arborist. Or keep it here. I'm all for cross-discipline learning. Just keep in mind that what might work in the finer points of caving might not work best for you and your situation, especially when it comes to rope choice. Climbing systems, probably. Work systems, no.

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Re: Light Rope

Postby bladerunnerevan » Apr 7, 2014 1:47 pm

Bluewater Canyon Pro 8mm
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