Review: Yale Imori

Yale Cordage has developed and incorporated a new type of taslanized (textured) fiber into the rope structure which provides bulk, and therefore an enhanced grip for better ergonomics. This fiber is blended with a 100% solution dyed filament polyester into the construction. This unique blend allows the fibres to be exposed on both the outer sheath and also on the inside of the sheath providing more friction to the inner core which helps to minimise excessive elongation while providing a superior unsurpassed grip for the climber.

11mm ropes have been on the market for a few years now and have always received mixed reviews. They are smaller and lighter which offers many benefits, but this often means the arborist finds it harder to grip than a traditional 12-13mm rope(although grip will naturally develop in a short space of time). You may think in the grand scheme of things that a lighter rope really wouldnt make much difference when climbing. This can be true, depending on what type of climbing system you are using. For the advanced hitches(valdotain, knut, distel etc) or mechanical devices such as the Petzl ZigZag or art devices the difference is remarkable, with less weight to pull when slack tending, rope drag around the tree is reduced significantly, particularly noticeable on larger trees…..and indeed, unless you have used an 11mm rope and subsequently moved back to a 13mm rope you probably wouldn't appreciate the difference.

Yale may just have overcome this hurdle thanks to the unique manufacturing process with the Yale IMORI tree climbing rope, which now offers climbers the lightweight feel and performance of a 24 strand line but with the grip of a 13mm. IMORI comes in 2 colours, Orange and green, giving those users wishing to colour co-ordinate their ropes a little extra scope.

I have had a couple of years climbing on the Yale Imori since my original review and am still generally happy with the rope.  It does have a tendency to stay damp longer, possibly due to how the fibers have been fluffed up.  I have tackled some pretty big trees during my time on this rope. Milking has been minimal(if at all), and the general feel of the rope lives up to what id expect from any Yale line. The IMORI definitely prefers a harder friction hitch cord as i've found some of the softer double braids do grip a little too much and generate a fair amount of heat.  I have unfortunately not had a chance to try the rope with mechanical hitches as yet.  Watch this space though!

To summarise, The IMORI should suit the needs of climbers using all the currently available rope sizes, but in my opinion is particularly aimed at 13mm users. I would suggest anyone who struggles with narrow diameter tree climbing lines may be interested in trialling the Yale Imori.