Ropes

[carllo]

Hi all, just completed CS38, looking to get some basic kit together, choosing a rope is the first obstacle. I'm not intending to do a lot of climbing, but where do I start?

[Steve Bullman]

What climbing method are you going to be using 

[carllo]

Hi, will probably be the method learnt on training, friction hitch/cord, hitch climber style. Until I get some experience.

[htb]

XTC is a good all rounder and easier on the hands as 13mm. If going to go mechanical hitch then you need thinner rope such as tachyon, blue tongue, both nice feel or drenaline harder on the hands. I am using blue tongue on hitchclimber and drenaline on spiderjack and tachyon on sidestrop.

[carllo]

Ok, thank you, I shall peruse the usual websites and look at this.

[carllo]

Had a bit of a nose around, Marlow ropes seem to be very popular Also what is kernmantle rope?

[htb]

Never liked marlow ropes in the past, might have changed now though.

[Steve Bullman]

1 hour ago, carllo said:

Had a bit of a nose around, Marlow ropes seem to be very popular Also what is kernmantle rope?

Kernmantle is generally rock climbing rope. Unlike arb rope, most of the strength is in the core 

[Joe Newton]

Only inbreeders and communists buy Marlow

 

XTC is a solid first rope, go for it. No point spending loads until thou know what you like.

[Gnarlyoak]

I'd have to agree with the other recommendations here for XTC. As a newbie you cannot go wrong with a Yale XTC rope, absolutely bomb proof and very forgiving especially if you're going to stick with the friction/prussic hitch style until you a get a bit of climbing experience under you're belt.

XTC is a great all-rounder, Marlow is a bit marmite, you could love it or hate it and not understand why without having tried something else.

 

As a general rule, 13mm rope best for friction hitch style and sub 12mm for mechanical syle climbing. Whatever you choose have fun and stay safe.