Climbing Ropes

[Sponsored by Sterling]

This thing is slick.

We take a look at one of Sterling's more advanced rope options.

Black Diamond released its rope line in January, offering a total of 13 new cords. At 2.1 ounces per meter, the 9.2mm Full Dry is the lightest of the single ropes, designed for use in any season.

The Corbie features a robust three-part treatment process. Both the core and sheath fibers are treated with Edelrid’s DryShield treatment, as well as ProShield, which bonds microscopic Teflon particles to the nylon fibers to increase strength and water resistance.

Unlike Americans, climbing ropes are getting skinnier every year. Take, for example, the new breed of ultralight ropes for sport and alpine climbing: the Beal Opera, the Edelrid Corbie and the Mammut Serenity.

With a diameter normally reserved for half ropes, the Opera is the skinniest single- rated rope on the market and the first to break the mythical weight barrier of 50 grams per meter.

My first fall on Petzl's new rope, and what I now consider the aptly named Arial, was looooong. As I continued to test the Arial, I grew accustomed to the bungee-like catch. I also fell in love with the rope's remarkable handling.

Field test review of Trango Diamond 9.4mm climbing rope.

Field test review of the Millet Opposite TRX 9/10, a rope that is part 9mm for redpointing, and part 10mm for working a route.

I’ve been whipping on the Climax all summer and fall, and still have yet to trim an end, which to me is as amazing as a car that never needs its gas tank filled.