PMI ARETE 9.7
On paper, the PMI Arete is a perfect rope for me: thin, light (62.6 grams/meter), strong (8 falls) and a few bucks less than ropes of similar size.
Unlock this article and more benefits with 50% off.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
40% Off Outside+.
$4.99/month $2.99/month*
Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures.
- Map your next adventure with our premium GPS apps: Gaia GPS Premium and Trailforks Pro.
- Read unlimited digital content from 15+ brands, including Outside Magazine, Triathlete, Ski, Trail Runner, and VeloNews.
- Watch 600+ hours of endurance challenges, cycling and skiing action, and travel documentaries.
- Learn from the pros with expert-led online courses.
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
Price | $177 for 60 meter www.pmirope.com
3 stars
On paper, the PMI Arete is a perfect rope for me: thin, light (62.6 grams/meter), strong (8 falls) and a few bucks less than ropes of similar size. Its performance, however, wasn’t up to snuff with other PMI cords we’ve used here at the mag.
At first, the rope clipped well and fed easily, but after two weekends of use—albeit with many longish falls and dogging sessions—I had to cut both ends of the Arete due to core shots. Sure, I fall a lot, so it’s normal for me to wear through ropes quickly. Still, I was surprised by how quickly I wore out the ends of this rope: In two months of weekend-only use, I cut the ends off the Arete five times.
If working routes isn’t your cup of tea, the Arete will be a good, inexpensive choice (note that I used the non-dry treated; a dry version is available for $20 more.) It never kinked up and was easy to rap on. But as a dogging cord, check out PMI’s other burlier ropes, such as the 10.2 Spire or the 10.6mm Cirque.
Read Maxim Chalkline 10.8mm climbing rope review
Read Edelweiss Laser 9.6mm climbing rope review
Read Mammut Tusk 9.8mm climbing rope review
Read Sterling Nitro 9.8mm climbing rope review