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Who would buy an old rope?
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billcoe_


Jun 1, 2006, 4:05 AM
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Who would buy an old rope?
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I saw this on e-bay, recognized the pattern of a rope I had retired 15 years ago, it turns out this guy had retired it 11 years ago and is selling it used and retired anyway, after it's had 5 falls and is well used.

Why would somebody buy a rope like this? There are currently 9 bids.

I think I need to put my recently retired Maxim, complete with 2 big visible ugly white core shots, up for auction and see what I can get.

This is what the guy says:

"Mammut Flex 11mm x 50m Rope

This is a Mammut Flex 11mm x 50m climbing rope that was purchased at REI in 1991 or 1992. It is in very good condition, with very slight fuzz to the sheath. There are some spots along the rope that are somewhat fuzzier, but nothing that I would call even medium wear. The core feels structurally intact, and there are no flat spots anywhere along its length. This rope was used for top roping, lead climbing, and rappelling. It has seen fewer than 5 lead falls, and has been unused and stored indoors since I retired it in 1995. While it is in great shape, it is old and should not be used for a life support line. Hauling, towing, knotting, and lashing--much better ideas. Feel free to contact me with any questions!



DISCLAIMER: This is used climbing gear. Please do NOT bid if you do not have the skill or experience to evalute its condition and determine appropriate use. Due to this rope's age, I cannot and DO NOT recommend it for climbing use. If you are looking for a rope for climbing use, buy a NEW rope. This item is sold AS IS, and I cannot accept returns. Be safe.

Shipping: This item will be shipped via FedEx Ground within 1 business day of payment received. Once the item is shipped, I will email you with a package tracking number. Please contact me if you prefer a different carrier."

WTF? is going on with this?


weasel


Jun 1, 2006, 4:12 AM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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An uninformed gumbie. *waves*

My first rope, I bought used. It'd only been used once or twice, but I trusted the guy and it turned out to be a really good rope. hell I was 8, give me a break.


Partner angry


Jun 1, 2006, 4:18 AM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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I was considering giving away a few ropes on craiglist. All are newer but in way worse shape. I was hoping someone could use them to make rugs or some shit.

Remember he said that it's probably not a good idea to use as a climbing rope.


happybob


Jun 1, 2006, 4:19 AM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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Well he did put a very informative disclaimer on there. Climbing ropes are very strong and useful, and if it is substantially cheaper than a new one, it would be of good deal for hauling or other things someone might need a strong rope for that doesn't involve death if it breaks.


treez


Jun 1, 2006, 4:19 AM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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I buy used ropes from our local gym for use at work or on the boat.

He's pretty up front about the history IMO.


rockguide


Jun 1, 2006, 4:27 AM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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I have sold old ropes to ranchers and ropes course builders (for tying together structures, not belaying).


moose_droppings


Jun 1, 2006, 5:12 AM
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He's quite upfront and honest about its condition,
In reply to:
While it is in great shape, it is old and should not be used for a life support line.
Then goes on to suggest some uses for someone who might buy an old rope,

In reply to:
Hauling, towing, knotting, and lashing--much better ideas.

Seems like a, better than most, ad for ropes on EBurn


weschrist


Jun 1, 2006, 5:44 AM
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people who handle horses LOVE old climbing ropes. I make quite a bit of my initial rope expense back when I sell it to my uncle's friends once I have retired it.


billcoe_


Jun 1, 2006, 6:11 PM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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OK, this rope, which was RETIRED from climbing 11 years ago, and sold for $100 new at REI on sale 15 YEARS AGO, just sold for $50.01 and had 15 bids.

Anyone want a retired 11 year old Maxim with 2 core shots for..........ummmmmmmmmmmmmm.......say $45.00?

Which just proves once again that one mans trash is another persons E-bay score.


redlegrangerone


Jun 1, 2006, 6:42 PM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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Horse people do in fact like climbing ropes. I remember the day I came home and all the horses had new ropes that looked exactly like my new climbing rope. :shock: :shock: Stupid woman made $5 lead lines out of a $200 rope. :evil:


up_up_up


Jun 1, 2006, 7:09 PM
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i have seen peopel make some sweet rugs out of them! idk.. if i would pay that much though...


redpoint73


Jun 1, 2006, 7:16 PM
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Holy crap, it sold for 50 bucks?!??!?

I have 3 retired ropes I can sell for at least $150 total, right?

Hell, I can probably make a living by collecting retired ropes and selling them on Ebay!

God, people are stupid. REI had a 60m Edelweiss 10.3mm dry rope on sale a couple weeks ago for $109. A much better deal than buying someones sketchy, gank, beat-up, 15 year old, used, 11mm, 50 m piece of crap on Ebay for $50.


billcoe_


Jun 2, 2006, 4:18 AM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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In reply to:
Holy crap, it sold for 50 bucks?!??!?

I have 3 retired ropes I can sell for at least $150 total, right?

Hell, I can probably make a living by collecting retired ropes and selling them on Ebay!.

Yup, looks like we're all about to get rich. Check this, and try to be nice will ya if you decide to post.

http://www.rockclimbing.com/...hp?p=1388971#1388971


blake_wrinn


Jun 2, 2006, 6:26 AM
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The rugs do turn out pretty sweet. but i would rather have the memories of a huge wipper or something when i looked at the rug... not the memory of winning an auction. haha


treez


Jun 2, 2006, 6:31 AM
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In reply to:
Yup, looks like we're all about to get rich.


I don't know what it's like where you live, but I'd have to sell two ropes a day to be able to afford to get out of bed. I wouldn't quit your day job.


thetroutscout


Jun 2, 2006, 11:08 AM
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Re: Who would buy an old rope? [In reply to]
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There are many uses for a strong rope other than climbing. I sold one of mine to a school to use for rigging scenery in a play they were doing. Boaters use them. Boy scouts use them. I've seen people walking their dog with climbing ropes. I use them camping for tarps and such. Or just make a rug. I would buy an old rope but never use it to climb.

^^ike


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