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lwink
Mar 7, 2007, 8:39 PM
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HI, I'm getting ready to invest in my first rope, and wanted to see what everyone thought about different sizes/brands/types etc. I realize this is mostly opinion, but please just let me know what you guys think. I plan on doing some top-roping, especially for a while. I also have hopes of moving into more sport climbing by summertime and don't want to invest in two ropes, so I know dynamic is the way to go. What sizes would you all recommend? I am thinking about a 9.7 (mainly because I've found a great deal on a bluewater lightning pro) -- would this be an alright rope? Thanks
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kane_schutzman
Mar 7, 2007, 8:49 PM
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Holy crap, how many of these threads are going to pop up. Please use the search. Your first rope, might as well get a thicker one. REI has a mammut flash 10.5 on sale3 right now. Check it out
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markc
Mar 7, 2007, 9:02 PM
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I have to agree with Kane. If you had typed 'buying a rope' in the search box in the upper right corner instead of a new subject line, you'd find more information than you can handle. Please try a search and do a bit of research before asking a basic question. In my opinion, a 9.7 is a little thin for an all-around rope. Toproping abuses the hell out of ropes. A better all-arounder would be 10.3 - 10.5 mm x 60 m. Gear Express has a sale on a 10.3 x 60 Edelweiss for around $120. Not a bad deal.
(This post was edited by markc on Mar 7, 2007, 9:04 PM)
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boku
Mar 7, 2007, 9:29 PM
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BoKu recommends the Beal Edlinger II 10.2. Reasonable thickness and weight, pretty durable, great price: http://www.backcountry.com/...-II-10.2mm-Rope.html (link expires soon) Mine's now in its fourth season, and still looks pretty good. It's been all the rope I've needed for my gumby years.
(This post was edited by boku on Mar 7, 2007, 10:22 PM)
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bobruef
Mar 7, 2007, 9:32 PM
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I'll second the reccomendation for the Flash. I've got one and love it. 150 bucks is a terrific deal for that rope, and the superdry version, no less. That Gear Express edelweiss 10.3x60m dry rope was my first rope. It is eternally on sale. It was that much when I bought it more than two years ago. I think the mammut rope is infinitely better quality. I was satisfied, but not impressed w/ the edleweiss rope (compared to others I've climbed on). Top-roping will wear out your rope FAST, so maybe the 9.7 isn't your best option. Mammut ropes are generally regarded as having above average durrability.
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shorty
Mar 7, 2007, 9:39 PM
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lwink wrote: HI, I'm getting ready to invest in my first rope.... I plan on doing some top-roping, especially for a while. I also have hopes of moving into more sport climbing by summertime and don't want to invest in two ropes, so I know dynamic is the way to go. What sizes would you all recommend? I am thinking about a 9.7 (mainly because I've found a great deal on a bluewater lightning pro) -- would this be an alright rope? 1) IMO, your first rope doesn't have to be the most expensive rope out there. Find a reasonably priced rope (preferably one that's on sale), and go after it. 2) Many of us TR'd the heck out of everything in sight during our early days of climbing. TR'ing and skinny ropes don't mix. Don't worry too much about a little extra weight when you start leading, unless you expect to be climbing at least 5.13 in your first year. 3) Rope diameters are a rough gauge on rope "thicknesses", but weight in grams per meter is really the key. If one weaves more nylon into the rope, it will weigh more, last longer, and stand up to abuse better. You will most likely abuse you first rope -- TR'ing is hard on ropes. 4) B/W's 9.7 weighs 61 gr/M. It's a great rope (IMO), but could be a little light for extensive top roping. A number of rope reps recommend you start with something in the 65-70 gr/M class, then replace it down the road with something in the 60-65 gr/M class when you retire rope #1 and if you want something lighter (you probably will). Bottom line -- You really can't go wrong with the Lightning Pro, especially if you have a good deal on one. But I think you could go with a slightly beefier and cheaper model for your first rope. Also, talk to partners or friends who have purchased & retired a number of ropes -- mileage over rock counts for something.
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lwink
Mar 7, 2007, 10:41 PM
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sorry about that, I didn't know that such a feature existed, I will definitely use it in the future. Once again, I apologize and thank you for your recommendation
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ja1484
Mar 7, 2007, 11:00 PM
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I don't think this question has ever been asked before.
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kane_schutzman
Mar 7, 2007, 11:10 PM
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Are you kidding? Anyways, its no big deal, and sometimes I ll say screw the search too. Just know its there because you can get your answers instantly. The Flash was my first rope and it is kickass. I bought the first one, then my second was a Flash too since I was so happy with it. My third is still a mammut. High priced, but you can get good deals, that rei deal is great, and I think there is a discount you can get.
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tradrenn
Mar 9, 2007, 12:51 AM
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Kane don't be a dick man. Do you like when people try to help you ? ( instead of giving you shiet ) I would also like to recommend a Beal rope to the OP but I like Top Gun. That rope will survive 250 lead falls before it goes "less dynamic"
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kane_schutzman
Mar 9, 2007, 1:03 AM
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ja1484 wrote: I don't think this question has ever been asked before. WTF, Please tell me how I am being a dick? The first part of my responce was to the quoted comment. Second, I even tell the op that its no big deal and sometimes I do it too. I then recomended a rope, then I came back and told him where he can get it for cheap. But if in some way anything I said came off harsh, then I am sorry.
(This post was edited by kane_schutzman on Mar 9, 2007, 1:12 AM)
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ja1484
Mar 9, 2007, 1:34 AM
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I have to say I've been watching this with a bit of glee, and I find it a bit frightening that anyone would even have to ask "are you kidding?" to the aforementioned comment.
(This post was edited by ja1484 on Mar 9, 2007, 1:34 AM)
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kane_schutzman
Mar 9, 2007, 1:37 AM
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With some of the people on this site, you have to ask.
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catbird_seat
Mar 9, 2007, 6:37 AM
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My friend Jens said it best. When it comes to ropes, "buy cheap and buy often".
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granite_grrl
Mar 9, 2007, 6:34 PM
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bobruef wrote: I'll second the reccomendation for the Flash. I've got one and love it. 150 bucks is a terrific deal for that rope, and the superdry version, no less. I'll third this vote. The Flash was my first rope and I can't seem to kill the bugger! It has gotten a little fatter, but it doesn't matter 'cuase its only used for TRing and TR soloing now. If you're only using it for rock then you don't need to pay extra for the dry treatment. After using it for a while (esp on rock) it wears off.
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rockguide
Mar 10, 2007, 10:04 PM
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lwink wrote: sorry about that, I didn't know that such a feature existed, I will definitely use it in the future. Once again, I apologize and thank you for your recommendation Awesome! the usual response is a misspelled flame about wanting an answer, not a suggestion to find other people's answers. Welcome!
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craghag
Mar 10, 2007, 11:14 PM
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Registered: May 30, 2004
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Another vote for Mammut Flash........
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