Lightning Pro 9.7 mm DoubleDry Rope

I have a Lightning Pro that I've thrashed on many hundreds of pitches over about 5 years and its still going strong. Early in its life it took a nick, probably from some sort of alpine rock issue, but I cut that section off and it's been going strong ever since! My 2nd Lightning Pro I've started using regularly, and just took it up the Nose In a Day. We lead, hung, aided, and jugged on the thing. There was essentially no sheath damage from such an abrasive day. I'm sure I'll be getting another few years out of this excellent rope. Thanks Bluewater! You've earned yourself a return customer and someone who tells EVERYONE to buy this rope!

I have not climbed this cord in a few years, but owned one when they first came on the market. At the time Blue Water was ahead of it's time making a super light cord single twine that was THE favored choice for high alpine routes here in Colorado. Light, durable and realiable I would buy again.

I have had this rope (bi-color version) for about 2 years. It has seen a lot of use, and it has stood up to the test. Mostly leading on rock (trad), and a bit of leading and some toproping on ice. Have been climbing an average of 5-10 days a month. The rope is just now starting to show signs of wear, getting too soft, doesnt feed well through belay device. No sheath damage, except for a slight graze from a crampon point, but i certainly can't fault the rope for that.
Now its time to replace it, and will mostly likely get another lighting pro, or another Blue Water Skinny single line.

Here's a photo of my Lightning Pro taken about a year and a half ago:

http://www.briankboyd.com/Images/bw_97.jpg

I noticed the sheath damage on the first day out with this rope, after about four pitches. The sheath was cut through completely on one side, and a large chunk of the core was pulled out. I had been climbing in Sedona, which isn't the most abrasive rock in the world. No leader falls, but some hanging on the lead, one or two rappels, and a couple of falls on TR.

I called Bluewater the next day, and offered to ship them the rope for testing. I also offered to send them all of the product tags that came with the rope, in case lot numbers might be helpful for QC. BW promised to have someone get back to me, and they never did, even though I sent a follow-up in writing.

From the other reviews, my experience seems very atypical. This was my first Bluewater lead rope, and I've since gone back to Beal.

I have been using this as my sport rope for about a year now. In contrast to my Beal Booster, it's a bit stiffer and lighter, but seems to tangle less. I don't like the fact that it doesn't come with a mid point mark.