9.8mm Sterling VR9 Single Dynamic Rope

A Note About Ropes

A rope might be the single most expensive individual item you purchase for outdoor climbing. The gym ropes you may be used to are often 10mm in diameter and made to take abuse. 10mm ropes are heavy, durable, and will last longer with proper care than smaller diameters. However, the climbing industry is moving rapidly toward smaller and smaller diameter ropes. Smaller diameters are great for saving weight, packability, and pliability, however they aren’t great at taking abuse and have generally shorter functional lives especially in lead climbing. We offer dynamic single ropes in the 9.8-9.9mm range which gives you the best combination of durability, longevity, and weight savings.

Rope Buying Tips

• There is a trade off between rope diameter (7.8-11mm) and: price, weight, durability, longevity, and sometimes piece of mind.

• Low weight has two main advantages: 1) long or hard lead climbing, or 2) long approaches. If you are top roping or have short approaches paying extra may not be worth it.

• Terrain has implications. Some climbing areas are known for sharp or jagged rock—careful rope management coupled with a thicker rope diameter might make more sense.

• 60m or 70m? Typically 60m ropes will get you most climbs whether top rope, single pitch lead, or multi-pitch. That extra 10m is a hassle to deal with unless you need it. Guidebooks will usually let you know if a 70m is necessary to complete the climb and/or descend safely.

• Dry coating is typically standard on dynamic rope sheaths but optional in core material. Unless you are climbing in the alpine or ice don’t bother with paying extra for dry coatings. You are not climbing in the rain anyways.

• Compatibility with belay devices is something to consider. We always recommend reading the instructions with climbing gear and in doing so you will become aware that belay devices are optimised for the mid-range in rope diameters and may not be compatible with very thin or thick rope diameters.

• We only sell “single” dynamic climbing ropes. There are other versions that you may come across as you gain experience or search the web. Single, half, double, and ropes rated in multiple categories are available. Single ropes are the standard and perfect for most endeavours.