10 Best Climbing Ropes in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Mammut Infinity incorporates the workhorse attitude that perfectly exemplifies what a top-quality climbing rope should look like. The 9.5-millimeter thick cord can withstand the pesky outdoor conditions. It can easily stay persistent for countless days at the crag to assist the climbers.

While it may not be the strongest suit, it certainly gets a decent score when it comes to handling. Mammut Infinity climbing rope feels slightly stiff and difficult to make shape bends compared to softer products. However, it feels exceptionally sleek and smooth out of the box, thanks to the dry coating. Although it fades out after a while, the tight weave remains for a long time to deliver excellent handling.

In terms of durability, the Mammut Infinity sets itself apart from the rest of the climbing rope. Generally, 9.5-millimeter ropes are not so robust and long-lasting. However, the 2x2 tight weave of the sheath in this workhorse seems to make it an exception. It features a sheath proportion of 40 percent, which ensures there are plenty of fibers in them.

In addition to that, the dry treatment also tends to add in the durability of the sheath. It features a dual dry treatment inherent, which, according to UIAA tests, indicates that both the core and the sheath include an absorption rate of less than 1.5 percent. Unfortunately, the treatment does not seem to last much longer and tends to wear out quickly.

Mammut Infinity weighs 59 grams per meter, which is the roughly average weight for 9.5 millimeters ropes. While the weight does not seem that bad compared to other thicker models, it certainly is not the most lightweight option in the market either.

With 8.4 kilonewtons impact force and 30 percent dynamic elongation, this climbing rope also renders comfortable falls. Even when you go through some massive whippers, this rope surprisingly does not allow any plummets and simply stays comfortable all the time. Although the 6.5 percent static elongation is relatively low, it certainly is not the deal-breaker.

Sterling Evolution Velocity is another outstanding all-around climbing rope you can lay your hands on. Although it does not hit the list of the alpinists who are looking for a lightweight option, it certainly appeals to tons of climbers for its persistence to take a little more abuse.

For a thicker climbing rope, the Sterling Evolution Velocity has great handling. Even for 9.8 millimeters rope, it feels smooth and clips easily. It features a tightly woven sheath that allows this climbing rope to slide over the rocky surfaces and through belay devices with ease.

Compared to other similar products, this rope is undoubtedly superior when it comes to handling. One minor downside of this rope is that it features factory drum coils. If you do not uncoil this rope carefully from the outset, it can soon turn into a dreadful experience to untangle it.

Sterling Evolution Velocity comes with 8.8 kilonewtons impact force, 8.6 percent static elongation, and 26.4 percent dynamic elongation. This combination offers exceptional catch performance for this climbing rope. 

This product also has a roughly average weight for a 9.8 millimeters rope with a weight of 62 grams per meter. If you compare this rope with products that are 9.5 millimeters or less in diameter, you’ll notice a significant amount of weight in this climbing rope.

However, when it comes to durability, the Sterling Evolution Velocity is up there among the best. This climbing rope features a tightly woven sheath that adds up to 35 percent of its total weight. 

Honestly, there are very few products on the market that can take as much abuse as this climbing rope. It is exceptionally robust, runs fairly smoothly over rough surfaces, and resists abrasion. There is no doubt that the thick diameter of the rope adds up to its lifespan.

Edelrid Boa Eco is an environmentally-friendly climbing rope made of recycled yarn leftovers. The 9.8-millimeter rope comes with colorful patterns and offers superb handling performance. The versatile climbing rope is well-suited for sport and trad climbers, especially for those who prefer single pitch adventures.

This climbing rope is mostly admired for its exceptional handling attributes. With a diameter of 9.8 millimeters, it has a sort of soft, smooth, and supple feel, which is strikingly easy to thread into belay devices and to tie knots into. Unlike other ropes, the soft and smooth feel of Edelrid Boa Eco does not wear out that quickly. It is most likely due to its Thermo Shield treatment.

Out of the box, this climbing rope comes in an attractive and unique rainbow color pattern. Although it loses most of its luster after a little while, it does not seem to attract heavy dirt. Initially, it seems to get dirtier than other products, most probably due to the lack of dry sheath treatment. However, in the long run, it seems to stay resistant to dirt.

When it comes to durability, the Edelrid Boa Eco performs just above average. Compared to some of the best climbing ropes, this seems to wear out much quicker and cause severe damage to the sheath. However, its core seems to stay concealed, even after heavy uses. 

Although you may notice a bit of fuzziness on the sheath after a few uses, it won’t be substantial for you to worry about. Even after rough uses, it will still have plenty of life in it! Edelrid Boa Eco uses high-quality, recycled yarns that are leftover from the production of previous ropes. Therefore, it has been an admired choice for eco-conscious climbers. 

The yarns are not recycled from used ropes. Instead, they are new and unused yarns in reserve from the rope making process. Since the process is not always consistent, each batch of this climbing rope has a unique individual pattern. In addition to that, it also includes a black middle mark to help you find the halfway point easily.

Edelrid Boa Eco excels in both sport and trad climbing when it comes to single-pitch cragging. With excellent handling, durability, and its ability to withstand serious abuse on a day to day basis, this climbing rope has consistently appealed to single pitch climbers.

Weighing a mere 55 gram per meter and with 9.2 millimeters diameter, the Petzl Volta is an excellent choice for long climbing sessions. Therefore, it is one of the top choices for alpine climbing and multi-pitch cragging. It’s hard to find any climbing rope that is this light, skinny, and robust.

In terms of handling, the Petzl Volta ranks amongst the very best. It is one of the softest and most supple climbing ropes you’ll like to get in the market. Not only is its soft and supple texture comfortable to use, but it is also straightforward to manipulate while tying knots or when shoving it through a belay device.

However, it is not woven tightly, unlike other similar models. While the dry coating treatment makes it smooth and slick out of the box, it does wear off over time and might become slightly rough against the skin. However, it still does not affect the suppleness of this climbing rope.

For a skinny rope like this one, the Petzl Volta exceeds its expectation for durability. With that said, this climbing rope does not withstand the level of abuse 9.5mm or 9.8mm ropes will be able to do. It comes with 42 percent sheath proportion, which is among the highest for a climbing rope.

Weighing only 55 grams per meter, the Petzl Volta marks the lightest climbing ropes in the list. Compared to thicker ropes, the difference in weight feels truly significant. Not only that, but this climbing rope is a multi-type rope with a single, half, and twin line used. However, the most ideal way to use this product is as a single rope.

Besides, this climbing rope is also quite stretchy with exceptional catch performance. With 8.6 kilonewtons fall force and 33 percent dynamic elongation, it stands along with some of the strongest ropes that are known to catch when the lead falls. However, with 7.5 percent static elongation, this cord tends to stretch if you put more weight while top-roping or seconding.

Petzl Arial is a high-performing 9.5-millimeter climbing rope that weighs 58 grams per meter. Frankly, it delivers quite surprising results in various aspects such as weight, catch, and handling.

Initially, this climbing rope feels slightly stiff and slippery. However, after a couple of uses, it quickly softens up and feels comfortable. The Petzl Arial performs exceptionally well when it comes to handling. This climbing rope is a top choice for belaying and quick clipping.

Not only that, but this rope can take massive whippers like a champ. The Petzl Arial will guarantee a soft catch, no matter how you fall. It offers quite a bit of stretch to make sure that the fall is soft and comfortable. 

Unlike other ropes, you are not likely to notice any difficulty in the catches after the first fall. It comes with an impact force rating of 8.8 kilonewtons and 32 percent dynamic elongation.

Weighing a mere 58 gram per meter, the Petzl Arial is another lightweight climbing rope in the list. It weighs about 6 grams less than some 9.9-millimeter ropes. You may not notice much difference if your approaches and pitches are shorter. However, it makes a significant difference in longer pitches and hikes.

When it comes to durability, the performance of Petzl Arial is slightly above average. It is constructed by a process called Ultrasonic Finish, where core and sheath are bonded together at the end to enhance durability. 

Not only that, but it also features Duratec Dry treatment, which makes this rope resistant to water, dirt, and abrasion. However, it has a lot of sheath fuzzing and wears off relatively quickly compared to the top-rated climbing ropes. Apart from durability, the performance of this climbing rope will simply surprise you.

BlueWater Eliminator is technically a workhorse climbing rope with a thick diameter of 10.2 millimeters. However, it is surprisingly light for a workhorse category. If you’re into a thick climbing rope, but weight is a major concern, it's tough to come by a rope as light as this. Not only that, but it is also much nicer and smoother to handle on the crag.

Weighing 64 grams per meter, this stands on the light side. While it may not seem like light enough, but for a rope of this diameter, this is exceptional. Generally, ropes of this category weigh around 66 grams per meter or more. Although you may not notice much difference in shorter pitches and approaches, you’ll definitely appreciate the axing of a few grams in longer hikes.

With a fall force of 8 kilonewtons and dynamic elongation of 31.7 percent, this dynamic rope has an exceptional catch. It features a durable braided sheath and shock-absorbent core to reduce the fall pressure while taking a whipper. It ensures soft catch every time you lose your footing and fall off the cliff. Additionally, this rope allows you to rappel and lead, thanks to the 60-meter rope length.

In terms of durability, the BlueWater Eliminator nails a decent score. Although the threads in the sheath seem to fray after a couple of climbs, it still holds up considerably well. While it may not last as long as premium climbing ropes, the thicker sheath of the BlueWater Eliminator also lasts remarkably well.

Although this climbing rope is categorized as a workhorse rope, it is surprisingly versatile for all types of climbing. This rope is thick and sturdy enough to withstand non-stop jugging and top-roping on the massive walls. Likewise, it is also smooth and supple enough for sport or multi-pitch cragging.

Even though Black Diamond recently started designing climbing ropes, they already are one of the top sellers in the market. Most climbers are likely to appreciate the performance and handling of the Black Diamond 9.9mm. If you’re looking for a climbing rope for indoor purposes, this has to be your go-to product without a doubt.

Overall, this rope has a decent handling performance. Out of the box, the Black Diamond 9.9mm is exceptionally smooth and supple. It also feeds through the belay devices quite conveniently and takes the knots effortlessly. However, it does tend to lose a little smoothness and suppleness over time. Nonetheless, it does not get uncomfortably rough or stiff.

Besides, the Black Diamond 9.9mm also gets a good score for the catch. It comes with 8.4 kilonewtons impact rating, 32 percent dynamic elongation, and 7.6 percent static elongation. Every fall feels soft and comfortable without too much stretch for safe top-roping. Most beginner climbers will appreciate how this rope has managed to balance the soft catch without being too stretchy.

This climbing rope feels a bit heavier compared to other similar products. To be honest, it does not make a significant difference while climbing indoors. However, if you’re packing to scale a longer route, you might start to feel the difference.

When it comes to durability, it gets an above-average score. Don’t get it wrong! This 9.9-millimeter rope is inherently more durable compared to other products. However, it does not have a dry treatment or bi-patterns, which feels like a snag. 

Even as a non-dry treated rope, it does not seem to wear out that often. The major problem is that it accumulates a lot of dirt when used on dirty routes. However, if you’re planning to use it indoors, it works just fine.

BlueWater Lightning Pro is a 9.7-millimeter climbing rope designed for those who do not want to spend a hefty buck on the gear. It offers excellent sheath-to-core balance and is well-suited for many high-end endeavors like sports or extreme alpine climbing. Most climbers will admire its performance when it comes to belaying or clipping.

Out of the box, this climbing rope is soft, smooth, and supple. On top of that, it does not lose its suppleness, unlike most climbing ropes, and maintains its consistency for a long time. 

The clips of BlueWater Lightning Pro are also relatively quick, effective, and effortless to slide into any belay devices. However, one annoying thing about this rope is that it tends to kink while rappelling and lowering.

On paper, this climbing rope has top ratings for the catch, which means every fall should have been soft and comfortable. But, to our surprise, the catches felt a bit hard and jarred, considering such a high rating. It comes with a 7.9 kilonewtons impact force and 34.9 percent dynamic elongation. However, the catch performance does not seem to justify those numbers.

In terms of weight, the BlueWater Lightning Pro weighs 61 grams per meter. For a thick rope with a diameter of 9.7 millimeters, this BlueWater Lightning Pro lands on the lighter side. The weight of this climbing rope is about the same as most 9.5-millimeter products. 

Nonetheless, this is certainly not the lightest rope in the market. However, subtracting the few extra grams, this climbing rope makes a significant difference on longer routes.

One considerable downside of the BlueWater Lightning Pro is that it lacks durability. Compared to some top-rated climbing ropes, the strength of this product is quite disappointing. It tends to take quite a bit of sheath damage after a while. 

You are likely to notice a lot of fuzzies and significant fraying on the rope. But keep in mind, that the BlueWater Lightning Pro is the most affordable climbing rope in the list. So, even though this product falls short in a few departments, it is still a fair deal.

With the rope diameter of only 9.2 millimeters, the Mammut Revelation is one of the skinniest climbing ropes out there. Similar to all other Mammut ropes, this model is also tightly woven, smooth to handle, and delightful to use. 

It features dry treatment in both sheath and the core to stay protected against water and enhance longevity. This climbing rope is undoubtedly one of the top choices for multi-pitch and alpine climbing.

Like any other Mammut rope, the Mammut Revelation Dry feels slightly stiffer than super supple and soft models. Therefore, it is comparatively difficult to manipulate and bend it through the rappel or belay devices. 

This climbing rope feels slick and smooth, thanks to the dry coating treatment. After a while, however, the treatment wears off and makes the rope feel rough and stiff. As a thin and skinny climbing rope, the Mammut Revelation Dry slides through the belay devices effortlessly, the same as any other top-rated rope.

When it comes to durability, the Mammut Revelation Dry bags a decent score. This climbing rope can not compete against the bomber all-around 9.5-millimeter models. However, for its diameter, it performs fairly well. 

It can last you a long time, especially if you avoid sport climbing and use it in low abrasion terrains. This climbing rope comes with a 36 percent sheath proportion, which is surprisingly good for the rope of this diameter.

It lacks a bit of strength because it has a lower percentage of sheath fibers compared to the 9.5-millimeter ropes. So, after a few heavy uses on abrasive rocks, you might notice a bit of fuzziness. Not only that, but the dry coating and the middle marker also wears off relatively quickly, which is a bit disappointing.

Even though the Mammut Revelation Dry is one of the skinniest climbing rope in the market, it is not light enough compared to its competition. In fact, at 57 grams per meter, this rope is too bulky for its diameter. 

Although it does not make much of a difference in short sessions, you might want to consider a lighter option for longer climbing sessions. This climbing rope offers a decent performance if used in low abrasion and abuse situations.

In terms of catch, this climbing rope delivers moderate performance. It neither feels extremely jarred, nor does it feel super soft, it simply feels alright. Mammut Revelation Dry comes with 8.3 kilonewtons of fall force along with 31 percent of dynamic elongation. 

Compared to a thick rope, this skinny model tends to stretch relatively farther when top-roping or seconding. However, the difference is not significant and quite negligible to be fair.

Edelrid Boa Pro Dry is a workhorse of a climbing rope with a diameter of 9.8 millimeters. While it delivers decent overall performance, none of them are exceptional in comparison to its competitors. This climbing rope comes in a variety of choices, including dry coated, standard, bi-pattern weave, and exclusive eco version. In general, this climbing rope is an above-average product.

Initially, most climbers will be impressed by how good this rope feels on their hands. It simply feels soft, smooth, and supple without any stiffness. However, after using it for a few times, the softness and suppleness tend to wear off. It becomes more and more kinky and stiff with every use. After a while, this does not feel as comfortable and easy to feed.

If you take a look at the numbers of this rope on paper, it indicates 8.9 kilonewtons of impact force and 34 percent dynamic elongation. As per the paper, this climbing rope should have a comfortable, soft catch. 

Not only that, but it also has the highest UIAA fall rating compared to any other ropes on the list. However, the catch does not feel noticeably different than most of its competitors. Even while taking massive whippers, the catch does not seem as soft and comfortable as expected.

Weighing 63 grams per meter, the Edelrid Boa Pro Dry has an average weight for a 9.8-millimeter product. If you’re looking to save a few grams, it is better to consider skinner ropes. While you will not notice a significant difference on single-pitch climbing, you find a remarkable difference on long multi-pitch adventures. But, if the marginal bulkiness does not bother you, you’re good to go with the Edelrid Boa Pro Dry.

To be fair, this climbing rope has poor durability. Considering its diameter and built material, we had a much higher expectation from this product. However, it seems bang-average when it comes to durability and longevity. 

After using it a few times, you’ll start noticing a bit of fuzz. Bear in mind that this rope is a workhorse with 9.8-millimeter diameter! And for such a workhorse to wear off so quickly is disappointing.