10 Best Rock Climbing Rope in 2019

During a rock climbing or any other type of climbing, you need to use a wide range of climbing equipments like climbing harness, helmets, shoes, and ropes. Out of all these, climbing rope is a single most important rock climbing equipment.

A climbing rope is a thread that saves your life when you fall. So, it clearly states the necessity to choose the appropriate climbing rope depending on the type of climbing you are going for.

Almost all climbing ropes available in the market look similar. But it is their quality and the construction technology that makes them unique from others. So, before you make a pick you should look for its model, length, diameters, and the fabrics.

For that reason, I’ve compiled a list of the best rock climbing rope 2019 to help you find the perfect rope for your next adventure.

For the top climbing gear recommendations check out these popular articles: Harness, Backpacks, Climbing Shoes, Helmets

1. Mammut Infinity Protect Climbing Rope

The Mammut Infinity is among the popular climbing rope in the world as it fits any belay device. It is highly durable, lightweight, smooth and easy to handle. This is a reliable climbing rope that combines features of many climbing ropes in the same model.

Popular as “all-around” single ropes it is a rope with 9.5 mm diameter which is thin at the end. The Infinity comes with a Teflon coating with 40% sheath thickness. It also has a Teflon coating which handles a lot of wear and abrasion.

Mammut Infinity is highly versatile and offers good performance for different types of climbing. You can use it for gym, trad, sport, alpine, and multi-pitch climbing. Since the rope is lightweight, you can use it for long pitch climbing as well.

The rope blends center mark and bi-pattern along with extra feature like a variation in rope length (50 m, 60 m, 70 m, and 80 m).

In additions, this rope performs well in UIAA tests. It elongates up to 30% and bears a  relatively low impact force of 8.4 KN.  While the rope’s static elongation is 6.5%.

The only con of the Infinity is the costly price of this rope. However, the quality and its extra features beat the extra bucks.

Notable Features of Mammut Infinity Protect Climbing Rope

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2. Black Diamond Dynamic Climbing Rope

If you’re planning for top roping or gym climbing then Dynamic climbing rope from Black Diamond could be your perfect choice. Featuring a simplistic design, it is highly durable, lightweight and a comprehensive design.

It provides a soft catch while not being too stretchy for top-roping with 7.6% of static elongation. This feature helps to eliminate the risk of ankle injuries and thus make climbers feel secure.

The 9.9 mm rope is quite heavy and thick, but this makes it an excellent choice for newer climbers.

As this rope doesn’t come with a dry treatment, so if you do ice climb it wouldn’t be the best options for you.

It is so light that you can use it for multi-day mountain climb and top-roping.

Notable Features of Black Diamond Dynamic Climbing Rope

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3. Sterling Evolution Velocity Climbing Rope

Sterling Evolution Velocity climbing rope is among the best-sold climbing rope from the Evolution series. This long-lasting and efficient rope is among the popular choice of renowned athletes like Chris Sharma.

The Velocity rope is an effective rope for both rock and ice climbing and perfect for those looking for lightweight ropes. This climbing rope has the right amount of stiffness which keeps you stable during the critical clips.

Likewise, the core construction of this rope makes it water and dust resistant which thus increases the durability of the rope. This rope also has a tight weave of a sheath that makes up 35% of the weight of the rope.

The best feature of this climbing rope is its versatility while being strong, durable, and reliable.

This Velocity climbing rope meets UIAA tests for fall, impact force, and elongation as well. It is available in 60 m or 70 m lengths. Plus, it comes with six color options so you’ll get plenty of choices to choose.

Notable Features of Sterling Evolution Velocity Climbing Rope

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4. Sterling Marathon Pro Dry Climbing Rope

Some climbing trips demand a durable climbing rope that can handle lots of abrasion and abuse. If you’re looking for such multi-features and durable rope then Sterling Marathon is the best options.

The Marathon Pro is ideal for multi-pitch routes or any situation in which demands maximum durability. The sheath construction makes it durable and can help withstand lots of friction from gears or rough rock.

The 10.1 mm Marathon rope is quite thick. Despite its thickness, it clips and catches well. However, the thickness of the rope makes it heavier so it may not be a good choice for long approaches.

This model of climbing rope offers different lengths to satisfy any kind of climber in any environment, including the gym, the crag, and the mountainside. And it comes with lengths and color variations as well.

In last, this rope will catch your falls over and over again. If the rope’s weight is not your concern, this should be the ideal one for you.

Notable Features of  Sterling Marathon Pro Dry Climbing Rope

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5. PETZL- Volta 9.2 mm Ultralight Rope

The Petzl- Volta is an “ultralight” single rope with a 9.2 mm diameter which makes it a great options for long multi-pitch climbing, alpine climbing, and ice climbing.

This climbing rope is well-treated with a Duratec dry treatment to resist water, dirt, and abrasion. Also, this treatment provides a better rope grip so you will have no problem in rope handling in the wet and cold conditions.

The core and sheath of Volta climbing rope are uniquely bonded together at the rope ends by an ultrasonic process. This UltraSonic finish gives greater durability and avoids frayed ends

One of the notable features of this rope is it has climb ready coil. With this feature, you can easily avoid the initial uncoiling mistakes and thus increase the longevity of your climbs. Lastly, this rope has special EverFlex thermal treatment which stabilizes the core strands and improves consistency.

Notable Features of PETZL- Volta Ultralight Rope

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6. Sterling 9.4 mm Fusion Ion R Climbing Dynamic Rope

Sterling Fusion Ion R climbing ropes come with 9.4 mm diameter and 57 g / m weight.

It is ideal for a wide range of disciplines. Despite its lightweight, this climbing rope is incredibly durable. Its sheath proportion is 37%.

Also, as the tight weave of the sheath provides great handling you will experience a pleasant, soft, catch after falls.

Due to DryCore Technology, the Sterling Ion R climbing ropes can perform extraordinarily in all conditions. Also, this technology helps to keep away moisture which helps to reduce weight, prevents freezing and slow down the wear on the sheath. This key added feature gives you incredibly durable support.

Lastly, it is uniquely designed with multiple colored fibers into a single sheath-strand which is then braided the sheath to create the speckled pattern.

Notable Features of Sterling Fusion Ion R Climbing Dynamic Rope

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7. Petzl- ARIAL 9.5 mm Single Rope for High-End Climbing

The Petzl- ARIAL is a 9.5 mm single rope that is a good option for high-end climbing. This rope has a static elongation of 7.6% and a dynamic elongation 32%. Its impact force is 8.8 KN and it can withstand 7 UIAA fall.

This rope is dry treated which repels water in the wet conditions. There is a middle make at the center of the rope which alerts the belayer when they have lowered past the halfway mark.

Petzl treated this rope with Duratec Dry technology to resist water, dirt, and abrasion as well. As a result, it enhances the grip and rope handling t in cold and wet conditions.

Furthermore, the EverFlex treatment gives a prolonged grip and consistent handling by stabilizing the core’s strands.

The Petzl- Arial climbing rope also has an UltraSonic finish. The core and the sheath bind together at the end of the rope which offers greater durability and avoids frayed ends. Finally, the climb ready coil lets you open up the rope without any tangles.

Notable Features of Petzl- ARIAL 9.5 mm Single Rope

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8. Edelrid Boa Climbing Rope

If you’re looking for an indoor climbing rope, then this 9.8 mm climbing rope will be a perfect fit. It is relatively short with a 40-meter length which makes it an ideal options for gym climbing. The diameter of this rope is 9.8 mm which is the standard for sport climbing ropes.

The UIAA safety ratings are as follows: this rope has a dynamic elongation of 32%, a static elongation of 9.3% and an impact force is 8.8 KN. In UIAA fall tests, the rope withstands seven falls, which make it a trustworthy option for novice climbers.

Likewise, this rope features a middle market with two black lines along with Thermo Shield Treatment to improve handling.

However, the ropes lack dry treatment or sharp edge resistance. But these features are less necessary for indoor climbing. So you can overlook these features.

The simple design helps to keep the cost down. Lastly, these ropes are environment-friendly which are generally made from recycled yarn.

Notable Features of Edelrid Boa Climbing Rope

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9. Millet Opposite TRX Climbing Rope 9/10

Millet Opposite TRX climbing rope is for those who are into sport climbing or go cragging with two ropes. This climbing rope comes with two ropes in one with different diameters. Fifty meters of 9mm merge with thirty meters of 10 mm to create an ideal projecting line. Sounds great, right?

You can use the fat end when top-roping or for projecting since it is a more durable side. And once you’ve got all the moves, you can start off from the ground and try to top out without falling. And then switch the end and use the skinner side to reduce weight.

Moreover, the anti-friction treatment enhances abrasion resistance. This rope delivers more durability and offers more grip on rocky surfaces. It also has a middle marking which is an essential safety tool that prevents a shortage of top rope during downclimbing.

In addition, these Millet ropes are easy to maintain. If you use it carefully, it would definitely give you the best results and extend their life.

Notable Features of Millet Opposite TRX Climbing Rope

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10. Best Joker Golden Dry

The best Joker Golden Dry is another skinny climbing rope weighing 53 gm per meter,  slightly heavier than the Fusion Nano.

This climbing rope features with Unicore technology, where the uniquely bonded sheath prevents the sheath breaks.

The Beal Joker has two coating; Golden Dry and Dry Cover. Both processes coat each filament and then heat the rope to “polymerize” it. The only difference is that the Golden Dry treats both sheath and core whereas Dry Cover treats the only sheath. Further, this Joker has stretchy dynamic elongation which provides soft catch.

Since this rope has dry cover it protects the sheath of the rope from water, dirt, and dust. This feature improves handling and makes this rope ideal for all climbing including sport, trad, alpine, and ice climbing.

Notable Features of Best Joker Golden Dry

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10 Best Rock Climbing Rope in 2019 Comparison Table

Rope	Diameter (mm)	Weight (gm)	UIAA	Lengths (m)	Middle	Price
Mammut Infinity Protect Climbing Rope	9.5	59	7-Sep	60, 70	Yes	Check Latest Price
Black Diamond Dynamic Climbing Rope	9.9	64	6	35, 40, 60, 70	Yes	Check Latest Price
Sterling Rope Evolution Velocity Climbing Rope	9.8	62	6	50, 60, 70, 80	No	Check Latest Price
Sterling Rope Marathon Biathlon Pro Dry Climbing Rope	10.1	63	6	60, 70, 80	No	Check Latest Price
PETZL- Volta 9.2 mm Ultralight Rope	9.2	55	6	50, 60,70, 80, 100	Yes	Check Latest Price
Sterling 9.4 mm Fusion Ion R Climbing Dynamic Rope	9.4	57	6	40, 50, 60, 70, 80	Yes	Check Latest Price
Petzl- ARIAL 9.5 mm Single Rope	9.5	58	7	60, 70, 80	Yes	Check Latest Price
Edelrid Boa Climbing Rope	9.8	62	7	40, 50, 60, 70	Yes	Check Latest Price
Millet Opposite TRX Climbing Rope	10-Sep	56	9-May	80	Yes	Check Latest Price
Best Joker Golden Dry	9.1	53	6-May	60, 70, 80	Yes	Check Latest Price

Best Rock Climbing Rope Buying Advice

Choosing a thread that links your entire safety chain can be a little tricky sometimes. Unlike your climbing shoes, where at least you can try them on and use the tester holder in store, you can’t uncoil and climb or belay on a rope before you buy them.

So, you need to understand a couple of features of the rope and how you can handle it before you buy one. You must know about the length of the rope, its durability, and performance in the long-run.

Now, let’s start with the types of climbing ropes.

Types of Climbing Ropes

There are two types of climbing ropes: dynamic and static. Dynamic ropes are stretchable in nature to absorb the impact of a falling climber. Whereas, static ropes stretch very little which make them useful in the lowering an injured climber, ascending on a rope or hauling a load up. For this reason, never use static ropes for lead climbing as these ropes are not well- designed, tested or certified for the variation of loads.

In the market, you’ll get three types of dynamic ropes for climbing: single, half, and twin ropes.

Single Ropes

These are the suitable options for trad climbing, sports climbing, big-wall climbing, and top roping.

Single ropes are among the most common and simplest ones to use. So, this is most of the climbers choice. Single ropes come in different lengths, diameters and make them suitable for a wide range of climbing. In general, they’re easy to handle than other double rope systems.

The rope has simple designs where there is the mark of a number inside a circle on each end of the rope.

Half Ropes

These are great for trad climbing on multi-pitch routes, mountaineering, and ice climbing.

These half ropes are thinner usually between 8 and 9 mm. While climbing with half ropes, you’ll tie into the two ropes and the belayer runs both through their belay device.

You’ll find a double-rope technique in this rope. You have to clip alternately between the two ropes. If you do it correctly, then this will help the rope to run straight and parallel. As a result, there won’t be any rope drag. But at the same time, belayer has to pay extra attention to the rope management.

Twin Ropes

These are best for trad climbing on non-wandering multi-pitch rock routes, mountaineering, and ice climbing.

Twin ropes are quite similar to half ropes. These ropes have a two-rope system. But unlike half ropes, you need to clip both ropes into each piece for protection.

You can use these twin ropes as a pair instead of using them independently. They are the lightest double rope with a diameter as low as 6.9 mm. This feature makes it ideal for alpine climbing.

Twin ropes have some advantages like tying the two ropes together will allow you to go twice as far as you can go with the single rope. Also, if in case, one rope gets damaged during a fall these ropes provide redundancy.

However, to use this rope you need more skill and effort to manage as compared to the single rope. Because you’ll climb and belay with two ropes. Also, the combined weight of two ropes is heavy than a single rope.

Rope Diameter and Best Uses

After knowing the different types of ropes, the diameter of the rope is the another most important thing that determines the style and usage of ropes. Diameter has a lot of influence over the rest of features like impact force, elongation, and weight.

Generally, a rope with a less diameter is lighter. However, the thinner diameter rope is less durable and demands more skill to safely belay with. Thicker diameter ropes are more abrasion-resistant and have high-durability. If you’re top roping at the rugged rock, then you’ll need to the thicker rope. If you’re hiking long distances for multi-pitching climbs, then you’ll need a lighter rope.

Single ropes 10 mm and above

A rope with a diameter of 10mm or above is the best for gym climbing, frequent top roping, and big-wall climbing. In these styles of climbing, the rope can wear out faster so it’s wise to choose a thicker and more durable one.

Single ropes 9.5-9.9 mm

A single rope with a diameter ranges from 9.5-9.9 mm is good for the all-around use, including trad and sports climbing. These ropes are light enough to carry into the mountains and also durable for top roping at the local crag. They’re easy to handle and more durable than very skinny ropes.

Single ropes up to 9.4 mm

A single rope up to 9.4 mm range is very lightweight which makes it ideal for long multi-pitch climbs where weight is crucial. Despite this, skinny ropes do not hold as many falls as thick ropes. They are little harder to handle and less durable. So, if you’re planning for top-roping choose a thicker rope. You need to be aware that a skinny rope moves easily through a belay device. So, you need experience and attentive belayer to climb.

Half and Twin Ropes

The half ropes have a diameter ranges from 8 – 9 mm, while twin ropes range from 7 – 8 mm thick.

Static Ropes

Static ropes have a diameter ranges from 9 – 13 mm and is commonly measured in inches.

Rope Length

Dynamic ropes are available in many different types of length. Most of the rock climbing ropes are 40 to 70 meters long. In general, for most climbers, sixty-meter ropes are kind of standard. A 70-meter long rope will help to go for long pitches but it also weighs more and takes more space in your backpack.

Before choosing your climbing ropes, you need to be aware of the length of your rope and the length of your pitch as well.

For the gym climbing or for crossing the short sections of glaciers, you can use the short ropes. Normally, for the short climb or indoor climbs 40- meters rope is enough.

Dry Treatment

Dry ropes are saturated with a fluoropolymer-based solution to make them water-resistant. Water increases the weight of the climbing rope and reduces its strength and durability. For ice and alpine climbing, you need to use dry ropes. However, you can use non-dry ropes in other conditions. But a dry treatment helps to make a rope abrasion-resistant.

Weight

The weight of the rope is usually expressed in grams per meter. A lightweight rope will be a great option for long climbs. Sometimes you can compare the weight of two or more similar ropes from different brands especially when there isn’t the exact diameter info.

Bi-pattern / Middle Mark

Middle mark is one of the important rope features you need to consider especially if you’re top-roping, rappelling, or lead climbing. In this type of critical situation, you should know where your middle point is. And this is one of the easy ways to find the half point of a rope.

According to UIAA, the marked midpoint must be within 1 meter of the actual halfway point of the rope. There are two methods to denote the halfway point; a change of pattern and the introduction of a new color strand or new color strand in the sheath or simple black ink mark. The black ink is more cost effective but it’ll be less visible in long run.

Sheath Thickness

A higher percentage means a thicker sheath, which generally means high durability. For example, the Mammut Infinity has a sheath thickness of 40 percentage, while normally climbing ropes range from 35-38 percentage. However, a thick sheath is sometimes difficult to handle, so you need to find the right balance.

Standard Tests

The International Union of Alpine Associates (UIAA) is the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation that creates safety standards to which all climbing ropes must go through.

By using standardized tests, all dynamic ropes undergo testing and certifications. And the result includes fall rating, dynamic elongation, and impact force.

Falls

The UIAA tests the single rope, by tying an 80 kg mass at the measure section of the rope and dropping it repeatedly until it snaps. The rating indicates the number of falls. If the rope can’t withstand at least five falls then it is not approved.

Likewise, UIAA tests a half ropes with a 55 kg mass on a single strand. Similar to a single rope, the half rope should also withstand five falls. And the twin ropes are tested with an 80 kg mass on a double strand. Twin ropes must withstand a minimum of 12 UIAA falls

If the climbing ropes meet the UIAA fall rating standard they’re safe for climbing. A rope with a higher fall rating will last longer than a rope with a lower rating.

Dynamic Elongation

It is the number of the rope’s stretches after the first UIAA fall in distance. In general, higher elongation tends to a longer fall. So, a lower number is better as less stretch will prevent a climber from hitting the ground. However, a less dynamic elongation means a higher impact force on the climber and gear. To pass the standard test of UIAA the ropes should not stretch more than 40 percent of the length of the entire rope.

Static Elongation

It is also called as working elongation. It is the number that a dynamic rope stretches with an 80 kg weight hanging from it. Elongation on single and twin ropes can’t exceed 10 percent of the total rope length and half ropes can’t exceed 12 percent.

It is important to consider in top-rope climbing, hauling gear, and climbing fixed ropes with ascenders. During the static elongation, lots of energy is totally wasted through rope stretch so it’s less efficient.

Impact Force

It is the amount of force put on the falling weight during the first UIAA fall. It is directly related to how much the rope stretches. A lower number indicates less force on the falling climber and the gear. Lower impact force tends to a soft landing on the rope when you fall but it can be less efficient as ropes usually stretch more.

Conclusion

Whether climbing a small cliff or challenging cave route, a climbing rope is the most important piece of climbing gear for any climber.

There are different climbing ropes with different technical specifications which makes it overwhelming while making a decision.

I hope this “the best rock climbing rope 2019” article will help you to find the best climbing rope for your next adventure. Always remember to start with types of climbing and then think about other factors.

For a lot of beginners, to pick the best value rope can be a little tricky. But no worries! Consider the above guidelines and help yourself choose the best pick.

Safe Climbing!