Ice Climbing Rope Buying Guide - How to Buy Climbing Ropes
One of the things that you should understand is that not all Climbing Ropes can be used in one climbing style and that not all ropes can be used for climbing. You should be able to choose the right type of rope to be used.
As a first step, you should be acquainted with the different types of Climbing Ropes. Then, determine the type of climbing you will be doing before you buy your own rope. These are the two factors that can help narrow your selection when buying Climbing Ropes.
Diameter
Ropes that have higher diameter are stronger, heavier, and more durable. The diameters of Climbing Ropes range from 7.5 mm to 11 mm. Ropes that are between 10 mm and 11 mm are safe for ice and glacier travel. Single ropes that measure 9 mm can be used for simple glacier travel. However, they are too wiry to hold falls on vertical rocks. Climbing Ropes which are less than 9 mm in diameter should be used in pairs and clipped together through the protection pieces.
Length
The length of your ropes will depend on the route you will climb. For longer rappels and pitches, longer ropes are suitable. Fifty meters is the standard rope length but it has been displaced with 55 and 60 meter cords while some climbers use up to 70 meters. Longer ropes entail more time and effort to coil, carry, and manage compared to shorter ropes which take up less space and are lightweight. Longer ropes, however, permit climbers to rappel or lower using just one cord.
Strength
The strength of a rope is measured by static elongation and maximum impact force. Static elongation refers to the amount a rope stretches when weighted with a standard load measuring 80 kilograms or 176 pounds. A high static elongation indicates that a rope stretches more while a low static elongation show otherwise.
On the other hand, maximum impact force is the amount of force transmitted to a climber during a fall. A low maximum impact force means more absorption of the energy that is generated during a fall by the rope. However, its downside is the increased probability of hitting the ground because ropes that have low maximum impact force stretch more.
With these two variables that measure the strength of a rope, you can determine whether a rope is semi-static or dynamic. If a rope has been measured to have low static elongation and high impact force, it is semi-static. Semi-static ropes are specifically designed for canyoning and caving, and are helpful in aid climbing. Dynamic ropes, on the other hand, have low impact force and high static elongation. These are suitable for climbing and Mountaineering.
Dry or Non-Dry
Climbing Ropes inevitably get wet in Ice Climbing. Water makes ropes heavier and less dependable in absorbing the energy generated during a fall. Moreover, the absorbed water freezes and makes ropes unmanageable. Dry-treating a rope is highly-recommended since it keeps the rope from absorbing water, making it strong and manageable. Dry-treated ropes also last longer compared to less expensive non-dry ropes which are ideal for dry conditions. However, dry-treated ropes are not entirely waterproof and the treatments are not permanent. Dry ropes should be washed using wash-in products for re-waterproofing.
In buying Climbing Ropes, there are factors to be considered such as length, strength, and whether it is dry or non-dry. These essentials should be taken into account to make the most out of your money and so that you will be able to get the right Climbing Rope for your ice climbs.
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