How can you choose between semi-static or dynamic, single or half ropes? There is an array of options, but we are here to help you find the rope that's best for you!
Anatomy of a Rope
A rope is formed of a 'core', comprising all the nylon filaments in the middle of the rope (the white threads). These are the filaments that stretch to cushion falls. The core is protected by a sheath formed of braided coloured threads. The rope's rigidity and strength vary in accordance with the thickness of the sheath. When the sheath begins to show signs of wear, the rope must be replaced quickly.
For Canyoning, Caving & Rope Access Work
You'll need a semi-static rope.
However, for climbing and mountaineering you'll need a dynamic rope.
Indoor Climbing
If you are a beginner, we recommend using ropes with a larger diameter (10mm) for dual protection: this will provide you with better grip, and your belaying system will be able to apply braking more easily.
Their reinforced sheath provides them with optimal durability, even if you do a lot of top-rope climbing, in which the rope is subject to greater stress.
For Single-Pitch Rock Climbing
If you are a beginner, we recommend using ropes with a larger diameter (10mm) for dual protection: this will provide you with better grip, and your belaying system will be able to apply braking more easily.
If you are at an intermediate level and tend to be the lead climber, you will be looking for greater fluidity to avoid wasting energy with clipping and to maintain a reasonable diameter to ensure effective braking and durability. Opt for a 9.5mm diameter.
If you are finally ready to reach your goals, you will need the support of the lightest and most fluid rope. To tick off route after route, you can transition to a diameter of 8.9mm. This thinner rope will be less durable if you use it intensively for top-rope climbing.
How to Choose the Right Rope Length
The length of your rope will depend on where you will be climbing. You can find out more information before you climb from your climbing gym or from climbing guidebooks.
Make sure that you always plan to have a safety margin and tie a knot in the end of the rope! Simond ropes also feature a middle marking at the mid-point of the rope, which enables you to see when you have used half of the rope's length.
For rock climbing, points along your route may well form a zig-zag rather than a vertical line, which increases the length of rope required.
As they age, all dynamic ropes get shorter. Usually, they get 2-5% shorter, but this can reach up to 10% depending on humidity, heat, falls, washing, etc. To decrease this effect, we anticipate a margin of additional length when manufacturing our ropes. We nonetheless recommend that you measure your rope regularly, and check the position of its middle marking.
For Multi-Pitch Climbing
If you are planning to abseil back down, you will need a half rope. Note: the term 'half rope' can be confusing. They must always be used as a pair, but caution is needed as they are sold individually, so remember to buy two.
Rock Climbing (Verdon, Calanques, Etc.)
Whether you enjoy sport or traditional climbing, for dry rocky sites you can opt for the Rappel 8.6 rope, which offers a high level of durability in abrasive conditions.
Mountain Environments
You will need a lighter weight for approaches in mountain environments, and your rope risks being in contact with water or snow over mixed terrain or when roping up on glaciers
If the descent can be made on foot along a hiking trail, you do not need to take a half rope with you and can set off with an EDGE DRY rope
For Conventional Mountaineering
If you are setting off in an environment with snow or ice, you'll need a rope with a special treatment to avoid it becoming saturated with water. These ropes can be identified by the DRY in their name! This treatment avoids ropes trailing in the snow or ice absorbing too much water and becoming heavy or freezing.
Helpful info: Simond's DRY treatment protects both the sheath and core of your rope, and fulfils the requirements of the UIAA label.
You can set off with the EDGE DRY rope. With its 8.9 mm diameter, it is the thinnest of single ropes to ensure optimal weight.
It also complies with standards for half and twin ropes. With 50m and 60m versions available, it will enable you to abseil 25-30m, which is sufficient to cover most conventional routes.
If, however, you are setting off on a climb requiring you to abseil greater distances, you can take the RAPPEL 8.1 rope. This is the most versatile half rope in the range.
For Glacier Trekking
You will also need a DRY (hydrophobic) rope with a treatment for snow or ice.
Helpful info: Simond's DRY treatment protects both the sheath and core of your rope, and fulfils the requirements of the UIAA label.
For glacier trekking you can use ropes with small diameters for reduce the weight you carry. We recommend the Rando Dry 7.5 half rope, which is suitable for various types of roping-up on glaciers.
Note: for glacier trekking, provided that you proceed with a taut rope, you can exceptionally rope up with a single strand. Caution: for other techniques using this rope, you must rope up using two strands.
All French and Ecologically Designed!
All ropes from the SIMOND brand are manufactured in France and designed to reduce their environmental impact. They are manufactured in northern France by our partners and leaders in innovative braiding for over 170 years. Pigments are incorporated into the threads using the dope-dyed technique, reducing the quantity of water required for manufacturing.
