What To Look For
Most climbing rope is of kernmantle design, that is, with a protective sheath covering an inner core. The core is made up of small white strands weaved or twisted together and then brought together by a colored, braided nylon sheath pattern wrapping around it. The thickness of the rope depends on the amount of twisted strands added into the core as well as the tightness of the weave and twists. Almost all climbing ropes are made of nylon for its inherent stretchiness. Stretch in a climbing rope helps to decrease the impact of a fall. Most rock climbing applications will require a dynamic rope (one that has enough stretch), though there are uses for static rope made of polyester, spectra or nylon with significantly less stretch.
Common Pitfalls
The theme with climbing rope these days is not unlike the modern ideals of pop culture; the skinnier, the better. We now see single rope as small in diameter at 8.9 millimeters. It is not that the strength of these ropes should be suspect--technology and materials have gotten so good, climbing ropes are actually over-engineered when it comes to strength and durability--but more a concern of human inability. The skinnier the rope gets, the more superior your belayer and/or belay device needs to be.
Where To Buy
Strength-wise, climbing rope is climbing rope. It all has to meet standards and pass tests to prove it can hold a minimum amount of weight and withstand certain impact force before it goes on the market. To make sure it does indeed meet these standards, first things first, do not buy from a shady source (like a guy dealing out of the back of his car). All reputable outdoor retailers such as Sport Chalet, R.E.I. and even online stores will undoubtedly only sell climbing rope that meets CE and UIAA standards. If there is ever a question, try to confirm that the rope conforms to those standards. The best way to do that is to research the manufacturer. If they are trustworthy, their business practices will show it.
Cost
Climbing rope in general is not cheap. What might you expect from a form of life support? It is sometimes sold by the foot off spools, but most consumers buy it packaged in 50-, 60- or 70-meter lengths. These can cost anywhere from $150 to almost $300. The price is totally dependent on the length of choice, as well as other features such as dry treatment for water resistance or bi-patterned sheath for ease of finding the middle.
Comparison Shopping
Climbing rope manufacturers all try to corner different aspects of the market to have a standout product. Some shoot for the skinniest rope available, some the lightest, some the most innovative sheath pattern (the appeal of which is purely cosmetic) and some the latest and greatest way to permanently mark the middle of the rope. In the end, the consumer must base their decision on the attributes of a rope his or her style of climbing most requires. For example, an alpine rock climber might want a lighter, more compact rope while a top rope climber may prefer a thick, indestructible workhorse.
Accessories
Permanently marking the middle has become a competition within the industry, but you can buy special non-toxic rope markers to do it yourself. These markers will likely rub off after a few uses but can be useful on a climb that is particularly dependent on the length of the rope or one with a series of rappels.
Insider Tips
Consumers will pay premiums for special features, some of which are worth it if you can afford such luxuries. All standardized climbing ropes, however, will certainly catch us if we fall irregardless of the money we spent. And as we're well aware, climbing rope will also get scraped up, worn out and will sooner or later need to be replaced. Hunt for those bargains, people!
