The Benefits of Using Static Ropes

Static ropes are usually brightly colored to be easily distinguished from dynamic ropes. This is important because big climbers should never use fixed rope for top roping. After all, it cannot absorb falls like dynamic ropes.

After braiding, every meter of the finished rope is inspected by hand. This is done because humans can feel slight differences in weight that machines cannot detect.

Strength

Whether you’re mountaineering or caving, the integrity of your rope is paramount. It can be the difference between a safe descent or a catastrophic accident. That’s why we only use high-quality static ropes tested to the UIAA’s rigorous standards.

These tests include checking the specific weight of each strand of the rope and testing the whole rope with an 80kg load. They also require the strands to withstand numerous falls while retaining their strength.

Static ropes (9-11mm) don’t stretch under a load, giving climbers more control on rappels. They’re ideal for situations where a low-impact force is needed, such as lowering an injured climber or hauling equipment.

However, a static rope is not designed for climbing or top roping. This type of rope would stretch too much during a fall and could result in internal organ damage, broken carabiners, or even crippling injuries. This is why it’s essential never to use static rope for climbing or top roping.

Durability

For route setters working on big walls, trad climbers, and hauling gear, static ropes can be used to protect against injury or damage. Unlike dynamic ropes, static ropes don’t stretch during a fall, making them less jarring and more accessible to handle when ascending or descending.

The kern mantle construction of our static ropes allows them to withstand abrasion better than dynamic ones. They also have a woven sheath that protects the core from dirt and debris.

At EDELRID, every single meter of static rope is inspected by hand. This is so that we can feel if any fibers are loose, rough, or not supple enough. Our experienced employees have an extraordinary sense of touch and can immediately feel if there’s anything unusual about the ropes. This is something that a machine can’t do, and it adds to the quality of our products.

Flexibility

The lack of stretch on static ropes makes them ideal for abseiling and rappelling as the lowering process is controlled. They also excel when used in anchor construction as the inert material doesn’t move around the carabiners and can prevent them from rubbing over edges as they are weighted and unweighted during repeated use.

However, the lack of stretch on a static rope means that it should never be used for lead climbing, as the shock absorption of dynamic rope is essential to avoid injury or damage to the climber and the anchor system. Therefore, accurate static ropes are often called ‘Semi-static’ and should only be used in situations such as belaying or when fixed beneath the climber.

Static lines are typically made with a kernmantle construction where the internal core is covered with an Aramid or polyester sheath. These sheaths are often colored or have reflective strips to help with visibility in poor conditions. Once the sheaths are woven together, they are shrunk in an autoclave (a massive pressure cooker) to ensure they remain supple and easy to handle.

Safety

Static ropes have low stretch and elongation, making them perfect for situations requiring much strength with tiny movement. These include lowering an injured climber, ascending a rope with an ascender, and hauling loads. Many arborists choose to use static ropes for this reason, as they can help reduce the amount of energy that a person needs to exert when climbing a tree.

Static climbing ropes can also be used for abseiling, fire rescue work at heights, and caving. However, they should never be used for lead climbing, as the rope would not be able to absorb the impact of a fall. This could result in serious injury for the climber, including broken carabiners and internal organ damage.

For this reason, it’s essential to know when to use a static rope and when to use a dynamic one. The best way to avoid serious injury is always to follow the safety rules and use the right equipment for the job.