Looking to Buy a 60 Meter Rope. Check Out These 15 Crucial Things to Know First

Looking to Buy a 60 Meter Rope. Check Out These 15 Crucial Things to Know First

Length – Why 60 meters is ideal for climbing

So you’re in the market for a new climbing rope. With all the options out there, it can be tough to decide which length is right for you. Many climbers gravitate towards 60 meter ropes, and for good reason. Let’s take a closer look at why 60 meters is often considered the ideal length for a dynamic climbing rope.

First and foremost, a 60 meter rope gives you a good balance of length versus weight. Longer ropes allow you to climb taller routes, but they also get heavy fast. A 60m rope hits a nice sweet spot where it’s long enough for most climbs, yet still light enough to pack comfortably on your back. Going beyond 60m starts adding significant weight, whereas dropping below that length restricts what routes you can climb.

Another benefit of 60 meters is versatility. This length works well for both sport climbing and traditional multi-pitch routes. For single pitch sport climbs, 60 meters gives you plenty of extra rope to work with when anchoring and setting up belays. And on longer trad climbs, you’ll appreciate having those extra meters to rig rappels and lower-outs. A 60m rope really maximizes your options across different climbing disciplines.

The 60 meter length also lends itself well to rope management. Taking up and coiling a 60m line is very doable, unlike ropes approaching 70+ meters that can become cumbersome. The shorter length helps the rope run cleanly through belay devices and over rock edges too. You’re less likely to experience tangles and knots throughout the day with a well-behaved 60 meter rope.

When top-roping, the 60 meter length means you can comfortably set up stations on a majority of indoor and outdoor walls. It gives you enough slack to maneuver around while still leaving adequate tail. You could probably get by with a 50 or 55 meter rope for pure top-roping, but the versatility of 60 meters makes it a far better choice if you ever venture into lead climbing.

The trend over the past decade has been towards skinnier ropes, but a 60m single rope at around 10mm diameter remains ideal for most climbers. Thinner ropes are great for elite climbers obsessing over every ounce, but most recreational climbers will appreciate the durability and handling of a standard 10mm rope. When paired with a 60 meter length, you get the best of both worlds – relatively light overall weight yet still robust enough for daily use.

While 70m+ ropes open up access to really long routes, they are overkill for many climbers. Likewise, shorter ropes around 50 meters restrict your climbing options, especially if you ever want to transition into multi-pitch climbing. This is why the 60 meter goldilocks length hits that perfect balance point of versatility, weight and handling. It really maximizes the types of climbing you can do and the ease of use in the field.

If you’re wondering what your first rope should be, or in the market to replace an old workhorse cord, strongly consider going with 60 meters. Evaluate your current and future climbing objectives and terrain, but for most recreational climbers, that middle-of-the-road length will prove to be the ideal choice. Test rope lengths at the crag or gym to dial in your personal preferences, but understand why so many experienced climbers end up with 60 meter ropes as their go-to choice. Once you try it, the versatility and friendly handling of a 60m rope makes perfect sense.

So as you shop for your next rope, look closely at the 60 meter options. While personal preferences will always vary, there are good reasons why this length has stood the test of time as a reliable all-around choice. Keep an open mind, evaluate your specific needs, and try out various lengths. At the end of the day, we think you’ll agree that a good 60 meter rope is more than adequate for the majority of climbing disciplines and routes. Happy sending!

Diameter – Finding the right thickness for handling and weight

When shopping for a new climbing rope, one of the key factors to consider is diameter. Rope thickness has a direct impact on handling, weight and durability. For most climbers, a 60 meter rope with a diameter around 10mm offers an ideal balance. Let’s explore why rope thickness matters and how to choose the right diameter for your needs.

Thinner ropes are appealing for their low weight and supple handling. Elite climbers chasing every ounce opt for skinnier cords around 8.5-9mm. But most recreational climbers are better served by a slightly thicker rope. The few extra millimeters of diameter make a big difference in durability and catch feel.

A fatter rope simply stands up better to the repeated abrasion that comes with climbing. Thinner ropes take a beating from rubbing against rock and gear, becoming fuzzy and losing elasticity faster. An extra 1-2mm thickness adds considerable life expectancy to your rope.

Diameter also affects impact force absorption when catching falls. A thicker rope generally provides a softer catch, reducing the jolt felt by both climber and belayer. This is especially noticeable for larger leaders, where a burly 10mm rope helps cushion the blow better than a skinny cord.

In terms of handling, diameter influences how easily the rope runs through belay devices, over rock edges and when being coiled/stacked. Fatter ropes tend to feed smoother and stack neater. They also reduce twists and tangles when being belayed. If you’ve ever fought with a squirrelly skinny rope, you know the frustration it can cause.

For true multi-pitch climbing, a thicker workhorse rope around 10mm makes even more sense. You’ll appreciate the durability and catch performance on long routes with multiple pitches. And the added girth helps with rappelling, lowering and rope management over the course of a long day.

When top-roping, you can sometimes get by with a skinnier rope since falls are less frequent. But even then, the handling benefits of a heartier rope often outweigh the minor weight savings. And you never know when you might take up lead climbing, where diameter really starts to matter.

While downsizing diameter may shave a few ounces, it comes at the cost of longevity, feel and handling. This is why many experienced climbers end up replacing their skinny “weight weenie” ropes with more robust 10mm cords after the first few fuzzy seasons.

So take diameter seriously when shopping for a 60 meter climbing rope. Consider what type of climbing you do now and might want to try in the future. Understand the trade-offs between skinny ultra-light ropes versus burlier cords. And find the ideal middle-ground that suits your specific needs and preferences. Aim for the “goldilocks” diameter that balances weight savings and supple handling against real-world durability.

For many all-around climbers, that often ends up being a 60 meter single rope right around 10mm thickness. It’s light enough for comfort yet robust enough for performance and longevity. Test various diameters to find your personal sweet spot, but don’t assume thinner is necessarily better. Diameter makes a big difference, so choose wisely based on the climbing you aspire to do.

Kernmantle construction – Its importance for strength and durability

When researching climbing ropes, you’ll inevitably come across the term “kernmantle” construction. This refers to the internal structure of modern dynamic ropes. Understanding kernmantle design helps explain why ropes behave as they do. It also reveals what to look for when choosing a high-quality, durable cord.

A kernmantle rope consists of an interior core (the kern) protected by a woven exterior sheath (the mantle). The core provides most of the rope’s strength. It uses parallel yarn strands stretched and twisted lengthwise to absorb shock. This gives the rope its elasticity to soften falls.

The exterior sheath protects the core and gives the rope abrasion resistance. Tightly braided nylon fibers form a dense covering to shield the core fibers inside. The sheath also allows manufacturers to add color for visibility and identification.

This two-layer construction results in an exceptionally strong yet compact rope. The kern absorbs impact while the mantle resists wear. Together they provide a light, durable cord perfect for the demands of climbing.

Advanced kernmantle ropes take things further by utilizing multiple sizes of core fibers. Larger center fibers provide bulk strength, while smaller peripheral fibers maximize elasticity. Dual-texture sheaths use a combination of thick and thin filaments for durability and flexibility.

When shopping for a 60 meter climbing rope, always look for ropes specifically identified as kernmantle design. This signals the use of twisted parallel core fibers and a woven exterior sheath. Lesser ropes may employ simpler twisted or braided constructions lacking a true kernmantle structure.

Pay attention to details like the number of core yarns and type of sheath weave. More yarns generally mean added durability, while tighter sheath weaves improve abrasion resistance. Feel free to ask manufacturers about the specifics of their rope’s internal construction.

Also look for evidence of innovation like dual-core or half-and-half designs. These evolve traditional kernmantle construction in pursuit of better performance. No matter how advanced, though, a quality climbing rope will always rely on basic kernmantle principles.

While new high-tech fibers and weaving methods continue to push boundaries, the kernmantle concept has stood the test of time. It makes ropes light, compressible, elastic and robust—exactly what climbers need. So when seeking out your perfect 60 meter cord, make sure to inspect construction and choose quality kernmantle above all else.

Rope materials – Nylon vs polyester vs blended

When buying a new 60 meter climbing rope, one key decision is material type. Modern ropes utilize advanced synthetic fibers, with nylon and polyester being the most common. Each has advantages and downsides to consider. Blended ropes offer a hybrid approach, mixing fibers to balance benefits.

Nylon has long been the standard for climbing ropes. It provides tremendous tensile strength yet remains surprisingly elastic. This makes nylon excellent at absorbing shock from lead falls. It also resists abrasion relatively well and handles impacts without excessive recoil.

The main downside of nylon is its tendency to absorb water. Wet nylon ropes can feel heavy and soggy. They also freeze more easily in icy conditions. Manufacturers apply proprietary coatings to reduce water absorption, but nylon will always retain more moisture than polyester.

Polyester ropes address the water issue. They absorb very little liquid and dry exceptionally fast. Polyester also feels a bit stiffer initially compared to softer nylon. However, some climbers appreciate the sturdy hand of polyester, especially in wet environments.

The trade-off is that polyester lacks the same dynamic elasticity as nylon. Catching lead falls on polyester can feel harsher as a result. Polyester also seems more prone to long-term degradation from UV exposure and abuse.

This is where blended ropes offer a best-of-both solution. With a mix of nylon and polyester fibers, you get improved water resistance beyond straight nylon. The polyester fibers also add durability while the nylon retains its coveted “bounce.”

Look for rope material specs when shopping for a 60m cord. If climbing in predominantly wet or icy conditions, consider a blended rope or straight polyester. For dry climbing in warmer temps, standard nylon remains ideal.

Test different material options if possible. Check wet handling and shake the ropes to see how much water they absorb. Examine how the cores rebound from compressions. Scrutinize retired samples for visible signs of wear.

While nylon has proven itself over decades of climbing, the characteristics of polyester and modern blended designs open new possibilities. Your ideal 60 meter rope depends on the environments and types of climbing you plan to do. Choose materials according to the conditions you’ll encounter most often.

Rope coatings – Dry or dry-treated for water resistance

Modern climbing ropes utilize specialized coatings and treatments to improve water resistance. Since moisture can negatively impact rope performance, selecting a “dry” or “dry-treated” rope helps keep you climbing in wet conditions.

Standard nylon ropes inherently absorb some water due to the hydrophilic nature of nylon fibers. Getting a nylon rope wet causes it to feel heavier and less supple. It also makes the rope freeze and stiffen more easily in frigid temps.

To counteract this, manufacturers apply proprietary coatings during rope construction. These specialized treatments fill the spaces between sheath fibers to reduce water intrusion.

“Dry” labeled ropes take things a step further. They integrate hydrophobic compounds directly into the nylon fibers before spinning the yarn. This makes the entire rope fiber-level water repellent.

Dry treatment rods shed water exceptionally well. They remain lightweight when wet and hardly absorb any moisture. This allows them to continue handling smoothly even in soggy conditions.

Standard dry-treated ropes repel water better than untreated counterparts, but not quite as impressively as full dry ropes. They occupy a middle ground, balancing cost versus performance.

When shopping for a 60 meter climbing rope, think about the conditions you’ll use it in most. If predominantly climbing in wet or icy environments, a dry or dry-treated rope is advised.

Examine rope specs and descriptions for terminology like “dry” or “dry treatment.” Ask manufacturers for details about their proprietary coatings and how they resist water. Consider a full dry rope for ultimate performance.

Even for dry climate climbing, some water protection is worthwhile. Try to splash water on demo ropes and note absorption rates. This will demonstrate first-hand the benefit of enhanced coatings and dry treatments when the inevitable rainstorm hits.

Impact force reduction – For safety in lead falls

A key feature of any dynamic climbing rope is impact force reduction. This refers to the rope’s ability to absorb energy and cushion falls. For safe lead climbing, impact force should be a top priority when choosing a 60 meter rope.

Due to their elastic kernmantle construction, climbing ropes stretch and elongate when loaded. This converts the sudden shock of a falling climber into a gentler decelerating force.

Ropes with higher impact force reduction stretch further before reaching maximum strength. This minimizes the peak force felt when catching lead falls. Most quality ropes reduce impact around 30-40% compared to non-dynamic lines.

Lower impact forces not only make falls safer for the climber, they also protect the belayer and gear from excessive shock loads. Cushioning falls prevents injuries and reduces system forces that could rip out equipment.

Thicker ropes typically offer better impact performance due to their larger core volume. But advanced construction techniques also allow thinner ropes to manage forces effectively. Be sure to verify test data for any rope you’re considering.

When comparing ropes, look for the measured impact force rating. Also examine the number of falls held during UIAA tests. More falls held at lower average impact forces indicates superior performance.

Try taking practice falls on ropes you’re considering to feel real-world differences in catch feel. A soft-catching high-impact-reduction rope protects climbers and inspires confidence when pushing one’s limits.

Don’t equate skinny ropes with low impact force, or assume all ropes handle similarly. Carefully scrutinize specs, ratings and test data. Prioritize proven designs that excel at reducing impact across repeated lead falls. This protects the safety of both leader and belayer when climbing at your limit.

Rope weight – Getting the right balance of handling vs bulk

When selecting a 60 meter climbing rope, an important consideration is overall weight. Lighter ropes make for easier carrying up cliffs and on long approaches. But super-skinny ropes can be problematic, so getting the right balance is key.

Fatter ropes feel bulky when carrying and coiling. Extra weight also slows down belay transfers between pitches. However, slimming down too much increases handling difficulties and reduces durability.

A good target range for a 60m single rope is around 50-65 grams per meter. This keeps the total bundle under 200g/7oz per 60 meters while maintaining function.

Any lighter and ropes start compromising too much. They become difficult to manage, are overly stiff or floppy, and get shredded more quickly from abrasion. Shaving those last few ounces simply isn’t worth the downsides.

On the heavier end, ropes approaching 70-80g/m begin to feel burdensome on the harness and backpack without much upside. You gain some durability and catch performance, but lose out on comfort.

Advanced ropes with smart optimized designs can strike a nice balance of low weight and performance. But be skeptical of any 60m rope claiming to be dramatically lighter than 50g/m without compromises.

Make sure to test handle actual rope samples during your selection process to feel differences firsthand. Check coils, shakes, clips and stacks for manageability. Then go climb with ropes at home before committing to evaluate real-world performance when it counts.

Finding the ideal rope weight takes experimentation and experience. But with a 60 meter length, target 50-65g/m for the best blend of packable lightness and functional handling. Don’t put too much stock in minor gram savings at the expense of other key factors.

Hand feel – Optimizing grip and control

When testing potential new ropes, one subtle but important characteristic is overall hand feel. The texture and stiffness of a rope greatly affects grip and control while climbing.

Ideally, a rope should provide some tactile grip without being overly stiff or unwieldy. You want just enough texture and substance to each strand so your hands can pinch and manipulate the rope confidently.

Excessively stiff or slippery ropes make handling much more difficult. Whether belaying, clipping, or simply gripping for security, you need positive control of the rope at all times.

Balancing suppleness and stiffness comes down to sheath construction and fiber composition. Slick tightly woven sheaths produce limp ropes, while looser weaves feel too coarse and hairy.

Natural fiber ropes provide the most texture, but have largely been replaced by synthetic options. Of these, nylon offers better grip than smoother polyethylene and polyester varieties due to its softer hand.

When evaluating 60 meter rope options, be sure to focus on hand feel. Test belaying, clipping, lowering and simply gripping the rope while climbing. Note any ropes that feel excessively stiff, limp, or slippery compared to others.

Consider the rope’s composition and sheath tightness as indications of potential hand feel. Try both wet and dry samples when possible to check for changes when wet.

An ideal rope lets you “stick” each grip for perfect control without being overly rough or unwieldy. Dialing in hand feel preference takes experience across different ropes and conditions. But pay attention to this nuanced factor, as good grip equates to confidence while climbing.

Knotability – Ease of tying secure knots

An often overlooked rope characteristic that impacts real-world performance is “knotability” – how easily the rope ties secure knots. When testing potential new 60 meter ropes, be sure to assess knotting behavior.

Ideally, a rope should form knots that stick well and maintain integrity, without excessive hockling or slippage. You want knots like figure 8s, bowlines and stopper knots to hold securely and be reasonably easy to untie after loading.

Ropes that resist holding knots require constant re-dressing and checking to avoid failure. On the other extreme, ropes that bind and lock knots too tightly become difficult to untie, especially when wet or icy.

A high-quality climbing rope will form solid knots without too much fuss. The key factors are sheath construction, fiber type and coatings that strike the right grippy-to-slick balance.

When comparing ropes, carefully tie and load test key knots on each. Tension the ropes after setting knots to check for any slippage or loosening. Then unload and attempt to untie to check knot binding behavior.

Take notes on any ropes that seem extra troublesome or stellar. Double check knot holding ability after wetting the ropes. Knotability merits close inspection when rope shopping.

Don’t settle for a rope that fights you on knots or results in failures. Proper knot tying is too crucial for safety. Seek out ropes known for good knotting manners that help keep clients and climbers secure rope after rope.

Abrasion resistance – Withstanding rough rock surfaces

To last season after season, a climbing rope needs excellent abrasion resistance. The outer sheath must withstand repeated rubbing over rock without excessive damage or fraying.

Abrasion primarily occurs at the points where the rope moves over edges – at the climber’s harness, up at anchors, and when loaded over rock features.

Tighter, denser rope sheaths provide the best abrasion protection. So do thicker ropes, which have more material to wear away before reaching the core. Dry treatments also help by keeping fibers tight when wet.

Standard nylon stands up well to abrasion due to its durability and strength. Recently, high-tech fibers like Dyneema have been added to the sheath to further boost toughness.

When shopping, inspect the tightness and consistency of the sheath weave. Check how fuzzy the sheath appears on retired samples after use. Consider a thicker diameter for added abrasion resistance.

Also examine ropes after testing for any glazing, thinning or furring of the sheath fibers. Signs of obvious wear here indicate lower durability.

For long multi-pitch routes or areas with rough, sharp rock, abrasion resistance becomes especially important to avoid shredding the sheath. Seek out ropes with sheath designs optimized through years of real-world use.

With good care, modern ropes can last for years. But no amount of handling precautions can prevent abrasion damage. Choose a rope with proven sheath durability to protect your investment and stay safe lap after lap.

UV resistance – Preventing sun damage

Modern ropes utilize UV coatings and treatments to combat sunlight damage. Over time, UV exposure degrades rope fibers, so selecting a rope with excellent UV resistance prolongs rope life.

Unprotected rope fibers become brittle and faded after repeated sun exposure. UV radiation breaks down the molecular structure of nylon and polyester fibers.

This UV degradation weakens fibers and reduces shock absorption. Heavy UV damage also makes ropes stiffer and more likely to hockle when knotted or bent over rock edges.

Manufacturers now add UV inhibitors during rope construction to absorb and block damaging rays. These specialized treatments permeate both the core and sheath to prevent fading and fraying.

When shopping for a 60 meter rope, look for clear information on UV protection in the rope descriptions. Ask manufacturers about the specific UV inhibitors utilized and how they protect and strengthen fibers.

Inspect retired samples for signs of serious UV wear like flatness, stiffness, or excessive glazing. Check that rope colors remain rich rather than washed out.

For the best longevity, stick to ropes utilizing the latest UV fighting compounds. Avoid unprotected budget ropes for long-term use. With decent UV resistance, modern ropes easily stay usable for 5 years or much longer.

Don’t let UV damage cut your rope lifespan short. Especially in sunny, high-altitude environments, ensure any potential rope includes proven UV treatments. Your next 60 meter cord should shine bright and long with the right UV protection.

Bi-color options – Seeing rope travel and clip points

Many modern climbing ropes utilize bi-color patterns to aid in seeing and tracking the rope while in use. The alternating colors help gauge how much rope is out while belaying and assist with clipping.

Solid uni-color ropes can often blend together, making it hard to discern rope position and movement. Bi-color patterns solve this by providing a clear visual reference point.

Having Obviously alternating sections helps belayers see how quickly rope is being let out on lead climbs. This aids in managing appropriate slack and anticipating clip distances.

For climbers, bi-color allows easily spotting the next segment to clip. The color change draws the eye to the clip spot and confirms both sides of the rope are fully in the carabiner.

Subtle patterns using alternating 10cm stripes or larger blocks in contrasting colors work best. More pronounced variations can sometimes cause handling issues or hockling at transitions.

When shopping for a 60 meter rope, decide if bi-color rope management would be beneficial. Compare solid and bi-color options side by side while belaying and clipping to assess the visibility advantage.

For new leaders, instructors, and in situations with low visibility, a bi-color rope can instill confidence and prevent clipped rope mistakes. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but evaluate whether the visibility boost merits choosing a bi-color option for your 60m rope.

Certifications – Meeting safety standards like CE and UIAA

When selecting a 60 meter climbing rope, be sure to check that the rope meets key safety certifications for peace of mind. Common standards include CE, UIAA, NFPA, and ISO 9001.

The CE mark certifies the rope meets the European Union’s rigorous standards for safety, testing, manufacturing, and labeling. It indicates adherence to EU regulations.

UIAA certification is issued by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation. It focuses specifically on tests relevant to climbing performance, including number of factor 1 falls held.

NFPA certification means the rope was tested to meet National Fire Protection Association standards. This evaluates flame resistance and suitability for rescue applications.

ISO 9001 certifies the company’s quality management system for consistency and safety. It covers design, development, production, and installation processes.

Reputable climbing rope manufacturers will always ensure their products meet or exceed these certifications. Check that the CE and UIAA marks are present and verify any additional certs.

Beware of any bargain ropes lacking major certifications, as they likely cut corners in design or testing. The specs may look similar, but the proof is in the stringent real-world tests to earn CE, UIAA, NFPA, ISO and other certs.

Investing in a certified 60 meter rope brings peace of mind that extensive safety precautions were taken. Don’t risk subpar performance – only trust ropes that pass muster according to rigorous industry standards.

Brand reputation – Going with proven leaders

When investing in a critical piece of safety gear like a 60 meter rope, it pays to stick with proven brands that have earned a reputation for quality and reliability.

Established rope companies like Edelrid, Sterling, Mammut and Beal have decades of experience designing, testing and refining ropes in real-world conditions.

Through extensive field testing and feedback from top climbers, they’ve mastered engineering ropes that excel across all metrics: durability, catch performance, handling and feel.

Lesser known brands may seem like a bargain, but often cut corners by using cheaper materials or less stringent quality control. Their ropes seem comparable on paper, but may not perform nearly as well or hold up over time.

By paying a bit more for a rope from an established brand, you ensure access to the latest technology and designs perfected over years. The extra investment brings added security and longer rope lifespan.

Of course, always do your due diligence and test ropes thoroughly, even from well-known companies. But all else being equal, trust your safety and enjoyment to the brands that have earned outstanding reputations as rope specialists.

For a piece of gear you literally entrust your life to, a proven reputation for excellence matters. Seek out the brands that the climbing community relies on year after year when you shop for your next 60 meter workhorse.

Price – Getting high quality without overspending

While essential for safety, climbing ropes represent a significant gear investment. Carefully balance cost versus value when shopping to avoid overspending.

Very inexpensive ropes often cut corners on materials and quality control. But paying top dollar doesn’t necessarily guarantee high performance either.

Look to spend $180-300 for a 60 meter single rope from a leading brand. This provides a proven design at a fair price. Lesser-known brands can dip closer to $150, but may lack features and refinement.

Sales, closeouts and prior year models are great ways to score deals on ropes. Just be sure to inspect them thoroughly and verify proper storage if pre-owned.

Consider how often you’ll use the rope and your general climbing habits. For an everyday workhorse, a more expensive robust rope pays for itself over time.

If you only climb occasionally or want a secondary rope for friends, you may not need all the bells and whistles that elite ropes offer.

Durability does still matter though, even for backup ropes. Avoid the cheapest options that will fray quickly with regular use. Check retirements dates and shelf life.

Finding the right balance on rope investments takes experience. But focus on quality from reputable brands, and keep an eye out for sales to maximize value. With care, a quality 60m rope should deliver years of performance.