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Buying my first rope... Which one??
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brodyex


Oct 29, 2005, 10:59 PM
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Buying my first rope... Which one??
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I'm getting ready to buy my first rope. I will mainly be toproping but would like to get into sport before too long. I think I've narrowed my options to the following:

Edelweiss Axis 10.3mm 60M Dry - $119.95@acmeclimbing.com

Specs:
Diameter: 10.3 mm
Fall Rating: 10
Impact Force: 1900 lbf
Elongation: 6.4%
Weight: 71 g/M
Treatment: Everdry waterproofing on sheath and core
Length: 60 Meters

---or---

Beal Edlinger II 10.2 60M Golden Dry - $139.95@acmeclimbing.com


Specs:
Diameter: 10.2 mm
Treatment: Golden Dry
Fall Rating: 8
Impact Force: 8 kN
Weight: 65 g/m



Which would you buy??


scrapedape


Oct 29, 2005, 11:19 PM
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Re: Buying my first rope... Which one?? [In reply to]
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Honestly, it really doesn't matter.
Those would both be fine all-around beginner ropes. The Beal might be a bit nicer, but you're paying for it.
You might consider whether or not you really need a dry rope for general-purpose cragging. You might find a better value on a non-dry rope.
I'd probably buy the cheaper one.


tnmountainman


Oct 30, 2005, 12:36 AM
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I definately agree with the above, you could probably could do without the dry rope. You could possibly save some dough by going with a non-dry
Toprope is all that I have done outdoors and I bought 10.5 bluewater, with the half and half pattern on the sheath. very handy for finding the half way point of the line.

lots of luck


mistajman


Oct 30, 2005, 3:10 AM
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I would suggest a 10.5, but both your options seem descent. I say save cash because untill you learn a lot about anchors, and rope control you will trash you rope. Then the next one can be more expensive and will last longer.


rgbscan


Oct 30, 2005, 3:23 AM
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I've got the edelweiss myself. Not a bad rope, though it *is* heavy. The middle isn't marked either. All in all, I'd recommend it for a first time rope.

Chris


montaniero


Oct 30, 2005, 4:10 AM
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Get the Edlinger, same as Flyer II but cheaper.


overlord


Oct 30, 2005, 3:49 PM
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get the edelweiss. theyre really durable, plus its the cheaper one. and its even lighter.


robo555


Oct 31, 2005, 3:20 AM
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get the edelweiss. theyre really durable, plus its the cheaper one. and its even lighter.

How is 71g/m lighter than 65g/m?


watzmann


Oct 31, 2005, 5:12 AM
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If there were ever a climbing situation where weight mattered least, toproping would have to be it. Go for the cheaper/heavier rope.


crotch


Oct 31, 2005, 6:12 AM
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As a beginner you'll probably be toproping a lot which is hard on ropes. Ceteris paribus, a heaftier rope with more nylon will stand up better to abrasion. For that reason, I'd recommend the Edelweiss which seems to have a bit more nylon in it.


blouderk2


Oct 31, 2005, 6:35 AM
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Id get a Sterling Rope, but they are costly. But you get what you pay for. Or I would get a bluewater. Get a 10.5 because your going to thrash your first rope.


overlord


Oct 31, 2005, 8:27 PM
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In reply to:
In reply to:
get the edelweiss. theyre really durable, plus its the cheaper one. and its even lighter.

How is 71g/m lighter than 65g/m?

:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

must have misread something. sorry for that.


bobruef


Oct 31, 2005, 8:50 PM
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I've been climbing with my 120 dollar special edelweiss axis throughout the season, and it has held up well. As my first rope, I have found it to be pretty durable, and you can't beat the price. I recently got my brother one for his birthday. With the free shipping at gearexpress, its a great deal.

On the other hand, next time I'll probably shell out the extra dough for a mammut. I find that they just feel nicer in the hand. Functionally though, the suppler feel probably has little value. Just a luxury for me.

-Good luck and have fun,

Bob


pylonhead


Oct 31, 2005, 9:44 PM
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I agree. The Edelweiss is my first rope, and I've been pleased with it. It doesn't have the softest handling, but it's been durable, and I've put a few whippers on it.


keinangst


Oct 31, 2005, 10:25 PM
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Spend $80-$100 and get a 50m non-dry 10.5, then buy a rope bag. You will probably do more toproping than anything, and you can always tie off the midpoint of the rope for quick TR setups later on.

Besides, if you do move into sport climbing, you will probably not be in the class of climber who would benefit from a few grams/meter of weight savings. Like I told another person in (gasp!) a nearly identical thread two days ago, the only additional lightness you'll notice will be in your wallet.


will0


Oct 31, 2005, 10:37 PM
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You are getting lots of great advise and I'm sure both ropes are ideal. However with that said let me give a shout out for Beal (rooting for the underdog). This is the rope my buddy's got and we are doing toproping with it, and it works great.


moss1956


Oct 31, 2005, 11:17 PM
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I climb on both Beal and Edelweiss ropes. If I am climbing with n00b's who are going to hang on my rope, I bring out the Edelweiss. They take wicked abuse and come back for more. If I want smooth clipping and light weight I go for the Beal.

Sounds like you want an Edelweiss.


thetroutscout


Nov 1, 2005, 6:34 AM
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You'll be happy with either but my first was an Edelweiss and I was very pleased. It held up to top rope abuse and even made the transition into sport just fine. Use the money you saved and get some draws or more gear.

^^ike


wallnut_mrc


Nov 2, 2005, 11:35 PM
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i'd look for a non-dry rope. I don't climb in the rain. Go 10.5 and make sure it doesn't lay in the dirt. get a tarp or a rope bag with a sheet.


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