Rappelling is one of the most exhilarating and dangerous things you can do. You will be going down a cliff, and all the support you have will be a simple rope that needs to keep you safe. However, with the right rope, you won’t need to stress about the dangers.
What Rope To Use For Rappelling?
The best rope that you can choose for rappelling is the static rope. These ropes don’t have as much stretching, which means they offer more consistency. You should also be able to move down the rope more effectively slowly. However, there are dynamic ropes as well that many people use for the stretch feature.
Since safety is vital and you might not have the right rope, we have decided to look at some of the best rappelling ropes and help you better understand how to find the right one. In this article, we will dive into the different ropes for rappelling. It should allow you to determine which rope will work the best for your needs.
What Rope To Use For Rappelling
When selecting a rope for rappelling, you need to make sure that you have the right one. There are various ropes that you can choose from, but for pure rappelling, the 7.7mm static rope is the best option. It does not stretch as much, so you won’t need to deal with the stretching, and you can focus on going down smoothly.
For beginners, it is often recommended that they consider the larger 8-11mm ropes. These ropes often fit into the rappelling device much better and enable you to go down the cliff slowly. Due to the extra thickness of these ropes, they also have a little more durability, and they can handle more friction when chafing on the rocks. However, we did mention that many people also used the dynamic rope, so let’s look at the differences:
Static Rope Vs Dynamic Rope
The static and dynamic ropes both have a place among climbers and mountaineers. Both of these ropes will have some purpose and depending on your needs. You will have to determine which of these ropes will be the most effective for your needs. Here is a small breakdown of each rope to help you make the best decision:
- Dynamic Ropes: The dynamic rope is designed to absorb the weight of a fallen climber when they tumble down. Instead of falling directly and creating plenty of tension, the rope will jump up and down. These ropes are much better for lowering injured climbers. Static Ropes: The Static rope is a little different, and these ropes do not stretch. They work best for rappelling, and the rope will not stretch, which could influence your rappelling rate. The static ropes are best for sliding down a cliff, but if you fall, the pullback might be hard on your body.
You must find the rope you are the most comfortable with, but for individuals that enjoy rappelling and have some experience, it is best to consider the static rope. Be sure to have the right thickness, and it should fit comfortably in your rappelling device as well.
Top 4 Rappelling Ropes
Now that you have seen some of the essential features, you might also wonder which ropes are the best on the market today. Fortunately, we have used the information we found and selected some of the top rappelling ropes on the market today. Here are some of the best options that we would recommend for all mountaineers:
Singing Rock R44 NFPA Static Rope
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Static rope design
- 11.2mm thickness
- It fits almost any rappelling device
- It offers plenty of resistance
Cons:
- Heavy
Bottom Line: The Singing Rock R44 NFPA Static Rope is one of the best options currently on the market today. It is a thicker and heavier rope, which gives it plenty of durability. However, the rope is designed to make rappelling easier. The only issue is the weight, and this might not be a versatile rope to be used for climbing.
Black Diamond 9.9 Mm Climbing Rope
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- 2×2 weave construction
- Easy on the hands with 9.9mm size
- Durable design
- Inexpensive
- Reliable brand
Cons:
- No cons
Bottom Line: If you want one of the best ropes on the market today, you can hardly ever go wrong with the Black Diamond 9.9 Mm Climbing Rope. The rope is lightweight and does not have as much thickness. However, it is still durable, and due to the static design, it should make rappelling comfortable.
Sterling 10.0mm SafetyPro Static Climbing Rope
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Easy to create knots
- Lightweight construction
- Reliable brand
- Fits all rappelling devices
Cons:
- Expensive
Bottom Line: The Sterling 10.0mm SafetyPro Static Climbing Rope is much similar to the previous option in terms of the overall design. The rope is lightweight but offers plenty of durability. The addition of the static design will make it perfect for rappelling. However, you can also use the rope for climbing when needed.
SWAT Heavy Duty Tactical Rappelling Rope
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Only 9mm
- Easy to tie knots
- Durable design
Cons:
- Heavy at over 13-pounds
Bottom Line: The final rope we have on this list is one of the most reliable. The SWAT Heavy Duty Tactical Rappelling Rope is made to give you great value for your money, and it should also allow you to climb. However, the weight of 13-pounds can be a bit heavy for many people looking to climb with the rope.
Rappelling Rope Summary
For beginners, it is often daunting to choose the best rope for rappelling. However, we have isolated some of these, and they are great for rappelling. There are plenty of functional ropes for those that love rappelling, and we would love for you to let us know in the comment section if we missed any of your favorites.
Need Gear for Your Rock Climbing Trip?
If you are planning a rock climbing adventure, you want to make sure that you have the right gear. Check out our beginners guide for rock climbing equipment.
