Unless you enjoy bouldering or free soloing, the climbing rope is an essential piece of equipment when climbing. So, picking out the best sport climbing rope is a vital first step to building your own set of gear; it is especially essential if you decide to climb with your gear outdoors, with all the additional elements and dangers of nature. That’s why we looked through many of the top-recommended sport climbing rope and picked some of our favorites.
Each rope has its strengths and weaknesses and can be either a specialist or a generalist. Factors like width, weight, price, and other unique features are how we determined which ropes to recommend. But because of the limited variation between rope varieties – when compared to other products such as shoes or harnesses – each section will be more concise than other articles. Which, on the bright side, means more brands and choices of rope.
Now, on to our favorites for the best sport climbing rope!
If you find this helpful, you may also want to check out our guide to the best climbing harnesses here.
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Favorites for the Best Sport Climbing Rope
Our Favorites for the Best Sport Climbing RopeThe popular Mammut Infinity climbing rope has been a familiar sight for some time with many climbers. Popular for its low price and reliable performance, this rope earns the high ratings from its many top reviews. With a similar impact force, elongation, and UIAA falls as other lines; this rope still holds a lower price point – saving you your hard-earned money. If you feel like trading in dollars for longer life, the Infinity also comes in a , both doing wonders for the lifespan and strength under external conditions of this rope. The Infinity Classic comes in forty, sixty, and seventy-meter options, all with a center marker.
What makes the Mammut Infinity Classic Climbing Rope – 9.5mm unique:
- While not quite a value pick, the low price guarantees this solid rope a standout spot among the more expensive versatile ropes
Why you should buy this rope:
- The slimmer diameter puts this sport climbing rope in an excellent position to be a good first time buy, or even just for general rope use
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Petzl Volta 9.2mm Rope
This ultra-light climbing sets a high bar for the market of thin climbing sport ropes. While designed for multi-pitch, outdoor climbs, the multifunctionality of this rope due to the durability of the finishing allows it to be used in a variety of environments. Excellent for rock, ice, and snow environments, the Volta is certified to be used as a single, half, or twin rope. Additionally, with dual treatments and a finish, the performance of this climbing rope is superb. The EverFlex treatment “stabilizes the core strands and improves consistency for grip and handling,” where the Duratec Dry treatment helps to resist common elements and abrasion. Finally, the UltraSonic finish adds some extra durability and limits the fraying of the ends. All this is offered at a mid-upper price range – not too shabby.
What makes the Petzl Volta 9.2mm Rope unique:
- The abundance of features adds some higher-end durability which makes this rope stand out, especially among the more standard ropes
Why you should buy this rope:
- If you are buying climbing rope for large outdoor climbs, especially if they are in ice and snow conditions, the Volta is perfect for you due to its two treatments and the UltraSonic finish
- Ultra-light 9.2mm multinorma rope for classic mountaineering and maximum performance
- Item Package Length: 7.6 cm
- Item Package width: 19.1 cm
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Edelweiss Performance 9.2mm EverDry Unicore Rope
Edelweiss is one of the oldest and most innovative climbing rope manufacturers in the business. Their catalog for ropes and other climbing equipment extends far beyond most companies’, and if you have used their products, you know why. The Performance 9.2mm is an excellent versatile rope for avid climbers to rely on, with Unicore, the sheath, and the core are bonded for that next level of durability. Furthermore, the EverDry treatment adds on the extra protection from rain and ice. This rope is priced around a mid-level range.
What makes the Edelweiss Performance 9.2mm EverDry Unicore Rope unique:
- The company’s history alone verifies the quality of the rope, but the combination of Unicore technology and the EverDry treatment guarantee a quality rope to stand out among the rest
Why you should buy this rope:
- While versatile, the lightweight and thinner structure of this climbing rope make it stand out for longer, multi-pitch routes and other outdoor adventures, rather than a gym or short route workhorse
- Weight: 52 g/m
- Single - Impact force: 8.2kN, UIAA falls: 5
- Half - Impact force: 6.0kN, UIAA falls: 20
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
At 9.8mm, you would think this rope to be mostly confined to the gym and shorter route options, but Sterling has defied the norm with that weighs only 62 grams per meter. The lightweight of this rope allows it some versatility that a thicker rope wouldn’t typically have. Aided by a dry coating option, the Velocity is even more resilient. Additionally, if you would like a bi-color pattern on the weave of the rope, for a few extra bucks, the Sterling Evolution Velocity Bi-Color is available.
What makes the Sterling Evolution Velocity unique:
- The lighter weight of this thicker rope offers some durable versatility somewhat unmatched in the market
Why you should buy this rope:
- To get an excellent workhorse sport climbing rope with a lighter performance weight, extending the range of possible uses beyond what a typical 9.8mm might have to offer
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Our Runner Ups for the Best Sport Climbing Rope
Our Runner Ups for the Best Sport Climbing RopeBlueWater Eliminator Standard 10.2 x 60m Rope
If you are looking for a climbing rope that provides a substantial amount of bulkiness and durability, the BlueWater Eliminator is a great buy that doesn’t sacrifice weight for strength. With a high eight-fall rating, this rope leverages its 10mm+ design to its fullest. However, as mentioned earlier, the thickness does not add on unnecessary weight, at only 65 g/m this workhorse can easily be brought along on multi-pitch routes with your other ropes if need be. However, the size may still turn some people off from using the Eliminator, even if it does make things like knots a bit easier to manage, and with the addition of easier handling due to its size, it is a solid option for beginners. Additionally, there is no dry treatment, bi-pattern, or center mark on this mid-priced climbing rope, which means you are paying more than average for this rope due to the thickness.
What makes the BlueWater Eliminator Standard 10.2 x 60m rope unique:
- The greater thickness of this rope allows you to rely on its heftiness and durability a bit more than most other climbing ropes
Why you should buy this rope:
- If you want a gym rope or just a general workhorse that can last for a while and be relied on to provide a substantial amount of protection
- Grams per Meter: 64
- Impact Force: 8.1 kN
- UIAA Falls Held: 8
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BEAL Joker 9.1 mm X 70 m UNICORE Dry Cover Climbing Rope
Contrasting with the last rope’s large diameter, Beal’s Joker is a thinner, more mountaineering-focused line. With UNICORE technology and a dry cover to help deal with unpredictable weather or with ice, this climbing rope gains some extra points for durability and the additional features typically not present in a mid-priced option. However, there have been some reports of slippery handling that took a while to work through and a weak dry cover coat, and it lacks any middle marker. Still, the excellent value earns it a spot on our list, and the expansive track record of Beal is enough to ensure the quality on its own.
What makes the BEAL Joker 9.1 mm X 70 m UNICORE Dry Cover Climbing Rope unique:
- The thinner line stands out among the rest for its high performance and ultra-light design, perfect for Alpine climbs and long, multi-pitch routes
Why you should buy this rope:
- If you are a high-level climber and are looking for a rope that you can use on your mountaineering adventures, the Joker is a solid option
- Type: single
- Diameter: 9.1mm
- Dry Treatment: Dry Cover
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Eldrid Boa Eco 9.88 Non-Dry Rope
For a unique take on climbing rope design, look no further than the Boa Eco by Eldrid. By using leftover yarn from their regular rope production, the Boa Eco saves both the planet and your wallet. Because of this, each batch of rope has a different combination of colors, giving you something a bit more unique than the usual. However, the planet-friendly design does not sacrifice on integrity, as the climbing rope has both a Thermo Shield treatment to stabilize yarn fibers and a Kernmantle design to offer extra strength. The overall safety testing also confirms that this fusion of different yarns is safe and robust.
What makes the Eldrid Boa Eco 9.88 Non-Dry Rope unique:
- The mixed yarn design adds not just some extra flavor to the rope, but an eco-friendly appeal and lower prices
Why you should buy this rope:
- While a solid rope on its own, the primary appeal of the Boa Eco is the use of leftover yarns
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Our Value Picks for the Best Sport Climbing Rope
Our Value Picks for the Best Sport Climbing RopeMammut 9.8 Eternity Classic
Starting off with a staple of versatility and ideal handling – the Mammut Eternity Classic sets the bar high for the best value picks on this list with both a low price and a reliable performance. With a classic rope treatment and a basic cut, you aren’t getting any additional features. As with many of Mammut’s ropes, you get a wide selection of lengths to choose from; the rope comes in forty meters to eighty meters.
What makes the Mammut 9.8 Eternity Classic unique:
- The most standout feature of this rope is the fact that it is a strong all-around climbing rope
Why you should buy this rope:
- If you are buying rope for the first time and want to pick up something versatile and reliable, this is an excellent buy for you
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Black Diamond 9.9mm
As one of their first climbing ropes on the market, the black diamond 9.9mm is a solid gym workhorse sport rope. This rope is designed for gym climbing, it comes in thirty-five to seventy meters in length, and without any dry treatment options. Additionally, the thickness and weight specialize it for more work-heavy actions, such as gym climbing or short sport routes. However, the most outstanding part of this rope is the price – it is one of the cheapest, but still reliable, ropes on the market.
What makes the Black Diamond 9.9mm unique:
- The low price is the most standout feature; everything else is quite average
Why you should buy this rope:
- It is excellent for beginners, and those seeking an inexpensive line tried and tested by many climbers
- Regular Sheath: Utilizing a 2X2 weave construction, our standard sheath is built to withstand everyday use
- Durability and Handling Balance: Purpose-built to balance both durability and great handling, our ropes are not too stiff and not too soft, giving you a great feeling rope that knots easily, feeds through your belay device with ease, yet holds up to a barrage of use
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Trango’s Gym Cut Climbing Rope is designed specially for indoor gym use. At and coming in at thirty meters, this rope is perfect for climbers who want to get their feet wet for the first time with owning their own climbing rope. It also helps that this product comes in at under a hundred dollars, going on sale occasionally, bringing down the price even further. If that wasn’t enough, the dry-treated sheath helps with abrasion-resistance for extra durability.
What makes the Trango Gym Cut Climbing Rope unique:
- The gym-focused design makes this rope stand out among the more versatile options on the market
Why you should buy this rope:
- It is an excellent buy for beginners due to the low price, ease of handling, and the hardiness that comes with a thicker and dry-treated rope
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Blue Water 9.1mm Icon Single Climbing Rope
Do you have a limiting budget but want something thinner for less a gym-heavy rope? The Blue Water Icon comes in at 9.1mm, in a range of lengths starting at sixty meters, going up to eighty. And at only fifty-five grams per meter, you won’t have to worry about this climbing rope weighing you down on your next adventure. The price is lower than average, but it is not the cheapest rope we have reviewed.
What makes the Blue Water 9.1mm Icon Single Climbing Rope unique:
- The cheaper rope options tend to be larger, burlier ropes, so a 9.1mm option definitely stands out from the pack
Why you should buy this rope:
- For an inexpensive line to carry up on longer climbs, and if you are a more experienced climber in general so that you can handle the thinner line
- Grams per Meter: 55
- Impact Force: 8.8 kN
- UIAA Falls Held: 5
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is an excellent choice for gym climbing. With excellent durability and a subsequent high fall rating, the Gravity also lacks many of the handy marking features of the more expensive varieties. However, there are three treatment categories offered, and in length ranging from forty to seventy meters.
What makes the Mammut 10.2 Gravity Classic unique:
- The heavier build makes this rope stand out as one of the least expensive 10+ mm ropes
Why you should buy this rope:
- For the inexpensive application in both the climbing gym and on single pitch routes, or even for practicing on sections of a longer route
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Factors to Consider When Buying a Sport Climbing Rope
The first and most apparent factor to consider when considering purchasing a sport climbing rope is the general ratings given by users. Ratings can be one of the best ways to get a feel for the quality and reliability of any product, and it is especially important to pay attention to for something that holds your life in its hands. Therefore, we pay attention to the consensus and take note of any common complaints or praises we see with the reviews.
The second and most crucial part of any recommended sport climbing rope is the durability. The strength is typically determined by the diameter, weight, and the general weave and construction of the rope. But if you have much climbing experience at all, you know that you don’t always want the thickest, most durable rope. We will discuss this a bit more in the next section, but different thicknesses of ropes serve different functions for climbing, and that is important to consider when buying rope.
Besides thickness, another prominent factor to consider is the length of the rope. For outdoor climbing, you will want a longer rope around at least 60m, where an indoor climbing rope can be on the short side, more around 40m. Most rope will come in a selection of lengths, offering some flexibility to your selection.
Something else to consider is any additional features included with the rope. Some additional features may include are the treatment type, middle mark/bicolor, and another coloring such as the end warnings. The treatment type is important for reducing water absorption, which is especially important in colder temperatures to prevent the water from freezing and the rope from becoming stiff and difficult. The dry treatment can affect the top sheath and/or the core. The aforementioned coloring can simply be a middle mark to signify where the direct center of the rope is; a more useful weave pattern coloration that changes at the center, this is typically more expensive, but longer-lasting and more identifiable, than a simple middle mark. Finally, there are markings; they can be marks or thread colors, to help you to identify where the end of the rope is. There may be other unique aspects of the rope which fit in this category as well. In general, these are less important factors when considering the best rope to invest in than some of the others.
Finally, we have price. To a new climber, or one that has never bought rope before, seeing the price of rope for the first time for sport climbing can be a slight shocker. Most starting at the high one hundred/low two hundred – rope is not cheap. However, you need to consider that you will have this rope around for many years, and it will outlast most other pieces of equipment you own. Additionally, the quality and strength of the rope needs to be guaranteed to avoid a potential accident. Still, shelling out three hundred dollars will still probably hurt. That’s why we wanted to keep track of the price for you and ensure that you are finding the best possible quality ropes for the lowest price.
How to Choose the Best Sport Climbing Rope for You
It isn’t enough to just know the differences in climbing rope; you also need to know which fits your needs the best. We reviewed some of the best sport rope for climbing and identified the ideal uses for the different types of rope through utilizing their unique strengths and weaknesses.
The best sport climbing rope is the rope that matches up with what you need. As mentioned earlier, factors such as width and strength play to different uses. For example, a rope that is around the 9.6mm range would be a strong, all-around rope; they are still better for longer climbs than the heavier 10mm+ ropes, but heavy enough to be used in more than just long, multi-pitch routes. Something like the 10mm may be more ideal for indoor climbing and figuring out moves on a wall before and actual attempt.
Diameter isn’t the only factor to consider when buying the best sport climbing rope for you. Typically, with a thicker rope comes a heavier rope, and the weight is the primary thing which restricts an otherwise solid climbing rope to shorter, more work-heavy climbs. Grams per meter is how we determine the weight of a rope, and the weight is useful for figuring out its application. Alpine climbs, for example, will benefit best from a very light and thin rope, while basic gym climbing would require a heavier, more robust rope.
Besides the relatively straightforward factors of rope, different diameter rope also handles differently. A thinner rope will run through a belay device more quickly and will just generally require more attention and experience when operating. A thicker rope, on the other hand, is more forgiving for new and intermediate climbers, making it an even better choice for gym climbing. This is important to pay attention to when trying to find the best sport climbing rope for yourself.
Summary of the Best Sport Climbing Rope
Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:
Last update: 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
After going over the variety of sport climbing ropes on the market, we hope you found the best fit for you and your climbing goals and passions!
Need more climbing gear? Maybe you need a harness or shoes. If so, check out our other comprehensive climbing gear reviews here.
