Why do manufacturers give a rope the distinction of being a "gym" rope?

I am curious as to why there is a distinction (and if it matters) between gym ropes and standard (untreated) ropes of a similar diameter. Why give one the distinction of being a gym rope versus the other? Is it marketing? Should gym ropes only be used in the gym?

I've never had to buy a gym rope, but from what I've seen when buying other ropes, gym ropes tend to be very short. A 30m rope isn't going to get you up (or down) many outdoor climbs.

You'll also see MUCH thicker sheathes to deal with greater abuse, and if the rope is meant to be used as a long-term top-rope line, it'll have a higher impact force, and lower static elongation.

A lot of them aren't really meant for lead use at all.

On top of what's been said, gym ropes often aren't treated to withstand conditions you would find outside (I.e lots of dirt and water). You shouldn't buy a gym rope if you plan on climbing outside, as it will get trashed a lot faster. However there are exceptions to this, as some are highly abrasion resistant and would preform really well outside in dry environments on top rope only.

It's subtle things, but gym ropes are typically maximized for cost vs durability in an institutional/commercial environment.

Gym specific ropes tend to be purchased on a spool and cut to the lengths needed. They are usually larger diameter (10+mm), with a higher percentage sheath to handle persistent and repeated abrasion against holds and the walls. They are very concerned with sheath slippage as the repetitive abuse in the same locations tends to bunch the sheath up on the belayer's side on permanent top ropes. Also, some are static or low elongation specifically for top roping.

pretty much as stated, no dry treatment and they are semi-static

Larry S wrote:It's subtle things, but gym ropes are typically maximized for cost vs durability in an institutional/commercial environment. Gym specific ropes tend to be purchased on a spool and cut to the lengths needed. They are usually larger diameter (10+mm), with a higher percentage sheath to handle persistent and repeated abrasion against holds and the walls. They are very concerned with sheath slippage as the repetitive abuse in the same locations tends to bunch the sheath up on the belayer's side on permanent top ropes. Also, some are static or low elongation specifically for top roping.

The issue of slippage is surmountable with better practices, but the problem is that the CWA's best practices aren't necessarily a prerequisite for getting insurance, so the industry best practices aren't always followed. That said, the minimization of slippage is a convenient byproduct of design choices to minimize other problems that can't be addressed with better practices.

Brian Scoggins wrote: A lot of them aren't really meant for lead use at all.

Is there a distinction between commercially-marketed-to-the-public "gym ropes" which are meant for leading in the gym, vs "gym ropes" which marketed to gyms and used for top-roping?

Very cool discussion
Looked up what Mammut has to offer. One to one comparison is a bit hard since they do not offer same diameter ropes
10.1 Gym Rope - 7-8 UIAA falls, 8.3KN impact, 8.5% static, 32% 1st drop, 37% sheaf,
"classic" coating
10.2 Gravity Classic - 10-11 UIAA falls, 8.9KN impact, 6.8% static, 31% 1st drop, 40% sheaf, "classic" coating.
10.0 Galaxy Classic - 8-9 UIAA falls, 8.6KN impact, 6.5% static, 31% 1st drop, 36% sheaf
9.8 Transformer - 7-8 UIAA falls, 9.0KN impact, 6.8% static, 29% 1st drop, 38% sheaf

WTF this means? - rope "certified" for gym use has lowest impact, elongates most in static load, elongates most on 1st fall.

I got one gym rope last summer with intent of mostly toprope use, outdoors, but in a clean setting. It was 60M long,,,and 11mm thick. Haven't seen a thick rope like that for years. I'm guessing its extra thickness in sheath should make it hold up better in outdoor use, wear and tear, etc. Not intending to do leads with it.

amarius wrote: WTF this means? - rope "certified" for gym use has lowest impact, elongates most in static load, elongates most on 1st fall.

Maybe in the case of the example you selected, but certainly not in all examples. Some gym ropes are actually low stretch ropes (semi-static).

All in all, I would say "gym rope" is mostly a marketing thing. They try to market ropes that would work well in a gym environment as gym ropes (e.g. you wont find any 9.2mm "gym" ropes). The UIAA and CE do not have any distinction between "gym" ropes and non-gym ropes. It's like how some ropes are marketed toward aggressive redpointing projects, others are recommended for ice climbing, others yet are recommended for aid climbing. You are not required to use the rope for that purpose, only that they market it toward that application because they believe the specifications of the rope lead to optimal use in that specific application.

Just make sure if you use a "gym" rope for leading that it is in fact dynamic and not semi-static.

amarius wrote:Very cool discussion Looked up what Mammut has to offer. One to one comparison is a bit hard since they do not offer same diameter ropes 10.1 Gym Rope - 7-8 UIAA falls, 8.3KN impact, 8.5% static, 32% 1st drop, 37% sheaf, "classic" coating 10.2 Gravity Classic - 10-11 UIAA falls, 8.9KN impact, 6.8% static, 31% 1st drop, 40% sheaf, "classic" coating. 10.0 Galaxy Classic - 8-9 UIAA falls, 8.6KN impact, 6.5% static, 31% 1st drop, 36% sheaf 9.8 Transformer - 7-8 UIAA falls, 9.0KN impact, 6.8% static, 29% 1st drop, 38% sheaf WTF this means? - rope "certified" for gym use has lowest impact, elongates most in static load, elongates most on 1st fall.

This

If its a dynamic uiaa rated climbing rope ... Its fine to use indoors or out as long as you dont need dry treatments

Thats all there is to it folks

;)