Sterling Ropes - PSA

Explain to me why this is such a big deal? If the middle mark is off by 8 feet and you rappel you're only 4ft from where you originally intended to be, right?

We all should be knotting the ends of our ropes regardless so those rope stretching 35m rappels might be a little inconvenient but it's not a matter of safety. The remaining 99% of the non-rope stretching rappels you'll never notice a difference.

I wouldn't expect Sterling to roll over and give you a new rope. If I were Sterling I'd send you a Sharpie (or other approved marking device) with a frowny face postcard and a discount on your next rope.

alpinejason wrote:Explain to me why this is such a big deal? If the middle mark is off by 8 feet and you rappel you're only 4ft from where you originally intended to be, right?

I think it is a bigger difference than that... if the middle mark is off by 8ft, then after you set the rappel one half will be 8ft short and the other 8ft long. You can only rappel as far as the short end allows, 8ft less than "intended". Also, at the end of the short end, the long end will be 16ft longer. Seems pretty big...

Maybe I'm not thinking about it right, though.

Well if yr paying 325 maple syrup dollahs for a bicolor helix .... One would hope that the rope would have the proper middle

If not one can just get a cheap rope for 1/3-1/2 the price and use a laundry sharpie

;)

Considering the cost to get a bi-color rope I would be pissed. Is it a huge deal? No not really cause you can probably remember which side is short and just remember when you are setting up the rope to adjust it towards one side by a few ft.

I know multi places where I rappel being off by 8 ft on a 60m rope would be the difference between making it to the next anchor or not. More than one spots is even a 5ft down climb so being off could make it a 15ft down climb, some of them would mean you are on a 5.10 slab down climb if the rope was off and i don't think anyone is going to untie for that. Being a 70m wouldn't be an issue even if it was off most of the places I rappel at though.

coppolillo wrote:Mammut or Edelrid, dude. Worth it.

+1. as much as i hate the concept of brand loyalty, i've never handled an edelrid rope that didn't feel exceptionally smooth for its age. and mammuts are known for their durability. although it is a 9.2, the first and last sterling rope i will ever buy has not been doing well when it comes to durability. after it's first use, when which the worst abuse it took was 2 rappels, it had numerous fuzzy spots. i won't complain further because i got it at an amazing price from a guy here on MP, but I'm not a huge fan of sterling. Edelrid and Mammut can expect my business when it comes to ropes

Mr. Stevens wrote:I recently bought a brand new sterling velocity 70 m bi-pattern rope and after climbing on it a few times I did a rap requiring a FULL 70 m. I pulled it to the center mark and rapped. When I got to the bottom I noticed the ends were WAY off - like 10' off - good thing I tied knots! At first I chalked it up to rope stretch or slippage or who knows what. But after a few more uses and raps I continued to notice the difference in lengths. So I finally measured it and the middle mark is off by 8 ft. I measured it myself and brought it in to a climbing shop and they measured it the same length too...

I just bought a 70m bi-pattern Marathon Pro and it is about 7.5 feet off as well. I haven't measured the overall length yet though. I plan on checking it tomorrow. Did you decide to send your rope back?

why is everyone talking bout sending their ropes back?

just make a new mark or cut your rope down and make it even if it bothers you that much.

you're not getting any response from sterling cause they think you're silly for caring so much about it.

I did send it back and they did replace it as it was a manufacturing defect. I'd suggest sending yours back as well so they know that this is happening.

Chris, sorry I was being silly for caring about safety equipment and my life line being up to proper standards. I'll try to not care so much next time.