Edelerid Aramid vs HPME 6mm cord

I purchased a 120cm Aramid cord last year that I use mostly for ice climbing anchors. It unknots easily after load and does not absorb water and it's the perfect length for a standard 2 screw anchor. I don't mind the stiffness etc. The 120cm version seems to be sold out everywhere now and instead I see Edlerid selling an HMPE version (6mm, heat shrink wrapped etc) that seems to be in stock everywhere. I am reluctant to purchase it if it knots the same way Dyneama does in the wet and cold. (I have mountains of old stuff collecting dust- don't wish to add to it) Does anyone know if they are just discontuining the Aramid cord, or if this new HMPE functions the same? Thanks.

I have both.  I like them both.  I like the HMPE one better because it is more supple.

I have both as well and prefer the old version. The new one isn’t as easy to untie, push through treads, and the sheath is showing more wear in a summer than the other did after 3 years of use. The old one is much better overall, but the new one is still better than other flat type slings. 

jselwyn wrote:

I have both as well and prefer the old version. The new one isn’t as easy to untie, push through treads, and the sheath is showing more wear in a summer than the other did after 3 years of use. The old one is much better overall, but the new one is still better than other flat type slings. 

That was something I was concerned with. I ordered a 90cm version of the old version - the best I could find. I will keep scrolling intraweb I guess in the hopes the 120cm version appears somewhere. 

Shepido wrote:

That was something I was concerned with. I ordered a 90cm version of the old version - the best I could find. I will keep scrolling intraweb I guess in the hopes the 120cm version appears somewhere. 

Try KarstSports.com 

Is the ‘old’ light blue version being discontinued? Or just yet to be restocked? 

It's listed on their website as a product so in theory might just be low on restock. I've been looking and waiting for months. 

I did order the 90cm from Karst Sports

Will Hodgson wrote:

Is the ‘old’ light blue version being discontinued? Or just yet to be restocked? 

‘Old’ version is discontinued. 

Edelrid Aramid cord runners are mostly out of stock because they/their OEM can’t currently obtain the materials to manufacture them. The HMPE version is a stop-gap until they are able to start making Aramid ones again. They hope to do so at some point in the future if the material supply can be reestablished. (Information from the owner of a UK independent climbing gear shop)

I heard same info third hand, reportedly from a US rep, that the pandemic caused a shortage of Aramid and a spike in cost, so EDELRID pivoted to HMPE. The new HMPE sling isn’t as stiff, however I think they hope it’s rigidity above standard slings/cord and the round form factor is still attractive enough to consumers (not sure if permanently or just as a stop gap).

When I noticed they were disappearing out of stores I bought two more 120 aramids from Karst before they sold out. Interestingly, the two from Karst are 2-3 centimeters longer than the ones I already had. No big deal, but thought it was interesting. 

Epictv has the 120cm for $16.67 - 10% for black friday 

https://epictv.com/us/edelrid-aramid-6mm-sling

Free shipping if you order enough stuff