Rope Exclusively for Indoor Climbing

   I'm looking to buy my first indoor rope. I've read every thread, I swear. The consensus is that your first rope should be cheap and thick.  

   The cheapest I could find from a reputable brand was this Tendon 9.7mm (would get it in 35m).  

   Following that up slightly in price would be:  

   Black Diamond 9.9 (35m)  

   Edelrid Boa 9.8mm (40m) - Could consider the jump to the Boa Gym if it's worth it  

   Beal Virus 10mm (50m)  

   Or try a Sterling such as the Phenom 10.3mm (40m) or Slim Gym 10.1mm (30m)  

   I believe those are my best options without spending too much. I don't want to break the bank as I also want an outdoor rope soon, so should I just get the cheap Tendon? 

   Many thanks!  (I'm located in Mexico for what it's worth, in case the prices seem completely nonsensical elsewhere)  

For an indoor rope the cheap Tendon is fine. For outdoor ropes have a dry coating extends the life dramatically, but gym ropes stay very clean and such a feature really isn't necessary. 

Ricky Harline wrote:

For an indoor rope the cheap Tendon is fine. For outdoor ropes have a dry coating extends the life dramatically, but gym ropes stay very clean and such a feature really isn't necessary. 

Yea, that would probably be the smart choice. It's a shame I can't find cheaper gear here but oh well. For outdoor only, if you were to recommend one rope ~200 USD, which would it be? No muti-pitch or anything fancy, just a rope for the local crag.

70m boa eco

As to what length makes sense for your crags you'll have to ask local climbers. Probably a 60 or a 70m, but that's something you need to know before purchasing. 

A dry rope would probably be out of your price range. If you can get a dry rope get that, if you can't it doesn't really matter. Personally I wouldn't go above 10mm; most people consider even 9.8mm a pretty beefy rope these days. I'd say somewhere in the 9.6-10mm is good for a workhorse rope you want to last a long time. Going over 10mm and the ropes start to get big and heavy and you get reduced performance from some common modern belay devices like the newer Grigris. 

Buena suerte 

The cheapest is to start with one rope, use it inside and outside.   Eventually it will be beat up, maybe even with some serious damage.   Cut it in half and now you have at least one and maybe even two gym ropes and a better idea of what your next outdoor rope should be (and a better idea of how to avoid wrecking your rope).

Mateo, you’ve done your research and your options look good! Congratulations on your first rope!

Ricky Harline wrote:

As to what length makes sense for your crags you'll have to ask local climbers. Probably a 60 or a 70m, but that's something you need to know before purchasing. 

A dry rope would probably be out of your price range. If you can get a dry rope get that, if you can't it doesn't really matter. Personally I wouldn't go above 10mm; most people consider even 9.8mm a pretty beefy rope these days. I'd say somewhere in the 9.6-10mm is good for a workhorse rope you want to last a long time. Going over 10mm and the ropes start to get big and heavy and you get reduced performance from some common modern belay devices like the newer Grigris. 

Buena suerte 

That makes sense! Im actually heading out tomorrow with a pretty notable Mexican climber (now retired) and I'm sure he'll know what length will suit the area, and he also let me know since he used to me sponsored by Petzl, BD, etc he still gets really good prices from them so hopefully I'll get some nice discounts haha. As for treatment,l think I'll opt on dry to make it last as long as it can. Will take all of this into account, thank you!