Appreciation post: My old climbing rope versus the new Sterling HTP line

I finally swapped out my old, beat-up 11mm climbing line for a new Sterling HTP 12mm after about five seasons. The difference in handling, especially during limb walks on a big pin oak in Springfield, was night and day (the extra millimeter and the tighter sheath made it so much easier to control). Anyone have a favorite rope for big, spread-out hardwoods like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

faith_lopez483mo agoProlific Poster

My old 10.5 felt fine until I tried a thicker rope on a big maple last week.

felix_jones2mo ago

Jump right in and try a thicker rope when you're working big hardwoods like that. The extra heft gives you way more control on those long limb walks, no question about it. I've used a 13mm before on some monster oaks and it was like driving a truck compared to a little sedan. You feel every branch under your feet way better.

angela_coleman3mo ago

That bit about the tighter sheath making limb walks easier is so true. I always thought a fatter rope would just be clumsy, but the control is totally worth it. Might have to give the HTP a try myself.