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Just picking back up on the sport from my college days which was back in the early 90s. I bought a rope back then, PMI 11mm I think or possibly 10.5mm. I can't recall the model, but I am fairly sure it is not a dry rope. It is green if that matters and the only thing on the yellow tapped ends I can make out is a 1. It was used for 30 - 40 TR'ing climbs only. Never walked on and always dropped on a tarp. It has never been wet or washed. Always stored inside.

I have no idea what the life expectancy of a rope is and I know it will vary on use etc.

I will be using it for TR'n and some lead climbing. Right now I am just climbing indoors and I see how those ropes are used and abused, stepped on, many many falls etc etc and yet who knows how long those ropes have been used and they still seem fine. If I went by that, I would say my rope could still be used.

So what are some of your opinions on if I should keep and use this rope or go new?

Thanks

Nylon degrades over time, generally speaking after 5-6 years the nylon is no good. TRing....maybe. Leading is out of the question. I had a rope that was handed down, new, but like 8 yrs old. Anyway we tested the theory at the gym with the drop test. (concrete filled bucket) The rope blew in two drops. In comparison have done that same test with "retired" (core shot, etc.) ropes that were a year old. They held 5-9 falls! Your choice. Personally, I'd go shopping.

Retire it!

This is kinda what I was expecting, but just wanted to get a feel first. Looks like it is time to start reading the What ropes do you like thread . Or if anyone has any personal favorites, pro/cons on ropes, I will still follow this thread .


PS So what do old ropes have a good use for, tying down furniture when you move, giving the dog a lot of roaming room, .......

Thanks

There are much smaller diameter ropes on the market now. No need to stick with an 11 or even a 10.5 mm rope. Don't settle for anything less than 60 meter and go with a 70 if you can swing the cost.

There are folks on here who would take the rope for weaving into a door mat.

Sterling marathon 10 mm. I've owned four now?? maybe more, and it's the only rope I truly love. Your old rope....anything that won't be holding someones life. Tie downs, clothesline, i keep an old section as a tow rope.

You could try this out, your rope is recycled by ranchers and you get a break.
http://www.yuccadune.com/aisle190.html

I'm curious to see someone do this

Make a door mat out of it. Get a Sterling 10.2 60 meter. I used mine for 6 years and hated to retire it but my partners started refusing to use it. I bought a new Maxim that I like but the Sterling was a great rope. The only thing better is Mamut but they are really pricey.

sterling just came out with a 8.2 single, you should get that just dont fall close to the ground.

Yes, ropes are bad.