Why are climbing ropes so expensive?

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Messages 1 - 37 of total 37 in this topic
lucho

Trad climber
California
Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 24, 2011 - 03:18pm PT
I mean really c'mon. Some are in the 300+ range. Ridiculous !
howlostami

Trad climber
Southern Tier, NY
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:26pm PT
And they shouldn't even be called "climbing ropes"! Hell, I've never seen one climb a damn thing! All I see them doing is dragging people down. I swear sometimes they get so heavy I've seen these dangerous items drag people right off climbs! It's ridiculous. There should be a law!
wildone

climber
Troy, MT
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:27pm PT
Years ago I decided I was only going to buy a rope if it was $100. Guess what? I have enough rope. I always seem to find the hundred dollar rope just about when I need to retire one and add another to the rotation. Retail is for suckers.
apogee

climber
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:28pm PT
Rope = plastic = oil
WBraun

climber
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:37pm PT
Why are climbing ropes so expensive?

Because Lucho doesn't have any money ......
FRUMY

Trad climber
SHERMAN OAKS,CA
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:38pm PT
liability Insurance.
mucci

Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:39pm PT
There are plenty of deals on ropes on the Fleabay.

Reputable stores, excellent track records, and consistant customer relations.

These stores are similar to say Marmot in berkely, yet have a larger online showcase.

If you go through a half dozen ropes or more a year, Ebay is your ticket.

Like this seller, who I have purchased 2 ropes from in the past.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Edelweiss-Ally-ARC-10-3-mm-x-70-m-Rock-Climbing-Rope-/400200968421?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d2dd628e5

This rope is $220 in REI right now.

Peter Haan

Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:44pm PT
Ropes are cheap er than they have ever been if you figure for changing dollar value. I remember edelrids being $50 in 1963.
j-tree

Big Wall climber
bay area, ca
Mar 24, 2011 - 03:45pm PT
+1 Mucci
JEleazarian

Trad climber
Fresno CA
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:01pm PT
I agree with Peter, mucci and Rokjox. When I first started climbing, it was a stretch (so to speak) to afford Goldline. Edelrid and Mammut were out of the question.

I also agree with the person who added liability insurance to the equation. The history of the Great Pacific Iron Works (fka Chouinard Equipment) offers an object lesson.

John
Seamstress

Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:23pm PT
They are cheaper than one driver for golf. Plus when you climb, you pay user fees that are generally cheaper than greens fees. The quality of the 19th hole can vary.

WHen I could reliably buy a rope for $100, the standard length was 45 or 50 meters. A 70 meter rope is 40% longer than a 50 meter rope. When I can get a rope on sale for $150, the price is very similar per foot to what I paid 25 years ago.
Josh Nash

Social climber
riverbank ca
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:25pm PT
what is your life worth.....
TrundleBum

Trad climber
Las Vegas
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:28pm PT

Ditto 'Seamstress'

Climbing ropes are one of the few things that have not followed inflation.
My first rope (76' or so, 165' = Edelweiss, on sale, EMS) $115.00 not on sale it was around $140.00

Seamstress

Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:30pm PT
We refer to our annual rope purchase as reupping the insurance policy. Yes, it would be nice to have the latest gizmo. But the rope must be good. First priority.
TrundleBum

Trad climber
Las Vegas
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:34pm PT
LOL Locker did you need to take your shoes off
(and incorporate toes in the count) ?

Eh - Looking forward to seeing you when you get to town.
High Fructose Corn Spirit

Gym climber
Full Silos of Iowa
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:35pm PT
I can't tell you the number of times over the years we've climbed with - and fallen on - our 150' 1/2" ropes from Home Depot. I think we paid $30 or so for them.

The climbing market charges $100-plus (let alone $300!) because climbers are willing to pay $100-plus. Go figure, eh?
High Fructose Corn Spirit

Gym climber
Full Silos of Iowa
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:41pm PT
Make sure you test them though, first, you don't want anything to thin or too static. It's got to have enough dynamic stretch to keep the load factor reasonable.

But if any of this is too complicated to think through or deal with yourself better stick to the sport standards.
klk

Trad climber
cali
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:47pm PT
But first I had to get lessons on how to untie my shoes...

thats why wal-mart sells velcro

heh

i like the story pat tells (in rockwise?] about following gill around on the solo circuit above pueblo. they get to a sketchy section and john yards out this hank of clothesline rope to give pat a belay.



pat: is this rope any good?

john: yes. i bought it at kmart just the other day.
WBraun

climber
Mar 24, 2011 - 04:50pm PT
Home Depot

Huh?
utahman912

Social climber
SLC, UT
Mar 24, 2011 - 05:34pm PT
Ropes and underwear are the cheapest things I have with me on a rock... and underwear could be considered optional.
Captain...or Skully

climber
The Seas of Stone.
Mar 24, 2011 - 05:50pm PT
Naw. That one is just gettin' broke in good.
Roger Brown

climber
Oceano, California
Mar 24, 2011 - 06:33pm PT
Try Amazon. I buy a lot of rope and Amazon and E-Bay is where I get mine. Oh yea, Greg gave me a nice 600' static last season. I get some free-bees too:-)
divad

Trad climber
wmass
Mar 24, 2011 - 07:05pm PT
Why are climbing ropes so expensive?

Why are cigarettes so expensive?

Cuz the ones who have to have 'em are addicted and will pay whatever...
jogill

climber
Colorado
Mar 24, 2011 - 07:22pm PT
Actually, you can order a 25 foot 1.5 inch diameter natural fiber rope on the internet for less than $50. This will do just fine. From a seated position on the floor climb with your arms only and you will become a real athlete! No heel hooks for this guy!
S.Leeper

Social climber
Ft. Useless, Virginia
Mar 24, 2011 - 08:46pm PT
they have to be able to put up with this kind of abuse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzYqmljrDb4&feature=player_embedded
R.B.

Big Wall climber
Land of the Lahar
Mar 24, 2011 - 09:12pm PT
How much is it worth to stay out of the emergency room after a "life flight" to you? I betcha $1/foot is cheap!
gonzo chemist

climber
Crane Jackson's Fountain St. Theater
Mar 24, 2011 - 09:16pm PT
Just spend your time climbing in JT, where the routes are short. That way you can just buy a standard 60m rope and cut it in half. Voila! TWO ropes for the price of one! Even better: just climb at Woodson. I've gotten away with just a 21m strand there...buy a 70m and cut it in THIRDS!
James

climber
My twin brother's laundry room
Mar 24, 2011 - 11:19pm PT
Lucho- I hear there's ropes hanging in Hetch Hetchy somewhere
Captain...or Skully

climber
The Seas of Stone.
Mar 24, 2011 - 11:24pm PT
I don't really think ropes are that pricey. Considering.
And they DO last a while, with some care. Good luck.
Fritz

Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
Mar 24, 2011 - 11:39pm PT
HFCS! RE buying ropes at


Home Depot???


I can't tell you the number of times over the years we've climbed with - and fallen on - our 150' 1/2" ropes from Home Depot. I think we paid $30 or so for them.



This has to be some Iowa troll?




You must be brighter than this?
redrocker

climber
LV, NV
Mar 25, 2011 - 12:14am PT
I like locker's answer. Breaking it down in terms of cost per use.

When I apply that same perspective to the rest of my gear I realize I'm getting pretty good bang for my buck.

Captain...or Skully

climber
The Seas of Stone.
Mar 25, 2011 - 12:44am PT
Go Find Your Socks.
redrocker

climber
LV, NV
Mar 25, 2011 - 12:45am PT
Damn RJ, why you tryin' to harsh my mellow man.

What the f*#k. I can't take it with me anyhow.

Yer feelin' kinda bloody tonight huh?
redrocker

climber
LV, NV
Mar 25, 2011 - 01:28am PT
Here ya go Rox.

Fleetwood Mac (Oh Well)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE4HGlmtOcg&feature=fvwrel
Captain...or Skully

climber
The Seas of Stone.
Mar 25, 2011 - 08:34am PT
Get Funky Young Sister...
Jingy

climber
Somewhere out there
Mar 25, 2011 - 10:52am PT
small price to pay for an extra span of life after fall
tinker b

climber
the commonwealth
Mar 25, 2011 - 10:20pm PT
hey lucho, quit lowering off of climbs, and rap. i bet you could make your ropes last longer if you took care of them.
unless you take better care of your ropes than mine :)
jo-lynne
Messages 1 - 37 of total 37 in this topic
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