This 60m 7.5mm abseil rope from Simond has been designed for maximum versatility in long rocky routes. At around 40g/m it is very light and is very nice to handle. Even if at first it may feel a bit stiff, it softens up and the Dry protection leaves a slightly sticky layer that brakes its fluidity. You can use it either as a half rope or twin rope and it is perfectly normal to feel a bit pensive at first. But you soon forget the diameter once in use because of its fluidity, especially in mountain use and ice climbing where you clip frequently for extra protection against falls and spread the load. It works well in humid conditions, in the cold, snow and ice and is resists against freezing and water saturation. It can be used alone for short abseils, very practical especially for chaotic mountain routes, and for ski touring. It resists against abrasion on rocks and doesn’t ruffle up in the belay device. Wear and tear was not noticeable in mid-term use.
Technically its characteristics follow the norm for safety, impact force, dynamic elongation, number of falls (5 to 16), sheath slippage, etc. A bonus: the ends of the rope are “fixed” thanks to an ultrasound fusion procedure that blocks fraying and sheath slippage. For belaying and abseiling, this isn’t a rope to let anyone use. It requires vigilance and skill and preferably using gloves and especially if using a standard system like Reverso. We tested it with the Air 3 system from Beal. It was superb and blocks perfectly without having to use gloves and you can manage slack and fluidity in complete safety.
It is a very versatile rope and excellent value for money, tough, a little stiff at first, but you easily adopt it and feel in complete safety. It is an excellent “High Tech” product, at an affordable price.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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