Climbing is fun, but it’s even more enjoyable with the best climbing rope. Now, given the many options available on the market, most climbing beginners might have a hard time deciding which rope to choose. Again, you have to remember that your rope is your lifeline. As such, you can’t pick just any climbing rope.
For this reason, we have compiled a list of the top 5 best climbing rope for beginners in bid to simplify your search.
But first, what features should you consider when buying a climbing rope? The best climbing rope should be lightweight, smooth, easy to use, fit your belay device, have a soft catch, be versatile to fit various climbing types, and of Corse, be durable. With this in mind, let’s now look at the selected options:
Mammut 9.5 Infinity Classic Single Rope for Climbing
Rope type: Single Rope
Rope Style: Dynamic
Best Use: All-arounder
Impact Force: 8.4 Kilonewtons
Dynamic Elongation: 30%
Diameter: 9.5 mm
Weight: 59g/m
Length: 70-meter
Dry treatment: Classic, Protect, and Dry
The Mammut 9.5 Infinity Classic Single Climbing Rope falls squarely between too flimsy and too heavy at 9.5mm. This means that it performs better compared to 10mm ropes when it comes to critical clips, and it will also last longer compared to skinnier ropes. One thing that stands out in Mammut climbing ropes is their longevity and durability and this is the case with their 9.5 infinity rope. The suppleness and smoothness is incomparable and this is one of the reasons it tops the list. Its dry treatment meets UIAA requirements, and it remains effective for a long time.
- The price is just right for the quality
- It’s very durable
- It feels great and it’s perfect for beginners
- Great size and performance
- The sheath is not the silkiest
2. Sterling Rope Evolution Velocity 9.8mm Climbing Rope
Rope type: Single Rope
Rope Style: Dynamic
Best Use: Climbing
Impact Force: 8.8 Kilonewtons
Dynamic Elongation: 26.4%
Diameter: 9.8 mm
Weight: 62 grams per meter
Length: 60M and 70M lengths
Dry treatment: Dry Core
If you are a novice climber aspiring to be a great climber then getting yourself the 9.8mm Sterling climbing rope is a good place to start. It’s a single dynamic rope that’s perfect for rock climbing. It has a middle marker and it’s perfect for heavy use. Basically, it’s an all-purpose climbing rope with perfect length and weight. And if it matters to you, the colors look great too.
- Very durable thanks to the core treatment that protects it against dirt and water
- Features a Kernmantle design with a stretchy core and durable outer sheath
- It’s stiff enough and clips easily thus reliable for critical clips
- It resists abrasion. No rope drag thanks to its silky and smooth sheath that withstands slides and abrasions perfectly
- Very versatile climbing single dynamic rope
- Easy to use thus perfect for beginners
- The 35M rope version has no middle marker, but you can just fold it in half and mark the middle.
3 Black Diamond 9.4 mm Dry Climbing Rope
Rope type: Single Rope
Rope Style: Dynamic
Best Use: Multi-pitch, Cragging
Impact Force: 7 Kilonewtons
Dynamic Elongation: 32%
Diameter: 9.4 mm
Weight: 9.4 MM x 70 M: 8 lbs. 15.5 oz
Length: 70M
Dry treatment: Dry Core & sheath
The quality of the climbing rope that you are using contributes a big percentage of how quickly you learn and perfect your climbing skills as it gives you more confidence. The Black Diamond 9.4 mm Dry Climbing Rope makes it to this list because any beginner will find it really useful.
It is made by a reliable and respected company, Roca. And, it is smooth, supple, highly durable, and its dry treatment meets the UIAA requirements. The stretch is perfect and it’s also lightweight.
- Good stretch
- Lightweight
- Perfect color
- Durable
- The middle marker is not so visible
4 BlueWater Ropes 9.1 mm Icon Double Dry Dynamic Single Rope
Rope type: Single Rope
Rope Style: Dynamic
Best Use: Single & multi-pitch climbing
Impact Force: 8.8 Kilonewtons
Dynamic Elongation: 32.7%
Diameter: 9.1 mm
Weight: 55g/m
Length: 70M
Dry treatment: Dry Core & sheath
This is the best skinny climbing rope for beginners with 35% sheath mass. It is super durable and reliable for heavy use. It doesn’t become floppy over time. It also features a double dry finish which means better protection and thus durability. Again, it is lightweight and you will love its tantalizing color scheme. If you are looking for a different rope for multi-pitch days then this here is a win! It’s best described as the best skinny durable rope.
- Double dry finish
- Skinny and durable
- Lightweight
- Fast working
- Great color scheme
- It’s skinnier than most options
5 Sterling Rope Marathon Biathlon Pro Dry Climbing Rope
Rope type: Single Rope
Rope Style: Dynamic
Best Use: Multi-pitch routes and all-day cragging sessions
Impact Force: 8.6Kilonewtons
Dynamic Elongation: 35.3%
Diameter: 10.1 mm
Weight: 63g/m
Length: 70M
Dry treatment: Dry Core & sheath
This is another great climbing rope to handle any abuse and lots of abrasions. It’s quite heavy compared to the other options, but it withstands a lot. It also features a durable sheath that withstands friction from both rough rock and gear. Again, it has a very visible middle marker for safer rappels and also to help you know easily how far you have climbed. Coiling the rope also becomes easier and faster. The waterproof core also makes a huge difference in case of unexpected snow or rain and it also adds to its durability. It also has a smoother outer lining that resists chalk starching way better than most ropes. You will get great catches with its 33% stretch and it performs perfectly through a Grigri and mostly for lead belay.
- Pretty thick (10.1 mm) but supple and clips and catches well
- Great handling
- Bi-pattern, hence easy to see the midpoint
- Very durable
- Lightweight
- Smooth and strong
- 33% stretch
- It’s the heaviest in this list, but still lightweight enough for a great climbing experience
- Finding the midpoint gets hard once the rope becomes dirty because the dry treatment makes the whole rope smooth
Bottom Line
You cannot go all out to perfect your climbing skills unless you have total confidence in your climbing rope. The list above is a compilation of the five best climbing rope for beginners and any one of them will serve you well. Pick your choice and chase your dream!