Warning: Just overheard a guy say he's been using the same climbing rope for 8 years

I was grabbing supplies at the local tree supply shop in Portland yesterday and heard a guy telling his buddy he's still climbing on the same rope he bought back in 2017. He said he just washes it and it's fine. That scared me man. Rope degrades from UV, sap, and all that dirt even if it looks okay on the outside. I had a piece of line snap on me 3 years ago that looked fine but had a hidden core damage spot. About broke my back when I fell 6 feet onto a lower branch. The shop guy even chimed in saying they see ropes fail at about 5 years max if you use them weekly. Has anyone else run into older climbers who just refuse to replace their gear? What do you even say to them?

2 comments

2 Comments

andrewh9516d ago

Nah, 8 years is pushing it way too far.

bell.emma15d ago

Wait, did you actually buy it new or get it used? I've had two cars make it past the 8 year mark just fine. Regular oil changes and keeping up with the timing belt are what really matter. That's the stuff that kills engines, not the age.