STATIC ROPES

Rope Construction

BlueWater static ropes use a kernmantle construction similar to our dynamic climbing ropes. Their neutral twist and excellent flexibility allow them to knot easily and handle better than other static ropes. Ropes become difficult to manage as they stiffen with use. BlueWater ropes remain flexible longer increasing their useful life.

All BlueWater static ropes are made from a special Type Six nylon from AlliedSignal Corporation. We favor this yarn for its superior strength, durability and low static elongation. It also exhibits less shrinkage for superior flexibility and greater load absorption.

The kernmantle construction used in these ropes features a double-twist cable core for low static elongation and resistance to spinning while ascending or descending, yet will elongate to absorb energy in the event of an accidental dynamic loading. We use a 16 strand sheath that is effectively twice the thickness of the 32 strand sheaths used in other static ropes. This gives our ropes greater durability and abrasion resistance than conventionally designed static ropes.

It is important for a static rope to be able to absorb the energy of an accidental dynamic loading. This type of loading could possibly cause damage to the sheath and/or core of the rope, bodily injury, rope or anchor failure. Our unique double-twist cable core construction has this dynamic load absorbing ability. Of all the static ropes available today, only BlueWater ropes are specifically designed to absorb this energy and limit these risks.

7/16" BlueWater ll uses a sheath construction that is almost twice the thickness of other static ropes available. By combining this thicker sheath design with the dynamic load absorbing ability of our unique double-twist cable core, BlueWater static ropes are four times more resistant to cutting and abrasion than conventionally constructed ropes with parallel strand cores.

Superior handling characteristics, resistance to both abrasion and cutting over an edge, and increased protection from bodily injury and anchor failure make BlueWater static ropes superior to conventional static ropes in all respects. Date of manufacture is shown via an indicator in the core of the rope.

Rope Diameter

9mm (5/16"): This size is suitable for utility use (as an alternative to webbing for rigging ascenders), as fixed lines in expedition applications, or can be used doubled as an emergency escape line (does not meet single NFPA life line safety standard).

10mm (3/8"): This diameter is most suitable for use as a light-weight, single-person safety line and meets the NFPA standard for a single person rope. Because of its superior durability and low load stretch, 10mm (3/8") is particularly useful in big wall applications, as fixed lines and for jumaring.

11mm (7/16" ): This is the most common size static line we make. It is widely used for single person rescue lines, caving, rappelling, and military applications.

13mm (1/2"): BlueWater 13mm (1/2")static ropes meet the NFPA minimum standard (9000 lbs.) for two person ropes.

Rope Length

50m (100 ft.in USA): Available in hanks, this is a popular length for rappelling shorter drops and is particularly suitable where weight or price is an issue.

200 ft.(only in USA): Offering more versatility when a longer rope is needed, this is our most popular length, and is available in hanks.

100m (300 ft.in USA): . This length is useful for rappelling longer drops and is popular for use in rescue applications. Available on spools, it can be stocked in stores and cut into specific shorter lengths.

450 ft .(only in USA). Available on spools of 5/16" only, which can be cut into any desired length, this rope is for general utility, rigging and expedition use.

200m (600 ft.in USA): Available only on spools, it can be stocked in stores and cut into shorter specific lengths as needed.

STATIC ROPE MODELS

BlueWater II +PlusTM This is our most popular static kernmantle rope. BlueWater II +Plus is an economical choice for use in caving, rappelling and rescue applications. It utilizes kernmantle construction with a double-twist cable core. Its low static elongation and superior abrasion resistance make it the best all around choice in a static rope. Available in Gold with Blue marker.

BlueWater 2000TM This rope is designed for use in the same applications and has the same performance characteristics as BlueWater II +Plus. It is available in different colors for easy identification. Available in Blue with Yellow marker, Red with Blue marker, Orange with Blue marker, and Yellow with Blue marker.

Assaultline® The original low visibility static rope, Assaultline is useful in police, military and other applications where low visibility is required. It has the same construction and specifications as BlueWater II +Plus. Available in Olive Drab and Black.

Static Rope Care

In rappelling, caving and rescue applications it is important to take measures to protect the rope. Always take care to rig the rope safely and pad any places where it could be cut or abraded. Avoid dragging the rope from side to side under tension as the rock may abrade or saw through it. A rope under tension will abrade much more quickly than one that is not.

It is also important to rappel slowly and in control. Fast bounding rappels are not only unsafe, but can generate enough heat through friction with the rappel device to melt or glaze the sheath of the rope. Once a rope is glazed, it loses a considerable amount of its flexibility and strength. Dirt and mud also contribute to shortening the life of your rope. Keeping your rope clean will give it longer life. For more details on rope care see Dynamic Rope Care.

When to retire your static rope

Excessive sheath abrasion is the most obvious clue to indicate time for rope retirement. Damage from carabiner gates, sharp edges, rough rock surfaces and glazing from fast rappels should also be watched for. If the rope's sheath is glazed badly, excessively abraded or showing through to the core, it is time to retire it. Soft, hollow, or lumpy spots in the rope can indicate internal core damage. If any of these are found, it is time for the rope to be retired. If a static rope is ever accidentally shock loaded, it must be retired. More good reasons for retirement are excessive stiffness from use and age which can make a rope difficult to knot and handle. For more detailed information on rope retirement see Know When to Retire Your Dynamic Rope.

Rope Accessories

Whip-End Dip This seals the ends fo both kernmantle and laid ropes to help prevent unraveling. Available in White, Red, Green, and Clear for rope identification.

BlueWater Rope Marking Pen Use this marker to identify your ropes and slings or indicate the centers of your ropes. The black ink in these pens will not harm nylon in any way.

BlueWater Rope Cleanser Our rope cleanser removes dirt and grit, oil, and tree sap from dynamic and static ropes. Never use bleach or bleach substitutes when washing your ropes. Keeping your rope clean will help it wear better and last longer.


Back to top | Introduction | Dynamic Ropes | Rope Care | Gym Ropes | River Rescue Ropes | Static Ropes
| Cords | Webbing | Sewn Runners | Harnesses | Accessories | Aluminium Karabiners | Steel Karabiners
Hardware | CocoNuts | Helmets | Contact | Conversion Factors | Index


©1996 No part of this document may be reproduced without authorization from BlueWater, Ltd

209 Lovvorn Road, Carrollton, Georgia 30117, USA

Tel: (770) 834 7515 Fax: (770) 836 1530

email: info@bluewaterropes.com