I have a rope from Decathlon (I think it was probably their own brand, Simond, 35m, 10mm (approx.) that I've had from about 3 or 4 years. In that time it has NOT been used extensively, or had any traumas (I can guarantee that!), just occasional use (maybe once a week) on an indoor wall.
Most of it looks pretty much like new, maybe a bit stiffer than I would like … but there is a 2 metre section in the middle which feels very different, very soft indeed. Feels like a different rope.
My questions are these: a) How has that happened? Is that a manufacturing fault, or is it something I could have done (although not been aware of)? b) Is the rope still safe? c) If not, I.e. the rope has become unsafe due to a manufacturing fault, isn't this a bit dodgy - maybe Decathlon should be told?