UKC

I've just bought myself a pair of Beal Iceline 8.1 ropes. They are in great condition; I've inspected them for all the obvious bits and pieces and they seem to be as good as new! I know the guy that has sold them to me; he seldom climbs and says he hasn't ever taken a fall on them.

That aside, he's said the ropes are "about 10 years old". On the Beal website it says a rope should be retired after 10 years.

Why is this? And how long have you been using your ropes?

In reply to jamesofdeath
www.sterlingrope.com/media/document/StaticRopeCare.pdf
Most companies have a 10 year shelf life to take into account uv degradation, etc.

You can google most manufacturers and they all say the same thing, in essence...
10 years no use
5 years infrequent use
1-2 years moderate use
6 months heavy use

In reply to jamesofdeath:

I eventually made a mate retire a rope after about 16 years weekly active service at a local wall when it made a funny creaking noise at the top of a route.

In reply to The Lemming: the creaking noise is usually chalk and can be sorted by washing.

To the OP , the materials ropes are made of are quite stable if stored in a dark,dry, room temperature environment away from the chemicals that harm them (acids, certain solvents) There is no reason if a rope has been well stored that it should deteriorate to a point it should be retired.

In reply to muppetfilter:

A little note on UV.

ropes have been UV stable for some time (since mid 80's if memory serves correctly)now and the only effect is discolouration.

In reply to A Crook: That's fantastic news, you will have a busy day ahead of you informing Beal, Edelrid, Edelweiss, New England Ropes (and others) that they have incorrect information on their websites ;0)

In reply to muppetfilter:

Yes I know they still put that on their advice. strange really when the BMC have done studies into this. look at their website.

When i was doing my MIA lecture research I also found some info on other chemical effects.

My favourite was that suntan cream actually made the rope a touch stronger!