why do they still make 12 strand climbing lines?

[voxac30dude]

ok we all know that 16 strand climbing lines work alot better for tree work and tend to be smoother. so why do they make 12 strand lines if we all use 16's?

 

[Grace Tree]

ok we all know that 16 strand climbing lines work alot better for tree work and tend to be smoother. so why do they make 12 strand lines if we all use 16's?

Same reason they still make 3 strand, I guess. People keep buying it and using it. Forestry Pro is a 12 strand. Nice and cheap and a good rope. I'd probably still use that if I wasn't using some mechanical ascenders.
Besides these two guys said it best
THE OLD WAY IS THE BEST WAY
View attachment 118127

 

[emr]

We use this one for a light rigging line.

http://neropes.com/product.aspx?mid=AD5A655BCA5BFA2A6B340F8F4F462C5D&lid=1&pid=74

It has a great feel in your hand. I know there is a large group of arborists that love True Blue..... that may be our next 12 strand. By the way, I also have a 3 strand rigging line, 3 strand adjustable false crotch, and a 3 strand chainsaw lanyard. In addition to those "old school" rope constructions, we also have Stable Braid and other newer double braids and kernmatles as climbing and rigging lines. I think that every rope construction has a place in the arb world and many times its just personal preference.

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

People keep buying it and using it.

Bingo. Whenever somebody asks, "Why do they still make XXX, anyway?", the answer is always the same: People are still buying it.


Economics 101.

 

[John464]

arbor plex is the best rigging rope in it's price point. 12 strands generally are more resisitant to arbrasion than a 16.

I use both and would be pissed if they stopped making either. Your post seems newbie-like if you don't see a place for a 12 strand rope in your bag

 

[emr]

Isnt Arbor Plex the only rope in its price point? He he. Actually I would like to try it out some time.

 

[voxac30dude]

im talking about climbing lines not rigging here. i know 12 strand works great for rigging but for climbing im not so sure.

 

[emr]

ok we all know that 16 strand climbing lines work alot better for tree work and tend to be smoother. so why do they make 12 strand lines if we all use 16's?

Because we like to use them for rigging. I suppose you can use any rope commonly called a climbing line for rigging and vicea versa. You can take this a step further and ask "I 12 strand rope is so much smoother and doesnt twist, why are they still making 3 strand climbing lines?" Like it was mentioned above, if people are buying it, they will continue to make it. I think that a lot of guys in tree work resist change.... I know I do with some aspects of climbing/rigging. Why do guys still climb on the Tautline when the Blakes works so much better? Why do people climb on the Blakes when the Distel works so much better? Why do guys climb on the Distel when the VT works....... you get the point.

 

[lumberjack333]

I climb on 12 strand, does well for me in all aspects... Good feel to the line, abrasion resistance, friction hitch holds and runs well on it (VT mechanical system), knot holding is good, resists moisture... Whats knot to like? :jester:

(Arbor-Plex btw, stuffs cheap too.)

 

[pinemartin]

I have a few hanks of 12 strand tree pro red, love the stuff you can climb on it ,rig with it, lift with it, It stays round under load, holds knots well and does not milk. Oh and the high tensile strength (7300) gets the job done without worry..

 

[bruce6670]

I have a couple 12 strand ropes that I still use for rigging.One is True Blue which is a nice light rigging line and the other is Arbor Plex which is basically just a short tag line when needed.

The True Blue was bought as a climbing line,but was switched to rigging when I upgraded to a 16 strand.

As for the Arbor Plex, that stuff works fairly well for a close system climb line when I need a second TIP. I wouldn't want to use it for rigging very often because it is kind of stiff for tying knots.

 

[md_tree_dood]

Why do they keep making 16 strand rope when 24 strand is so much better?

The real answer is that no matter how superior a new product is, people still use old stuff because they are to afraid, stubborn, or cheap to try something new. It's why people get on this site and suggest using True blue, which has to be the absolute worst rope still on the market for climbing. Anyone who would suggest it, hasn't ever used anything else. Hope this helps.

 

[lego1970]

I use True Blue but have used 16 strands in the past. I like the feel of it when body thrusting, it's heavy and flexible so it seems to be easier to deal with when advancing the line, and to my eyes it's very visible. To be honest you could give me just about any 12 or 16 strand rope, dye it whatever color and I probably couldn't tell the difference. I also use Valvoline 15w-40 in my engines for whatever that's worth

 

[md_tree_dood]

You just pointed out your main problem, that you've used other 16 and 12 strand ropes. Most of which have a lot of stretch and are very heavy. Try a 24 strand rope, you'll know the difference.

 

[JeffL]

Arbor plex is great, I spent a few days a couple weeks ago using it to skid logs and brush up a hill with a truck. I figured even if it only held out for a few hours I still got my moneys worth out of it.

 

[emr]

You just pointed out your main problem, that you've used other 16 and 12 strand ropes. Most of which have a lot of stretch and are very heavy. Try a 24 strand rope, you'll know the difference.

You seem pretty upset about peoples choices of climbing lines. What difference does it make what people are climbing on. As long as it meets the ANSI standards and its safe, who really cares what kind of line you climb on. It doesn't make you a better climber just because you climb on a newer line. I say if someone likes 12 strand as a climbing line, ROCK ON! Actually I would love to see someone climbing on 3 strand. Personally, I have thought of trying a 3 strand lanyard just for fun. Its cheap and easy to splice so it might make a good lanyard for climbing pines and spruce trees. You could use it a couple of times and then toss it and not be out much.

 

[voxac30dude]

i guess if you like jerky descents then 12 strands are fine. mostly only see 12 strands best suited for bull rope or re directs.