1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Climbing

Static Rope

Definition of a Climbing Equipment Word

By Stewart Green, About.com

Static Rope

A special climbing rope, which does not stretch like a dynamic climbing rope. A static rope (usually 11 mm in diameter) is usually used as a fixed rope (attached to anchors and left in place) for climbing the rope itself with ascenders or rappelling. Static ropes are stronger and last longer than dynamic ropes, but they are not to be used for actual climbing except as a top-rope because their lack of stretch and elasticity causes the force of a fall to be placed on other parts of the climber’s safety system, including anchors and harness, and can lead to failure and severe injury.

Explore Climbing

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Climbing

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.