Lightning Rope?

They had it at TCI. 30% lighter then standard 1/2" with a single strand core. Might be nice for those who still love their 1/2". Anyone splice it yet? Seems extracting that fat single core could be a pain. The sample has a super tight weave.
 
I would love to hear some feedback on this product. Apparently, this is a Samson rope that Sherrill is having them make.

A few weeks ago my Samson rope sales rep was in our shop and we were discussing this rope. From what they told me, this rope has a foam type of core, giving it a weight reduction factor over fiber core rope.

From what I could gather, and they agree, that would make this rope sliceable by stitching only, which is not a favorable choice for most of the guys we deal with. Plus, it is real expensive stuff.

So my question is this, what exactly is the benefit of this rope?

I'm all for advancement in the technology of rope construction, but this one really has me confused. Right now the only possible use for this would be competitive footlock events where having a light rope would help get a faster time, and lower score. Other than that, what advantage am I missing?

So for anyone who has climbed on this rope, please let me know if the benefits outweigh the extra cost for a light rope with limited splicing potential.

I would love to hear any comments, both positive and negative on this rope. Personally, I never thought I would see climbing rope get priced at such an aggressive level, but then again, who in the arborist world saw a nearly $500 climbing saddle coming?

Thanks! Look forward to hearing about this.....
 
From what I understand, this would only be splicable by stitching it together. Doing a smooth splice, where the cover is tapered and inserted into the rope when the core is removed, seems to be an unlikely proposition.

Keep in mind however, I haven't gotten a chance to play around with this rope, so this is all conjecture for now.

Any splicers out there that can shed some light on this?
 
I haven't climbed on it but talked to the engineer who designed at TCIA Expo.

The gist I got is that it's designed for climbers who like 1/2" rope but want it lighter. It has a foam core which they call 'Smartfoam'. It's supposed to keep the rope round when weighted without affecting flexibility. It's got a pretty cool color style too.

That's about all I remember.
 
This is a 16-strand rope and it IS splicable, just as you would splice a typical 16-strand rope. The taper on the core is a little different, but other than that, just the same.

I did a little climbing/hanging with the rope at TCI, and it seemed a little "stretchy" for my liking, but it is very light weight and a pretty decent rope for the most part.

Mike
 
Gents,
Lightning, which is indeed patented and produced by Samson for SherrillTree is 20% lighter than other 1/2-inch ropes. Although lighter in weight, Lightning runs about 20% heavier on the wallet, not a big trade when you consider the sweat equity of lugging the falling end of your line over 50-500 branches next year. Besides mechanical adjustments, Samson reports a lot of time and effort, expenses to their top researcher (Dr. Chow) and material development went into this next revolution for climbers. Lightning is hand-spliceable (at both ends) using a standard 16-strand splicing technique. SherrillTree has no plans to Grizzly Splice this or any other climbing lines outside of non hand-spliceable ropes like True Blue or Tree Pro Red. I believe that more than just competition level climbers will find good use for Lightning and beyond just foot locking. But then again, who knows?

Bsafe
 
Tobe VERY kindly gave me a hank of this at the Rendezvous in August. It is spliced on both ends.

I often recommend people try 11mm ropes because they are so much lighter and more of a joy to haul around, both up a tree and on the ground. Unfortunately, too many people don't like grabbing on to a skinny rope.

This rope solves that problem.

The hank I had was not super tightly woven, but they may've tweaked it before they officially released it. Tobe, do you know?

I have a picture of the core at home. I'll show you when I get home!

love
nick
 
Russ has a length of Lightning on display at the local shop. This rope is EXTREMELY stretchy, more than New England's Hi-Vee (for reference). With a 30' tie in point, I felt like I was hanging on a bungee cord, and that's with the rope doubled! The feel is very chunky through the friction hitch. Not a smooth run, feels like 12 strand. Also, it's not really 1/2". Grab some Bluestreak or Fire next to this and Lightning is noticeably smaller. The rope is certainly light, but a footlock application would be an excersize in wasted energy (although, I suppose you could bounce on it and slingshot yourself into the canopy!). I highly doubt Samson made a test batch and had real working arborists give feedback regarding Lighting, because it most certainly would have been poo-pooed. When coming back in from a limbwalk, body thrusting, footlocking the tail, etc. the take-up and sit-back is monsterous... no response and much wasted muscle.
 
I think I remember Tobe saying it'll have the advantages of a full 1/2" rope (easier to grab) with some of the advantages of an 11mm rope (being light weight).

Tobe, is this a half-inch rope? I can't find it on your site or samson's site yet.

love
nick
 
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I think I remember Tobe saying it'll have the advantages of a full 1/2" rope (easier to grab) with some of the advantages of an 11mm rope (being light weight).



[/ QUOTE ]

That was the whole point of Poison Ivy, finding the middle ground, and it worked well...even lighter would be better but that stretch and texture factor would prove to be quite a conundrum. I'll wait for others to use and then pick their brains.
 
I am pretty sure that it is a true half inch line but is just light like the 11mm. I think someone on here was thinking about the neopro from all gear that is a 16 strand 11mm rope that way it takes the wear and tear better.
 
Yes I can attest to the fact that Taylor gave it a good going over. He stroked it, climbed it, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d it,and got it dirty. I sent him home thou, when HE GOT HIS HAMMER OUT!!!
shocked.gif
 
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