new Canyon rope

[sonnylawrence]

Rich, what's the word on the new Bluewater Canyon rope? MtnTools told me the "DS" stands for "Dual Sheath."

9.2mm CANYON DS static rope
This compact and extremely water resistant rope is best for all canyon descents and rappels in and out of the water. Use for all general canyoneering applications - lowering, rappelling & belaying. Not for lead climbing.

wt: 60 g/M
tensile: 6000lbf

[rcwild]

Hi Sonny,

The sheath is a mix of polyester and Technora, an aramid fiber that does not have the same flex endurance problems as Kevlar. Nylon core like the original Canyon.

Expectation is that the rope will be incredibly abrasion resistant. I have some of the prototype rope. Impressive.

[dekej]

I've noticed the price difference between 200' of the Canyon vs. 200' of the Canyon DS is significant, around $50 or so. Is the new DS really worth it or should one scoop up a "bargain" with the regular Canyon? Inquiring minds want to know!

[rcwild]

Base your decision on your perception of value. DS sheath should be more abrasion resistent, so it should last longer. Will it last enough longer to justify paying the higher price? The answer for one person will be yes, for another it will be no.

How's that for a decisive response?

[ratagonia]

The DS also changes some of the handling characteristics of the Canyon Pro.

The "old" CP tended to be slick and fast, and scary for people not ready for it.

The "new" CP is exactly opposite. The Technora fuzzes pretty quick, and the fuzzed rope is probably the MOST controllable 8mm rope I have ever used. It is very, very user-friendly.

While I have used the Dual Sheath version, I cannot comment on it long-term, because a certain, (not to be named here) orthopedic doctor got it stuck behind a stump, and it ended up in three pieces.

Tom