Advice on buying first rope

[Sagen 78:01]

I´m about to buy my first rope but it´s hard to find proper Arborist rope around here (without paying a fortune). My idea is to primarily use it for fun tree climbing and eventually, maybe, start to prune trees. I have an Anthron Lory (accept 9-11 mm rope) that I will have clipped to my saddle and a foot loop connected to a prusik. If it´s as fun as I believe I will eventually buy a Pretzl ascender for the foot loop.

It´s a lot easier to find rock/wall climbing ropes. Either dynamic or static, I think the specs on some static ropes look similar to arborist ropes. Am I totally misunderstanding that?

So my questions are, is it only inconvenient to use climbing ropes or is it dangerous? I can sacrifice convenience but not safety!
If I were to buy rock/wall climbing ropes, should I go for dynamic or static? Dynamic is more all-around of course.

Sorry for the long post. I really hope to get some valuable input on this.
Thanks.

 

[lego1970]

I'll try to answer your question as best I can based on my experience
and knowledge.

I think most of the tree climbing ropes are mostly made from polyester.

Most climbers I know use 1/2" (12.7mm) lines and are normally
bought or cut into 120' (36.5m?) or 150' (45.7m) sections here in
the US. The 1/2" ropes allow easier grip.

Most tree climbing lines are static or low stretch to prevent fatigue
while climbing and to better hold the climber in position when cutting.

I still use a "blake" or "tautline" hitch as a friction and holding knot
and I've never been able to get those hitches to work on a normal
nylon rapelling rope. Having said that, I got my start useing a
11mm rapelling(static) along with a shunt and a couple cords
for prusik hitches. Was it safe? It was ok, but I think just a tree
rope and a blake hitch is as simple and as safe as you can get just because you
eliminate much of the human error involved with mulitple
carabiners, cords, assenders, etc, etc. That part is just opinion
and I have no statistics to back that up.

I don't know what to tell you about where to buy one in Sweden
but I'm sure if you ask in the "World Forum" or look down at one
of the Suppliers links below on the main page, somebody can help
you out.

Good luck.