Sterling rope, Nano DRY 9.2mm

Sterling ropes has been a major rope manufacturer in the States for some time and lately the brand is becoming more common in Europe. However, to move in on the highly competitive rope market in Europe, Sterling will have to prove themselves extra much. 8a has tried three of their recommended ropes and the Nano 9.2 is the first to to be reviewed.

The Nano 9.2 is one of Sterling’s newer ropes and part of their “fusion” series together with Nitro and Ion. At first glance the Nano is a delicate rope with a boring color. But looks deceive, and the lightness and smoothness of the Nano make it incredible easy to handle while climbing. Even when the slings zig-zag the wall and turns a corner around an arete the rope seems to snake its way through the carabiners. Similarly it appears to run smoothly through both the Gri-Gri and Sum without affecting the locking mechanism (Remember that Petzl recommends ropes of at least 10mm for Gri-Gri users).

The durability of the rope equals that of other but slightly thicker ropes (9.2-9.8). After 10 days of hangdogging, and intense redpointing there was only a rugged mantle but no loss of dynamic abilities. The strength of the seemingly thin rope might have something to do with the double Dry Core technology where they dip the rope twice to make the protection sheet stick better to the nylon, increasing the rope’s sliding abilities.

The rope is described as a double rope or twin rope but can be used with favor on onsights and long redpoints. Take care that your belayer is alert since seemingly long falls will become even longer with this rope. Since the rope is thin you should spare it from extended top-roping and hang-dogging and save it for performance climbing. If nothing strange occurs 8a.nu expects to see more climber use this rope in the future, even if the price is a little higher than for other similar ropes. We rate it 7c+ (up to 8a)

Malin Holmberg, Sweden's best female route climber at the moment had this to say about a Sterling rope: "It's by far the best rope I have tried. It is smooth and climb easy, and it seems to age well without getting stiff and loose its stretch. I love it."

For more info: [email protected]

European distributor: Basecamp Mountaineering, Netherlands ([email protected])

OBS. Companies that want their products reviewed, contact [email protected] or [email protected]