Hello folks,
I'm just getting started with basic equipment to do some DRT on the ground/low practice. I'd like to buy a length of rope that will allow me to explore knots and put weight on a saddle. I don't want this short length to become obsolete when I get a long rope later, I'm thinking it could eventually become my daisy rope.

So, what do you think about diameter, length and rope type for this purpose? Would it be a waste to get a 25 ft. length of say Safety Blue 1/2", or is that too heavy for a daisy rope? Would something like an 11mm Fly be better suited for this kind of use?

Your comments are appreciated!

-moss (still on the ground)

Start with at least a 50-60 foot rope. That will allow you to climb up about 20 feet. Start with ˝ inch arborist rope. It is easier to grip. A 16 strand braided rope is best. Yale, Sampson, or New England rope are the best manufacturers.

That makes sense, thanks for the advice.

Moss,

Click on the _link_s below for some more “rope” info…
www.samsonrope.com/home/newarborist/index2.cfm

www.yalecordage.com/html/climb.html

www.neropes.com/arborist/default.htm

Below is a small PDF.
www.samsonrope.com/home/pdf/new/Arbormaster-datasheet.pdf

My favorite line for DRT is Samson Yellow Jacket which is available at: www.wtsherrill.com/

What might be best is to click on: www.newtribe.com
Take a look around their site. It’s a good place to get your “starter” setup. Give them a call or an email. They have lots of neat stuff for the start-up climber.

(geez, am I allowed to plug a site like that?)

Moss, I suggest that you buy a large rope from the beggining. The cost of buying plus handling and delivering a short piece of rope is the same and in a couple of weeks you will be ready to go higher and you will have to pay again to get the longer rope.
www.wesspur.com
has rope pieces in odd sizes that they have on sale if you want to go that way. but You can get 150 ft of the Fly rope for $89.00 plus delivery charges and that is the top rope these days from what I heard from the experts here and on the buzz site. I will be getting my Fly rope soon since my basic rope is almost one year old and showing some damage from the regular climbing use.
Good luck and also buy yourself the Tree Climbers Companion by Jepson. It has all the info you need and much more than the smaller book from Flowers

Take a class if you have a chance also!

Don't forger your cambium saver.