On the summit of Hamra Tower, Oman

On the summit of Hamra Tower, Oman

I was lucky to receive a 50m pair of Petzl’s new double ropes recently, the Salsa 8.2mm, rated as both half and twin ropes.

 

One of my favourite things about opening a Petzl rope is that they are packed with a ClimbReady coil– ready for use right out of the bag. I even forgot to cut the zapstraps keeping the coil until we arrived at the base of their maiden climb and was impressed that they climbed so incredibly smooth and kink-free right off the bat. This is a huge plus, in my opinion, as an improperly uncoiled new rope without a climb-ready coil can be unbelievably frustrating as it kinks and knots itself into a belayer’s nightmare.

 

My first impression of the Salsa was how supple and slick the cord feels. I have found that this suppleness translates into really pleasant rope handling features for both the climber and belayer. Climbing, the ropes run very smooth across the rock and, with clever rope management, I hardly notice they are there on even 40m or longer meandering pitches. As a belayer, I appreciated the slick handling, allowing me to offer slack at crucial moments to my climbing partner without any tangle or stiffness hindering the process.

 

Petzl has switched to a new rope manufacturer for 2014. Now, I count previous Petzl ropes among my favourite to climb on and also the most durable ropes I have used. I have had experience in the past with lessened durability in very supple ropes and was harbouring some pre-conceived hesitancy about the Salsa’s potential durability compared to the previous generation. However, after 2 months climbing on the Salsa ropes, including the sharpest rock Oman has to offer on Hamra Towers and a couple of very dusty and dirty weeks climbing underground in a giant cave, the ropes show surprisingly little wear and tear.

 

Petzl treats the Salsa ropes with Duratec Dry Treatment, which makes the rope resistant to water, dirt and abrasion. This treatment, along with the EverFlex thermal treatment to stabilise the strands of the rope, seems to contribute to their durability in sharp and abrasive conditions. I particularly noticed reduced rope drag over a really sharp section of rock that had hung up the ropes on previous ascents.

 

At 8.2mm, the Salsa is a set of lightweight ropes – 45g per meter. I have been climbing with the Petzl Ange S and Ange L quickdraws, as well, and I have noticed a heartening reduction in my pack size and weight during longer approaches and descent walks. Definitely this also means I feel less weight pulling on my harness while on the wall.

 

In conclusion, if you are looking for a light and supple, yet durable set of double ropes to get you up your next trad climbing adventure then I definitely recommend you consider the Petzl Salsa. Congrats, Petzl, on a solid set of ropes.

Specifications from petzl.com