Petzl Arial Dry Climbing Rope – 9.5mm

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Petzl Arial Dry Climbing Rope – 9.5mm and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 86 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.5 stars 
Expert Rating: 4 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 29

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Lightweight material and easy to use.
  • Good handling.
  • Supple out of the bag and minimal break-in.
  • Color scheme makes the rope visible.
  • Handles well and smoothly through a belay device.
  • Easy to clip and feels good in your hands.
  • Designed for ice-climbing in mind.

Expert Reviews

  • Provides a controlled lowering, after using for a few weeks and getting used to it.
  • Treated with Duratec Dry and EverFlex handling, making this rope versatile for most weather conditions.
  • Able to withstand multiple routes over multiple weeks, showing durability.
  • Soft feel combined with a medium resistance provides comfort combined with durability.
  • Held up elasticity and flexibility over time.
  • ClimbReady coil means you can use this out of the bag without spending time uncoiling it.
  • UltraSonic finish binds the core and sheath together, enhancing durability.
  • Balances weight and performance for a versatility.
  • One of the best climbing ropes.
  • Best ice climbing rope.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • Some reports of the rope shrinking over time due to cutting off the overly worn spots.
  • Not very durable over rock.
  • Some reports of the sheath wearing in multiple spots.
  • Expensive.

Expert Reviews

  • Goes through a GriGri belay device very quickly and may not be ready for it.
  • Fraying early on in testing means this rope may not be any more durable than the competition.

Summary:

The Petzl Arial Dry Climbing Rope – 9.5mm is a great option for climbers who mainly go ice-climbing and forego rough-terrain rock-climbing. The lighter weight, good feel, and adequate handling make this great for ice-climbing, but the conflicting reports about durability and wearing of the sheath make this not the best for tough rock-climbing routes.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web. Some expert reviews include these: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.