Blue Water Lightning Pro 9.7mm Climbing Rope

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Blue Water Lightning Pro 9.7mm Climbing Rope and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 87 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.7 stars 
Expert Rating: 3.5 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 32

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • The stretch is adequate and the rope feeds well during belaying.
  • The rope last withstands wear-and-tear relatively well.
  • Clips are smooth and functional.
  • Simple set-up for top-roping.
  • Rope is bright and easy to see, providing safety.
  • Rope doesn’t get twisted or caught while feeding through a belay device.
  • Knots formed in the rope from a fall are easy to get out.

Expert Reviews

  • Handles well and securely.
  • Adequate diameter and strong.
  • Durable sheath withstands prolonged use.
  • Not an expensive option compared to the competition.
  • Feels soft out of the bag.
  • The clips are efficient and easy to use.
  • Easy to pass into an ATC without problems.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • May be too slick for a non-dry rope.
  • Too heavy for multi-pitch climbs.
  • Might feed through a belay device too quickly for some levels of climbers.
  • The finishing on the rope is hard and slick.

Expert Reviews

  • The rope may start to become floppy over time, causing tougher clipping, and quicker wear at the ends of the rope.
  • The ropes can sometimes cause a hard catch, jarring the user.
  • The amount of slack varies and is inconsistent.
  • Not the lightest option on the market.
  • Not the best durability.

Summary:

The Blue Water Lightning Pro 9.7mm Climbing Rope is a brightly-colored, easy-to-use rope. However, be on the lookout for some inconsistencies with the slack amount, the rope becoming floppy, and the occasional hard catch.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web, including here: 1, 2, 3, 4.