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.