I am ready to buy my first rope and am not sure what to go for. Everyone seems to go for the Beal Edlinger 10.2mm 60m since it is cheap and nice..but it is a bit stiff and heavy. hmmm perhaps a thinner rope? What is the tendon rope like? I have not really heard of it but see that is goes for a semi decent price?

Any suggestions?

I own Beal, Blue Water, Tendon and Roca.

Go Cheap or for a cool colour if Sportclimbing.

Light colours show dirt quickly. 60M.

Bought my last rope because it cost me R1100 at Rock & Rope. No other reason.

and you want to see dirt? to know when to clean it?
cool thanks for the advice.

The Edlinger is a fantastic, hardworking rope. Don't think you can go wrong with one as a first rope. It handles well and lasts ages. If you buy a thinner rope, it will almost definitely wear quicker than a thicker one.

Colour or seeing dirt is immaterial. It's just for looks. Buy a rope bag/tarp, keep that clean while you're using your rope and follow the care instructions that come with the rope.

"Light colour" just a comment that the rope will look dirtier quicker. My Orange Blue Water got revered to as "that Brown rope" last weekend. So I don't wash my ropes that often.

hahahaha yeah I saw an orange/(soon to be brown) Rocca rope and blue beal Edlinger at a shop nearby..so those were my two options. I'll go with my gut feeling as I buy it...although I usually tend to ignore the voice and go ahead with the wrong decision...

Colour be damned.
But dirt particles are like little irritants, the sand in an oysters shell, that abraids the actual rope when the rope is highly loaded and moving (ie folded over carabiners)
Washing also takes some life out of a rope - so keep it clean, and wash it once in a blue moon.

As a first rope go for a 10.2mm 60m.
Beal make a good one.

Thinner have the various advantages, but wear a lot quicker - you can start choosing niche gear when you're ready to do that.

Thanks Ant...Beal 10.2mm 60m it is!!! And I will certainly take good care of it! Rope bag at all times, no sand!

Dude, the Tendon 9.8 70 m is like the same price at the Beal Edlinger 10.2....go for that 9.8 is still thick enough to be hard wearing and durable...not so?

Yeah true Q...but sherbet...after this weekend, I am not sure I want rope anymore...carrying it is a biotch!

Yeah climbing in general is hard work.