Teufelberger 10mm Ocean Polyester Split Tail

The Teufelberger 10mm Ocean Polyester split tail is a hitch cord made from Ocean Polyester, set up as a split tail for tying a friction hitch on your climbing line. It is a long-running favorite for climbers who want a firm, predictable hitch.

Why Ocean Polyester

Ocean Polyester has been used as hitch cord for years because it grabs consistently and holds up to heat on long descents. In a split tail system it is tied onto the climbing line as a separate hitch, so when it wears out you replace a short piece of cord rather than cutting your rope.

Ten millimeter cord suits many common climbing lines, but grip changes with rope diameter and cover, so test the hitch on your own line before you leave the ground. See more hitch cord and split tails to compare.

Keep a spare split tail in your gear bag. A worn hitch cord is a reason to swap it on the spot, and having one ready means you do not have to cut the day short or climb on a cord you are not happy with.

Inspection and retirement

Check the cord before every climb for glazing, stiffness, fuzzing, cuts and wear at the eye, and retire it early. Hitch cord is the fastest-wearing soft good in your system.

Dress and set the hitch carefully and use a micro pulley or hitch tender if your system calls for one. Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard, be used per the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI Z133, and be inspected before every climb. Get trained before you rely on it aloft.