Sterling FLEX 8mm Sewn Eye-to-Eye Prusik

The Sterling FLEX hitch cord is an 8 mm sewn eye-to-eye prusik made for tying friction hitches on arborist climbing lines. As the name suggests, it is known for a supple hand that sets and releases easily.

How FLEX climbs

A softer hitch cord wraps tightly around the rope, so it can grab with fewer wraps and release with a light touch on the hitch. That makes FLEX popular with climbers who want smooth tending on long ascents and limb walks.

Every rope behaves differently, so tie your hitch and test it low before you go up. Add a micro pulley above the hitch to tend slack with one hand.

Soft cords can feel grabby on a fuzzy rope and slick on a brand-new one, so give your rope a few climbs to settle before you judge the pairing. If the hitch locks too hard, remove a wrap; if it slips, add one or try a different hitch. Small changes make a big difference in how the system tends.

Inspection and replacement

Check the cord for glazed, stiff, or flattened sections and examine the sewn eyes for wear. Supple cords can show heat damage sooner on fast descents, so inspect after every climb and retire it at the first sign of trouble.

Keep a spare FLEX or similar cord in your bag. If your working cord glazes on a long descent mid-job, swapping it on the ground takes a minute and keeps you climbing safely.

See our other eye-and-eye prusiks. Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every use, and be used only by trained climbers.