Samson Arbor-Plex 1/2 in Rope

Samson Arbor Plex in 1/2 in is a 12-strand single-braid line that handles easily, runs well through blocks and is simple to splice. Tree crews mostly use it as a light rigging and utility line rather than a climbing rope.

What Arbor-Plex is good at

A 12-strand single braid has no separate cover and core, so it is quick to inspect and quick to splice. That makes 1/2 in Arbor-Plex a handy line for small-wood rigging, pulling limbs out of the way, tag lines and general work around the yard.

For lowering heavier wood, step up in size or use a double-braid rigging line such as the 3/4 in Arbor-Plex rigging rope.

Because it is light and flexible, it also makes a good line for a small speed line or for hauling tools aloft on a rope instead of a throw line, where the climber does not want to pull up a heavy rope.

Climbing versus rigging

Climbing lines need to be specifically rated and sold for life support and must suit your friction device or hitch. Check the manufacturer's documentation before using any line for climbing, and if it is not listed for that use, keep it on the rigging side. Life-support gear has to meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every use, and be used by trained climbers.

Inspect a single braid by looking along each strand for cuts, pulled or fused yarns and hard spots. Retire it if anything looks wrong.

Store it dry and out of the sun, and keep it in a bag separate from your climbing lines so nobody grabs the wrong rope in a hurry.