Yale XTC 12-Strand Arborist Rope

The Yale XTC 12-strand arborist rope is a climbing line from the XTC family built for tree work, with a braid that handles predictably with friction hitches and is easy to inspect. It suits climbers who want a no-surprises line for everyday MRS climbing.

How a 12-strand climbing line works

Twelve-strand rope has a simpler braid than the 16 and 24-strand lines that dominate today, and many climbers like how plainly it shows wear. Run your hands along it and abrasion, flat spots and stiffness show up quickly.

In the tree it pairs well with a traditional friction hitch on MRS. Before you trust any combination, test your hitch cord on the line low to the ground and adjust wraps until it grabs cleanly and tends without fighting you.

Twelve-strand construction is also simpler to splice than many modern covered ropes, which some climbers like for making up their own working ends under supervision. Whatever termination you use, it needs to be made by someone trained in that splice. Buy enough length to reach the ground doubled from your usual tie-in point, plus a margin for the occasional big tree, because a rope that comes up short at the end of a descent is a serious problem.

Inspection and care

Keep your climbing line out of chips, oil and sun when it is not in use, and store it in a rope bag. Never cut near it or use it for rigging loads.

Life-support gear must meet ANSI Z133 requirements and the manufacturer's instructions, be inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers. Retire the rope if you find cuts, glazing, chemical contact or a section that feels different from the rest. Compare more climbing rope options.