Teufelberger Safety Blue Rope (Blue/White)

Teufelberger Safety Blue is the blue rope a lot of climbers learned on: a 1/2 in 16-strand climbing line with a blue-and-white pattern that is easy to see in the canopy. It works well with traditional friction hitches and moving-rope techniques.

Why climbers still reach for Safety Blue

A 16-strand line has a tight cover that holds its shape and resists picking up bark and debris. That firm hand works well with a Blake's hitch or Distel on a split tail, which is why this light blue rope has been a training and production line for a long time.

The blue-and-white color pattern is easy to follow through the crown, which helps the ground crew read where the climber is and keeps the line distinct from rigging rope.

It is a common first rope for new climbers learning moving-rope techniques, partly because so many trainers have climbed on it themselves and know how it behaves with the usual hitches.

Fit, care and safety

Before you buy, check that your friction device, hitch cord and pulleys are approved for a 1/2 in line. Rope diameter and cover stiffness change how a hitch grabs, so test on the ground first. 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.

Keep it out of the sun when not in use, away from fuel and bar oil, and coiled loosely in a rope bag. Retire it when you see cover damage, core shots, glazing or stiff spots.