Yale XTC Fire 16-Strand Climbing Rope

Yale XTC Fire is a 1/2 in, 16-strand arborist climbing rope in a bright red and orange colorway that is easy to see in the canopy. It is a traditional all-round line for MRS climbing that also suits many devices built for half-inch rope.

On the job

The XTC line has been a standard on tree crews for a long time because it does what it is supposed to do. The 16-strand braid stays round, feeds evenly through a friction hitch and is easy to tie and untie.

The fire colorway stands out against foliage and bark, which makes it easier for the ground crew to track your line and keep chips and saws away from it.

Because it is a classic diameter and construction, XTC Fire is also an easy rope to find hitch cord, pulleys and friction savers for. Buy enough length to reach the ground doubled from your usual tie-in point, plus a margin for bigger trees.

Inspection and care

Keep your climbing line in a rope bag, away from chips, bar oil, fuel and long hours of sun. Never cut near it, and never use it to lower wood. A climbing line that has caught a rigging load is a rigging line from then on.

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, core damage or a section that feels different from the rest. Compare more 16-strand climbing rope.