Yale KernMaster Static Rope, Blue and Orange, 11mm

The Yale KernMaster Static Rope is a low-stretch static rope for SRS climbing and access lines. Here is how it handles on the job, what to check before you buy, and how to keep it in service.

How it climbs

KernMaster is Yale's 11 mm kernmantle static rope, here in blue and orange. A sheath-and-core rope like this stretches very little, which is exactly what you want when you are ascending a single rope and do not want to bounce out every bit of stretch before you gain height.

In a static kernmantle rope the core carries most of the load and the sheath protects it from abrasion. Because it stretches very little, more of each stroke on an ascent turns into height, which is why low-stretch rope is common for SRS climbing and access lines. The flip side is that it absorbs little energy, so it is not meant to catch a fall with slack in the system.

Compatibility, inspection and care

Before you buy, check the diameter range of your hitch cord, ascenders and descent device, since compatibility is set by those makers. You can compare it with the other 24-strand climbing ropes we carry.

Climbing rope is life-support equipment. It must meet the applicable standard, ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect it before every climb for cuts, glazing, sheath damage and soft or stiff spots, keep it away from saws, fuel and bar oil, and retire it when in doubt. Get trained before you climb.