Independent arborist gear picks · Typical prices shown, checked at the retailer

Representative photo for Yale Phantom 11mm Climbing Rope, Pink and Black Static Rope

Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: Walt coiling the rope at the summit by Tristan Higbee, CC BY 2.0

Yale Cordage

Yale Phantom Pink Rope: 11mm Pink and Black Climbing Line

An 11mm pink and black static climbing line that is easy to spot in any canopy.

$259 Typical price. Retail prices change, so check today's price before you buy.
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  • 11mm static climbing rope
  • Pink and black pattern, easy to tell apart from rigging lines
  • Low stretch for efficient SRS ascents
  • Firm, round construction that runs well in mechanical devices
  • From Yale Cordage, a long-time US rope maker

ClimbingPro grade

Yale Phantom is a pink rope built for tree climbing: an 11mm static climbing line in a pink and black pattern that stands out against bark and leaves. It suits climbers who want a firm, low-stretch line for SRS ascents and MRS work.

Why a pink climbing rope

Color is not just style on a tree crew. A bright pink climbing rope stands out against bark, green leaves and gray skies, so the ground crew always knows which line is the climber's. That matters when there are rigging lines, pull lines and throw lines all hanging from the same tree. Nobody should ever cut, tie off or load the wrong rope.

Pink rope also shows up in brush piles and the truck bed, which makes it harder to leave behind or run over with the chipper.

The rope pink and black pattern also helps when two climbers work the same tree. Each climber can keep track of their own line at a glance.

11mm static for SRS and MRS

An 11mm climbing rope is a common size for arborist climbing. It gives a good grip for hand-over-hand work and hitches while still running through most mechanical devices designed for that range. The static, low-stretch construction makes SRS ascents more efficient since less of each step goes into stretching the rope.

Always check that your devices, hitch cord and friction savers are rated for the diameter and construction of the rope. Some devices are fussy about specific ropes. If you climb with a Rope Wrench or other SRS device, test the setup low and confirm it behaves the way the manufacturer says it should.

If you climb mostly MRS on a friction hitch, 11mm gives a solid feel in the hand and plenty of surface for the hitch to bite. On SRS it is a familiar size that most climbers can rig with their existing gear.

Breaking in and care

New rope can feel stiff and slick. A few climbs, or pulling it through a device on the ground, will break it in. Coil or bag it loosely, keep it off the ground on the job, and store it out of the sun, away from fuel and bar oil. Wash with a rope-specific cleaner when it gets dirty, and let it air dry.

Mark each end with the date of first use. Keep a log of hours or climbs so you know how hard it has worked.

Pick a length that covers the tallest trees you climb with plenty of tail. On SRS the rope must reach the ground from the anchor with extra for tending and rescue; on MRS it must reach the ground doubled.

Inspection and life-support use

Climbing rope is life-support gear. It must meet the applicable standard for your use, and you must be trained in how to use and inspect it. Before each climb run the whole length through your hands and look for cuts, glazing, core shots, flat or stiff spots and chemical damage. Retire it when in doubt. Cut out damaged ends only if the remaining length is still safe for the trees you climb. Set lines with a Zing-It throw line and see more in our static climbing rope range.