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

Representative photo for FTC 1.6mm Stiffline Yellow 80m Throw Line

Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: coiling by michael pollak, CC BY 2.0

FTC

FTC 1.6mm Stiffline Yellow 80m

An 80m, 1.6mm stiff throw line in bright yellow for long, high throws.

$55 Typical price. Retail prices change, so check today's price before you buy.
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  • 1.6 mm diameter
  • 80 m length
  • Stiff body resists tangles
  • Bright yellow is easy to see in the canopy

Climbing

FTC 1.6mm Stiffline is a throw line in yellow, supplied in an 80m length. Its stiffer body resists tangling and pays out cleanly, while the thin diameter helps a throw bag reach high crotches.

Why a stiffer throw line

Soft throw line flies well but can knot on itself in the cube or wrap around twigs in the canopy. A stiffer line holds its shape, comes off the pile with fewer snarls, and is easier to work back through branches when you are isolating a union.

At 1.6mm it is thin enough for long throws, and 80m is plenty for tall trees with line to spare. Compare other throw lines if you prefer a softer or thicker line.

Stiffer line also makes it easier to flip the line off a twig or push it over a union with a pole, which saves resets on cluttered trees.

Handling and care

Flake it into a throw cube or bag and let it pay out freely. Thin line can be hard on bare hands when pulling a heavy climbing line up, so wear gloves or use a thicker line for big hauls.

Check for nicks and thin spots and cut out damage. Throw line is not life-support gear; use it only to set your climbing or rigging line, and keep the crew out of the drop zone when throwing.

Keeping a spare throw line in the truck saves a job when a line gets cut or stuck in the crown.