PMNW Gear Review

Sterling Xeros Ropes

Every once in a while, a new technology comes along that truly changes the standards for outdoor gear. While our industry can be filled with gimmicks, marketing lingo, and knock offs, occasionally a game changing product is developed that pushes the competition to try and keep up; think Dynafit tech bindings, Wild Country spring-loaded camming devices (cams), GORE-TEX waterproofing, Voile split boards. We have the pleasure of working with Sterling, which this August just released one of those industry changing technologies, called Xeros.

What Xeros technology does is treat every individual fiber of our dynamic ropes with a waterproofing process before they are even twisted into yarn, meaning that the entire rope is dry treated not just the sheath - which is what every other rope company does. This makes the Xeros ropes much more water resistant, more durable, reduces sheath slippage, allows for less stickiness, and creates a smoother handle for climbers.

I got to test the Ion R 9.4 Xeros rope at my favorite local crag, Index, a few weeks back. For being a skinny, fast, dry treated rope, it handled well while lowering my climbing partner, meaning I felt in control the whole time. It felt supple and efficient right out of the box with no break in time needed. I didn’t notice any dirt accumulation after a day of use. What I liked most about the Xeros technology was what I didn’t notice. Since it was a sunny day of climbing, I didn’t get to test out the water proofing capabilities, however despite it being dry treated, it felt like a non-dry rope. It handled smoothly, lowered efficiently, fed rope easily, was soft and pliable, and felt better than any dry rope I’ve ever tried before.

As the seasons change towards a wetter (much wetter in our neck of the woods) time of year, I’m especially excited to use the new Xeros ropes for ice climbing, as this will be when the technology will really pay off. While many of us bemoan the days getting shorter, colder temperatures, and the rain coming down, don’t let the weather stop you from doing what you love just because it might rain for the next 60 to 90 days straight. Consider using technology that changes the landscape for whatever sport you love. For me, that’s climbing, and I won’t settle for anything less than the best. 😊