The Sterling Evolution Velocity Athena Rope
The Sterling Evolution Velocity Athena rope is a "do-it-all" 9.8mm rope with smooth handling, a durable outer casing, and the right amount of stretch for falls. Photo courtesy of Sterling.
Evolution Velocity is a great do-it-all rope for rock climbing. It’s light enough to take on alpine climbs, yet durable enough to use top-roping.
Durability is an important feature for all climbing gear, especially ropes which are continually rubbed on sharp rocks. For a sub-10mm rope, the Evolution Velocity’s sheath holds up well to a lot of use. The rope’s smooth sheath easily slides over rock and through carabiners, reducing rope drag.
This Sterling rope is easy to handle. The last factor a climber wants to worry about when climbing a particularly challenging pitch is clipping an unruly rope through gear. The Evolution Velocity rope is stiff enough to stay rigid while clipping, but supple enough to smoothly feed through belay devices.
The reviewer found the Sterling Evolution Velocity Rope to handle well both leading and belaying. It’s sheath was not too slick or slippery to handle, but smooth enough to effortlessly slide through the climber’s hand or belay device. It felt sturdy, yet also lightweight and easy to manipulate. Overall, this is a quality all-around rock rope.
As a woman’s climbing magazine, we couldn’t help but tip our hat to Sterling for one of the fun color options offered for the Evolution Velocity rope – a brown/pink patterning named Athena.
Favorite Features: Smooth handling. Stiff enough to make clipping gear easy and effortless. A “do-it-all” rock climbing rope at 9.8mm. Durable.
Areas of Improvement: None noted by the reviewer.
Best Use: Sport and trad rock climbing.
Bottom Line: A great all-around rock climbing rope for climbers looking to have a do-it-all rope. This rope is worth the full price tag.
Specs:
- Type: Single
- Lengths: 50m, 60m, 70m
- Weight: 62g/M
- Dynamic Elongation: 26.40%
- Impact Force: 8.8kN
- Static Elongation: 8.60%
- UIAA Falls: 6
Disclaimer: The Sterling Evolution Velocity Athena Rope
Genevieve Hathaway is the Editor of Alpine Athena. See her bio in the “Editor” section.
