The Edelrid Corbie 8.6mm rope
An award-winning climbing rope claimed to be the thinnest single-use rope in the world goes on sale next month.
Edelrid’s Corbie 8.6mm triple-rated rope won a gold award at the recent Munich Ispo trade show.
The accolade was for a single product exemplifying innovation in its field.
An Edelrid spokesperson said: “Suitability for use in a single, double or twin configuration is a result of Edelrid’s proprietary braided core construction, which functions as a rope within a rope.
“The incredible strength of this construction allows even very thin ropes, such as the Corbie, to pass the certification norms for a single rope, whilst also remaining lightweight, in this case 51g per metre.
“The Corbie makes use of the full range of Edelrid finishing processes including Pro Shield where microscopic Teflon particles are bonded to the yarns providing a protective layer with greatly improved load-bearing properties.”
The company said it features a Dry Shield hydro and oleo-phobic finish, which resists both dirt and moisture, and extends the working lifespan of the rope, plus Thermo Shield, a heat treatment that relaxes and then shrinks the fibres of the rope, ensuring it remains both compact and supple throughout its long working life.
The award marks the third year in a row that the German company has picked up an Ispo gold award. In 2012 its Cable Vario Via Ferrata set won and it scored again in 2013 for the Snipe dual-diameter rope.
The 8.6mm Corbie will be available from select retailers from March 2014, priced £190 for 60m.
The Beast Lite crampon
Edelrid also won an Ispo award for its Beast Lite, a 12-point crampon designed to combine the robust aggressiveness of stainless steel with the lightness of an aluminium construction.
The crampon is designed for steep ice and mixed climbing, is certified to EN 893 standards, and is recommended for use on vertical to overhanging mixed terrain where the vertical front points will not make extended contact with rock.
Edelrid said: “The 680g weight is achieved through the use of an aluminium body construction with 3D geometry that makes new designs and shapes possible, which in turn increases the stability of the crampon.
“This allows for the use of thinner materials without compromising stability resulting in a crampon that is up to 60 per cent lighter than current comparative models designed for ice and mixed climbing.
“The Beast Lite also features a pair of forged steel front points designed to offer exceptional purchase on ice, which can be easily adjusted from a double to mono point configuration to suit the needs of the climber.”
The crampon also has an interchangeable binding system that allows for compatibility with both semi-automatic B2/C2 and automatic B3/C3 bindings.
The Beast Lite is supplied with anti-balling plates and will go on sale in winter 2014, priced £240.
More details on Edelrid products are on the company’s website.
