In competitive roping, the right rope material provides optimal strength, flexibility, and precision for quick, controlled maneuvers. It also significantly improves safety, reducing the risk of breakage or failure under tension that could lead to injuries. Nylon and poly are two of the most popular roping materials in team roping and calf roping. Learn whether nylon ropes are better than poly for roping and how to find the right rope for you.
Characteristics of Nylon Ropes
Nylon ropes are incredibly flexible and can stretch up to 20 percent without losing strength. After stretching this much, they will return to their original size. However, nylon ropes absorb liquids easily, which can compromise their strength as the fibers become waterlogged. This characteristic makes them less suitable for use in wet conditions compared to poly ropes.
Nylon ropes have body, which means it has a high ability to hold a firm and consistent shape while being used. This characteristic ensures that the rope remains stable and predictable, allowing for increased control and precision during roping activities. A rope with a good body enhances the handler's ability to accurately throw loops, which is great for tasks like heeling.
Benefits of Poly Ropes
In contrast to nylon ropes, poly ropes are favored for their flexibility and softness. They can only stretch to about 10 percent. However, they do not absorb water, so they maintain their strength, flexibility, and consistent performance in wet or humid conditions, unlike nylon ropes, which become heavy or lose shape when wet. Water resistance also improves poly ropes’ durability by preventing rot or mildew.
Poly ropes have a lot of life, which means they have more limpness compared to nylon ropes. An optional lead core can add weight to the rope and give it more body. The lead-weighted design enhances breakover action for secure catches. In team roping, the loop closes quickly and firmly, allowing for faster catches that are essential when working with a partner under time constraints. For calf roping, this feature improves the precision and control needed to secure the catch on a smaller, more agile target.
Choosing the Right Rope
Whether nylon or poly ropes are better depends on the specific roping tasks you’re undertaking. King ropes boast exceptional durability and include nylon and treated poly ropes. If you’re competing in wet conditions or high humidity, poly ropes may be the ideal choice due to their longevity and resistance to water absorption. On the other hand, if you aren’t competing in a wet environment, nylon ropes provide superior elasticity and control, which is especially effective for tasks that demand stretching, such as heeling.
When choosing a rope, consider its lay, length, and diameter. The lay of a nylon rope refers to the tightness of the weave, which can impact flexibility and ease of use. An extra soft (XS) lay is ideal for quick, agile maneuvers because of its flexibility.
The rope's length and diameter determine its usability for different tasks, with longer or thicker ropes offering more reach and strength, respectively. In general, if all other characteristics of the ropes are equal, ropes with smaller diameters have more life, and those with larger diameters have more body.
Both nylon and poly ropes offer distinct advantages suited to different roping needs and environmental conditions. Nylon ropes have more stretch and body. Conversely, poly ropes have more life and are water-resistant. In addition to the rope’s material, consider the rope’s lay, length, diameter, and, if applicable, the core material to find the right rope for your task.