Edelrid Boa Review

August 24, 2014
Edelrid Boa
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
85
Weight
8
Handling
7
Resistance to Dirt
5
Durability
8
Features
8
Value
9

The Good

  • Great value
  • Excellent, high quality rope bag
  • Good handling
  • Good durability
  • Lower weight than comparable ropes

The Bad

  • Got dirty quick
  • Middle mark hard to see after the rope got dirty
THE VERDICT

The Edelrid Boa is a value-priced 9.8mm rope that is great for new climbers looking for a lightweight rope with good handling and durability. The Thermo Shield treatment helps the rope maintain its suppleness and handling characteristics over time although the Boa got dirty quickly compared to other ropes. The Boa lacks some of the extra features of other ropes but proved to be reasonably durable.

FULL REVIEW

The Edelrid Boa is a lightweight 9.8mm rope for sport climbing with the Thermo Shield treatment to improve handling. It comes in 60- and 70-meter lengths and includes a rope bag.

Handling
The Boa was popular with testers. It knots well, handles well in a belay device, and was easy to clip and handle with gear. The Boa’s good handling was retained throughout repeated use and was thanks, in part, to Edelrid’s Thermo Shield treatment. Thermo Shield is a heat treatment used on individual yarns that is supposed to help the rope retain its suppleness and handing throughout its life.

Resistance to Dirt
Testers found the Boa’s resistance to dirt to be the most disappointing thing about this rope. The beautiful bright green rope quickly got dirty and dark in color from use, making the middle mark hard to see. The Boa lacks a dry treatment like many of the ropes tested and that probably accounts for why the rope picked up dirt so quickly.

Durability
The Boa held up well from repeated and heavy use while sport climbing and trad climbing in a variety of settings. The sheath proved to be resistant to abrasion even while going through dozens of pitches on sharp limestone. The handling of the rope also stayed consistent, even though it picked up dirt quickly, after months of use. 

Extra Features
The Boa has a standard, wide black line for a middle marker. Early on, the middle marker stood out nicely with the bright green rope. As the rope picked up dirt and aluminum oxide from use, the middle mark has become harder and harder to see. It’s not impossible to see but difficult.

The rope bag that came with the Boa was a real surprise. Typically, rope bags that come with ropes are of little value and minimal utility. The rope bag that came with the Boa is a great rope bag that has proven to be incredibly functional, durable and really well thought out. It has a great tarp that rolls out from the bag and it packs up quickly and easily and has a great, easy-to-use buckle and cinch system.

Weight
At 62 grams per meter, the Boa is lighter than many of the ropes tested and can save a few ounces of weight compared to the heaviest 9.8mm ropes.

Value
The Boa was the cheapest rope tested and considering the relative quality in the performance and features, represents a great value. At $150, the Boa comes in $50 cheaper or more than most of the ropes tested.

 


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