Despite what Mr. Pretzel says, he's full of crap. It IS nylon cord, and the only thing proprietary to Sterling is the braiding pattern that makes it different. Also, the breaking strength is 7.2 kN, which is around 1600 pounds, not 4800. The description is wrong in that respect. That also means that it is NOT as strong as a solid carabiner (usually around 24kN/5400 pounds) OR a rope. Add to that the fact that a knot like a figure 8 decreases the strength of the material by around 15% and this is undoubtedly the weakest point in the system. That said, it is perfectly safe. Unless you tie in directly to the cord and fall on it (don't), you will never be able to generate 7.2 kN of force on a given point in the cord. If it's looped and equalized, you can count on at least double the strength of one strand, so you're looking at a strength of around 15 kN. The WORST lab-generated factor 2 lead falls have been logged at around 12.5 kN, so you're golden. A fall like that is going to seriously mess you up anyway.

I use this as my cordelette for canyoneering and trad climbs...EXCELLENT durability and strength...the only 2 things you give up with it is a little weight (it's lighter than a 6 or 7 mm of the same length of regular cord) and it's very low stretch (not dynamic) so don't expect it to absorb force if shock loaded. Once you figure that into your set up, then your ready. I have sat on mine dragging it across many sandstone canyons in Zion as i have squeezed through tight slot canyons and it BARELY retains a blemish. This is hardcore cord...no pun intended... PS: Despite what Mr. Bohanon says below, it is not just a standard nylon cord, just read that product description above closely..."The 6mm PowerCord is stronger than standard nylon, breaking at a astronomical 4800lb." So it's as strong as a solid carabiner or any other part of the system (rope, harness, etc.) so unless your planning to hang your Mini Cooper from it, you have no worries. (but it still most likely would hold it)

it's made from the hair of club gear managers that didn't go on the spring break trip...

Just standard nylon braided cord.