major rope shrinkage

After 4 years of light/moderate use this rope is now 53m. I do not work routes or hang or fall ( well hardly at all) . When washed it was hung with weights to dry. Petzl is not interested in warrantying their rope once the period is up. I have had dozens of ropes over 40 years of climbing and never had this problem.

Bob Milko

Works great

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Pros: Light Good handling Highly visible Cons: Other reviews claim it has durability issues, I've only used it out for a day at the crag for a few days this year so far so I can't really attest to its long term durability Overall: Works great, love it so far.

Andrew L.

Very supple!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Good looking rope. just the right diameter, and it is super supple right out the the bag.

Eric Wilcox

For your Ice only

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I have had this rope for 3 years now. Once 70m is now down to about 44m. Numerous soft spots have led to chop, chop, chop, chop, chop. I love how supple this rope handles which makes it great for cold hands in winter. It however is not durable, especially on rock. Please, understand this rope is for ice climbing. I enjoy many Petzl products but must warn you, this rope is not desirable for rock climbing. Fortunately, I have made use of all the chopped pieces for rope swings, dog leashes, slings, anchors and fixed lines so that's cool.

Erika P.

Handles well but not durable

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

It's a great rope but not at all durable. I've only had it 4 months now and already have enough sheath wear in multiple spots where it's core shot and needs to be retired. Great as an ice rope, but as soon as I brought it into alpine rock where it got a little abrasion it's just doesn't hold up.

Matthew H.

Good but slick

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This rope feeds like a dream and clipping is super smooth too. It is stretchier and more slick than I was used to. My climbing partner is about 60lbs heavier than I am, so even if he falls from the 4th bolt I'm terrified it's going to be ground-fall because the rope is so stretchy and slick! If he is projecting I have our heavier friends belay him. I'm sure it would be a great rope for a duo that is matched in weight.

Halictus

Best rope I have owned

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

The Petzl Arial has been an excellent rope for me. I have owned one for over three years and its still doing well. I really like the handling of its softer sheath. I though that meant it wouldn't last as long, but it has surprised me. I just recently cut the ends off due to a spot that was going to become a core shot, but have had no other issues. Be aware that it is not as thin as most ropes at the same published diameter. I would say it is not far off from your standard 10mm gym rope.

Rick V

Pricey first rope. Love it.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Just a brief happy review. This is my first rope, it was a relatively pricey choice, but I love it. Handles great through a GriGri2 and I've taken plenty of small, overhung sport falls on it.

Kevin W.

Good but slick

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I got this rope after a recommendation from a friend, and it is a good rope. it seems like it will hold up well and last a long time. The dry treatment, though, makes it a really slick rope. If you're belaying with an ATC, you really have to remember that this rope isn't going to catch itself. Anything else with it, though, is pretty great!

Sarah Schlaefke

Too much stretch

I'm not the biggest fan of this rope for two reasons. No. 1 is the amount of stretch on hangs and falls. It makes me nervous anytime I'm over a ledge or high above the 1st or 2nd bolt on a route. The 2nd is it tends to pig tail frequently while belaying and especially when lowering a partner. Very annoying. Just knots up too easily even after frequent use and multiple whips. Pros are it's very light weight and feeds through the gri gir well. (Sometimes too well when lowering) Easy to clip and feels good on hands. I'm saving it for alpine climbing from now on due to rope stretch on falls. I would not purchase it again for normal Sport or Trad climbing, would go with a thicker rope.

Sebastian

Heavier than advertised

Weighed / measured my rope and it came in at 64g per metre rather than the advertised 58g. Otherwise seems like it will be an excellent all round rope, nice thickness and great feel.

Patrick Cannon

Most valuable rope in my collection

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Though I haven't had the rope for a terribly long time, it has prevailed on many trips to Joshua tree, gyms, and many other worthy places. The rope itself is extremely strong, does not wear easily, and is very nimble right out of the box. Much love for this item. More than worth the money.

Riley P.

Best out of the Box

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Most ropes are so stiff, when I get them, that I leave like, two feet of tail in my knot. I know people that know people that fell from a stiff, new rope, sliding out of their know. You know how that goes, hear it once and it's real. Anyway, at the very least, a stiff new rope is also very twisty and not fun to use for at least 2 or 3 routes. Plus, this one doesn't knot up on it's self at all, and I just stuff it in the Petzl Bolsa rope bag. Oh, and the mid marker is very nice to have done by the professionals. And, it's very easy to see. This is the most perfect performing rope, I have ever used. I'm super impressed. I used it about 10+ times. I should not give it 5 stars, till I've used to for a whole season. But, I'm so blown away with the comfort of catching a fall and quality already, I can't help but feel this is truly an exception product.

Emily Jenson

Best all-around rope out there

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I am on my third Ariel and it is my go-to rope for cragging and multi-pitch climbing. While I also love the Volta when weight really matters, it is nice to have a little extra diameter for durability purposes and ease in terms of holding falls and rappelling. The rope is super supple making for soft catches and easy clipping. It also feeds nicely through my reverso and grigri. All and all, I have no complaints!

Rachel S.

Feeds and catches like butter

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This is my 3rd rope... It's gone out about a dozen times. I love how it feeds through my Mega Jul, handles when clipping, and catches good falls. Dynamic elongation is on point. You won't regret this buy.

Jesse N.

Light and smooth

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I have found my 9.5 mm 60 meter Petzl Arial Dry Climbing Rope - to be one of the smoothest out there. I thought I would be walking the line taking repeated falls having a 9.5mm opposed to my standard 9.7-8mm's but this thing has been solid. It has been and will continue to be my workhorse for projects. It feeds so smoothly, has wonderful catches and I mean... It's a PETZL you can't go wrong.

Seth H.

Ueli Steck - Les Drus / North Couloir

Wolfgang Schweiger

Arial Rope Review

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I just received my second Arial 9.5 70m rope from Petzl, and can’t wait for the spring season to put it through the paces. I am still climbing on my first Arial that is over a year and half old and it has proven time and again to be one of the best cords I have purchased in recent years. I have been most impressed with its handling, smooth action through my Grigri, and durability. Over the past year, I have climbed at least a dozen long multi-pitch alpine routes, countless single pitch objectives, and projected at least another half dozen sport climbs. The sheath has only recently started to fray and the integrity of the cord is as good as the day I first tied in. Several of my friends bought this same rope and have had nothing but good things to say. While the supple nature of the rope is one of its attributes, it takes a bit of getting used to when catching sport climbing falls, since there is a fair amount of stretch. While the cost is on the upper end for skinny cords, I believe it is a great fit for the alpine enthusiast and sport climber alike. Dan B.

Daniel B.

Fantastic Rope

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

When I shop for a rope, I look for something durable yet somewhat light (it's difficult to get both of these in one product), and I go by feel (or hand) of the rope. The Arial is the winner for me when it comes to these criteria. Having used both the Arial and Volta, I consistently take the Arial on trips. Yes, it's a little heavier at 3 g/m more than the Volta, but I enjoy knowing that a little thicker cord will stand up to abuse a bit better. What I enjoy most about the Arial, however, is the hand. It moves well while on the wall, the clipping is easy, the catches are soft, and there's no break in period with how well it bends to knot. Some ropes are pretty stiff from the get-go, Petzls are ready to go right out of the package. I expect we'll be seeing more of both the Arial and the Volta out at the crag as people come to realize what a solid rope both of these options are for both working climbs, and going for the redpoint.

Becky

Catches all my whips!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I use this rope for sport climbing and it has been fantastic. The falls are nice and soft with 32% stretch, and at 9.5mm it is nice and light for when you get on those longer routes. The middle mark is a black stripe which stands out against the bright orange color that I have. There isn't much more you can really say about a rope, so pick one up and see for yourself!

Trey Schanzenbach