md-textil Seilschutz Taktisch – Tactical Rope Protector
This article was sponsored by md-textil.
This item can be ordered from md-textil at any time – but only by email. It is not officially listed in the shop and is primarily intended for authorities.
The item number is “A-605 Tactical Rope Protector 500mm” with a price of €59.95 (as of 2020).
Or “A-606 Tactical Rope Protector 750mm” with a price of €69.95 (as of 2020).
Delivery time after receipt of payment is 4 weeks (as of 2020).
I use the 500mm version. It weighs 155g.
The rope is nicely wrapped with the rope protector, protecting it from sharp edge loads.
Under the overlap, you’ll find a coarse zipper. Opening and closing the zipper is significantly quieter than models with Velcro. The flap is made of two layers of Cordura.
When fully opened, you can place one or two 11mm ropes in the rope protector. Here you can see an 11mm rope.
Two 11mm ropes also fit well into the edge protector. However, it becomes tight with three ropes.
On the underside, there is a double layer of 43mm webbing.
Between the thick webbing and the zipper, there is an area where only a single layer of 1000D Cordura separates the rope from the outside. As long as the edge protector does not roll over, it does not rest on the edge in this area.
At one end, a loop is sewn in. You can attach a prusik or a long cord here to secure the rope protector against slipping on the rope or anchor point.
Conclusion
A good way to protect the rope from unwanted wear. The rope protector stays securely in place with consistent pulling direction. If the rope shifts laterally along the edge, the rope protector may rotate. Even in such cases, the zipper and Cordura still protect the rope from the edge, although at the thinnest point, there is only a single layer of 1000D Cordura.
Not often necessary for quick rappelling actions. However, when the edge is sharp or rough, edge protection is advisable to essential. It is also recommended if you frequently rappel at the same spot or spend extended time on the rope.
