ProView – Black Diamond 6.0 Static

Exploring the remote and mythical mountains of the Llanganati in Ecuador and its unclimbed hidden big wall, required the lightest yet most durable static line on the market. Our search for the proper rope started by finding various brand options. We looked at many 7.0 or 6.0 dynamic cords and ropes, but since we already had various dynamic lead lines, we were aiming for a rope with non-stretch advantages. 

Black Diamond 6.0 Static Accessory Cord was the expedition’s top choice. 

After a rainy three and half day hike into the Llanganati through the Amazon jungle, we really appreciated that the rope was virtually featherlight in our otherwise loaded packs. When the time came to actually get hands-on climbing, we were impressed with its versatility. The rope, when used for rappels, was exceptionally smooth, and when it came to hauling packs and gear, it felt like pulling on silk. Not surprisingly the line survived the expedition with no abrasions at all! It still holds both rope end tags, and it’s ready to return. 

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Features

In ‘rap-line’ mode, BD’s innovation on this item allowed us to make the second-fastest ascent of La Esfinge in Peru, (2400ft wall) after we climbed it in a 4-hour 10-minute push. We answered the question that everyone has about the climb: how to manage the three 150ft raps to get back to base camp. Answer: Strap on the weightless 6.0 rap line to your back and climb fast with a single led line. Just use the 6.0 Static to rap down by attaching it to the lead line and voila, second-fastest time on the big wall.

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Thinking of bolting new sport lines? Great haul line to bring up your drill kit and accessories. Feels almost weightless, packs easily and can definitely take a few punches and be as shiny as new. 

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And what happens if you do manage to core shot it? No worries: cut it into a rescue cord, client aid cord, third hands, anchors, you name it!

Summary of Thoughts

• Pack it or strap it to your back, it feels like it isn’t there.

• Close to 0 dynamic elongation (less than 5% static elongation); great tool for hauling.

• 6.0 Diameter makes raps really smooth, combine it with your lead line to move fast.

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The Final Word

Impressive 23.2 g/m will save your back on long trips, and make day trips way lighter. If you are the kind of climber that wants to go fast and light this is for you. Turn it quick from hauling mode to rappeling mode to save both time and effort. Don’t worry about durability or cuts, BD products are thoughtfully designed by one of the best manufacturers on the market. Pack it almost to the size of a large Nalgene bottle, or tie it to your back as a pack, you will feel as light as if you were bringing no gear at all. The only issue with this line is that it does not come with warning marks on the ends, since it’s a very small diameter, the rope runs pretty fast compared to others. So watch out out there, and be conscious of rap lengths if you use this one.

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About the Tester

Felipe ‘Feli’ Proano is a professional climber and explorer for The North Face originally from Quito, Ecuador. From the Alaskan Ruth Gorge style climbs to fast times on Peruvian Big Walls at altitude, Felipe has climbed far and high. When he is not climbing or traveling to climb, he works as an author for the climbing guidebooks of his country and other Andean regions. Besides climbing itself, the will to explore new areas, create new climbing parks, and claim some daring First Ascents are his day to day motivation. Feli is in the process of becoming an IFMGA guide and is the President of the Andean Access Fund. You can join his adventures @feli.proclimber.

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