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As I was doing some research this afternoon, this headline caught my eyes: New England Ropes Recalls Climbing Lines Due to Fall Hazard.
It appears that New England Ropes had some production problems and initiated a recall on two of their rope models: the Maxim Apogee 9.1mm and Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm.
The full notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can be found on their website.
Two types of climbing ropes have been included in this recall, the Maxim Apogee 9.1mm and Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm. The Maxim Apogee 9.1mm is a 48 carrier climbing rope. The colors are yellow and black, and red and yellow. The model numbers are 3411-91 and 3415-91, with date codes 060801 thru 080601. The UPC codes are: 75396312299, 75396312298, 75396312301, and 75396312300. The Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm is a blue 48 carrier climbing rope. The Model number is 3403-95, with date codes 070201 thru 080601. The UPC codes are 75396312292 and 75396312293. The date codes and the UPC codes are on the original packaging.
If you purchased one of these ropes, you can contact New England Ropes about getting a free replacement for it.
I am happy to announce that I have become a partner with New England Ropes to start selling some of the highest quality rock climbing ropes available. They will be offered both on TheGearHouse as well as on eBay. Look out for more updates coming soon as well as reviews of the different ropes. If you have a need for a climbing rope, drop us a line and we can probably get it for you at a great price!
I have not placed our first order yet so, if there is something specific you are looking for (dynamic or static, 50 or 60 meter, or different diameter), contact us.
Here are some hints/tips about different belay and rappelling gear that you should consider when you go into the store to make your purchases and get out on the rock.
Belaying:
- Because falls produce great force, your belay anchors must be secured with bombproof multidirectional anchors.
- Double-check your partner’s belay setup before you leave the ground.
- Double-check your harness tie-in as well as your partner’s.
- Always keep the brake hand on the rope. Wear belay gloves to prevent rope burns.
- Understand/follow manufacturer’s instructions for each belay device.
- Always use a locking carabiner with your belay device.
- You must check to see that your locking carabiner is properly locked with each use.
Rappelling:
- Use bombproof anchors; never trust 1 bolt or piton. Back up anchors wherever possible.
- If doubt exists about the strength of an existing rappel webbing, use a fresh runner. Remove and carry out any tattered ropes.
- If the ends of your rope aren’t touching the ground, knot the ends. Climbers have died rappelling off the ends of their ropes.
- Check your setup before your rappel.
- Check your partner’s rappel setup. The most experienced climber should check the other climber’s setups and then go down last.
- Wear a glove on your braking hand to prevent rope burns.
- Bounding rappels shock-load anchors and ropes: Always rappel slowly and smoothly.
- Always use a locking carabiner with your rappel device.
- You must check to see that your locking carabiner is properly locked with each use.
- When using a figure-8 for rappels, be sure it loads the carabiner along its major axis. An incorrectly loaded figure-8 can slide down onto the carabiner’s gate and lever it oven.
