Small but capable.
Yes, the rope looks small when compared to a big climbing rope, but after a while it looks normal. The textured sheath helps it work with friction hitches, but you need to use your own judgement on what cord you feel comfortable using. If using something non-standard, do thorough testing before trusting it in the wild. My rappel device of choice is the Edelrid Mago 8. Light and adjustable to whatever level of friction you need.
Petzl Rad Line 6mm
To reach those obscure peaks, the distant couloirs, and the reverently spoken-of far away glaciers, you'll need some rad gear. The folks down at Petzl have been churning out high-quality gear since before any of us here at Skimo Co snapped into our first infant-sized spandex race suits, and they have verifiably perfected the art of making truly rad gear. The astonishingly light Petzl RAD LINE 6mm (Rescue And Descent) was created to be used for glacier travel and crevasse rescue** when a matter of grams decides whether you succeed or fail, and holy moly did they nail it. Using Dyneema in the sheath, Petzl created a fully rated static cord that you'll be glad to have when your partner unexpectedly decides to check out the bottom of that crevasse that was buried in the snow. Whether you're crossing a glacier or just looking to mix some rapelling into your skiing, the super-rad Petzl RAD LINE 6mm is the tool for the job.
- This cord stretches less than 2% when weighted, meaning no bouncy rappels or unwanted stretch when performing a rescue.
- The sheath has an extra rough texture, helping with grip and handling.
- Compatible with TIBLOC and MICRO TRAXION ascenders.
- Very light, weighing about 22g/meter.
- Made in the Czech Republic.
- CE EN 564 certified cord.
** Petzl assembled a RAD Cord rescue kit with all the necessary gizmos and gadgets for a crevasse rescue, which you can find here.
| Specifications | |
| Grams per Meter | 22g/m |
|
Weight |
716g [30m] 1409g [60m] |
| Length | 30m or 60m |
|
|
6.0mm |
| Strength | 12 kN |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Rope Style | Rappel |
| UIAA Fall Rating | N/A |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Glacier travel, mountaineering, rappelling, crevasse rescue, clothes line |
| Notes | Stretches less than 2% when weighted |
| Bottom Line | Super light rap or rescue cord |
| Compare to other Ropes | |
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Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
3/4/2024
What is a suggestion for a prusik loop that will work with the RAD line? I've heard that something like a Sterling Hallowblock is too thick and doesn't provide the necessary friction.
3/4/2024
Adam,
I've had some luck using a Hollowblock and adding lots of (6 or 7) wraps. Thin accessory cord can work as well depending on the use case. But in general, I personally try to use micro traxions and other mechanical devices when possible.
I've had some luck using a Hollowblock and adding lots of (6 or 7) wraps. Thin accessory cord can work as well depending on the use case. But in general, I personally try to use micro traxions and other mechanical devices when possible.
9/3/2024
I’m reasonably paranoid about friction on this rope since I’m a big guy kitted out with a pack and skis etc, so I’ve spent a ton of time practicing with different devices. To me, a 5mm cord is the sweet spot for friction hitches. Prussik works better than a kelimheist. Hollow blocks work second best, I would only use a sling if I really had to. Tiblock is bomber but I don’t want to carry it, I think cords are more versatile, and I don’t like the teeth in my expensive rope. Both nano and micro tractions are great. For rappelling devices the BD alpine guide is surprisingly and significantly better than the grivel scream and about the same weight. They both work great in guide belay mode though. Either way third hand is mandatory. Munters work really well too. If I was hanging or single strand I would probably add the second wrap to make it a super munter that might even be my preference for a single strand rappel. I haven’t noticed a huge problem with ice and snow and I would probably avoid single strand rappels which are obviously rare anyway.
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3/1/2024
How does the Petzl RAD line compare to the Edelrid RAP line? Looks like Edelrid is heavier but has a lower cost. Are there any major benefits to one over the other?
3/1/2024
Hi Erik, the main differences are in handling and device compatibility. I have an Edelrid rap line which is light and strong, but also very stiff and somewhat slippery. Petzl made the RAD line with a softer yet tougher sheath that handles well and has enough bite to work with their Traxion devices.
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