Importance of Buying Season and Weather Effects on Ropes

Weather has a significant impact on ropes, which is why Classic Ropes adjusts the manufacturing process for each rope based on the season. Factors such as the amount of twist and the “kick” (how much a rope pushes out at the bottom) are tailored for different conditions. This ensures your rope maintains a consistent feel and performance, no matter the weather.

Header & Heeler Considerations

Most of our professional ropers carry ropes with both softer and stiffer lays to be prepared for any situation. With two factors—weather and cattle—determining which rope they choose, most opt for a softer lay when roping small-horned cattle and a stiffer lay for bigger-horned cattle.

If you usually use a 3-strand rope and want to try a 4-strand for the first time, you should choose one with one lay softer than what you're used to. 4-strand ropes have more body in the tip than 3-strand ropes, so a softer lay in your hand will produce the same body as a harder lay.

Storing Your Ropes

• Coil your ropes as big as you can and place your hondas on top in the correct position.
• Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help if you are unsure of how to properly position the honda.
• Be sure not to over-stuff you rope bag, as this can cause unnecessary pressure on the eyes (causing them to turn), as well as causing coils to bend or kink.
• Powder and store in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

Breaking in Your Ropes

You're at the practice pen or the jackpot with your new rope, and it feels great after a few steers. After several more steers, the rope feels a little softer, deader, and a little worn out…
What happened?

When a rope is first used, the fibers are stretched and pulled apart, causing your rope to soften a little. After roping five to eight steers, your new rope should be coiled up and left to rest for 24 hours. This time allows the rope's fibers to return to position and set the molecules within fibers, giving the rope strength. Roping too many steers with a new rope over-stresses the fibers, prohibiting them from taking a set. This breakdown of fibers is what causes the rope to lose its body and feel. By simply allowing your rope to rest, you increase the longevity of your purchase.

Your Rope Has Memory: Just Like You

Seasonal changes dictate how we manufacture ropes to ensure optimal performance. It is crucial for the consumer to understand that the 'honda,' or 'eye," of the rope is positioned according to the season in which it is tied: a rope tied for cold conditions may want to roll to the left when used in warmer climates.

Another reason for the movement of the eye is that the ropes are constructed from nylon, which has memory. The natural loop can force the eye to turn left; If left alone, the eye will remember the incorrect position and remain there. Neglecting to fix the eye will result in a negative 180° roll, making the rope useless. To fix the problem, remember to take the eye and roll it back past your preferred position, hold it there for about 10 seconds, then position the eye where it best suits you. Performing this simple procedure will give you a longer and better performance from your rope.