Roaches at Sunset

High Street - Lawrencefield Peak District

I am not the best climber in the world but I’m defiantly keen. Every spare second is spent climbing. Nearly all of that time is spent trad climbing too. I enjoy and bit of sport and bouldering but it doesn’t feel like “real” climbing, trad and winter is where it’s at for me. I also really like going for it, probably half the time trying things above my grade (as long as its steep with gear!) which means I fall off a lot!

I think this is why Si (beta climbing designs) asked if I would like to test a couple of Sterling ropes in payment for some feedback. “Who is the heaviest person I know who falls off a lot? Ah James can try them!”  I’m sure working in a gear shop helps too, working with ropes all the time.

Testing the prototype models of these ropes is great as you get to give honest feedback and they really listen. Living in Sheffield means a lot of the climbing is spent on the grit which is well known for shedding hands, feet, ropes and egos! But the Sterling half ropes I’ve been trying (Duetto 8.4mm) have been amazing and stood up so well and I have full confidence in them.

In a very different environment the other rope I have been testing was the Photon 7.8mm which has been the best winter rope I’ve ever had. Light, bright, easy to handle and just doesn’t seem to soak up any moisture, awesome. Used on a soggy Cobbler to a crisp and perfect Hadrian’s wall (on the ben that is!) this winter.

ABOVE: Sterling Fusion Photon Ropes

RIGHT: Scotland March 2011

I constantly try and get away on all my days off and more often than not that ends up being in Wales where Gogarth has seemed to suit my style of climbing, or lack of it and most of the harder  routes I have done have been there. Then I also love alpine climbing and I am shortly off to Bergalia and I think the best rock route I have ever done is “O Sole  Mio” on the Grand Capucin in Cham (Then the Nose was pretty cool too!).

So keep on climbing and thanks to Si Berry for letting me be your crash test dummy.

James Turnbull

LEFT: James cleaning The Great Roof, The Nose, Yosemite

BELOW: knee Bar on Grand Capucin

CHRIS SHARMA'S NEW PROJECT - STERLING AND CLIMBING

"Take an inside look at the thoughts and experiences of Chris Sharma as he explains why he chooses the Fusion Nano as his rope of choice and shares with us his passion for climbing and pushing the limits of the sport."

Click on the vimeo link right......

Chris Sharma finds out how his ropes are made - HERE

Chris Sharma at Outdoor Show 2011 all about his favourite ropes - HERE

Sterling Rope Winner

Scott Allen

Reviews his new rope in El Chorro - HERE

Daila Ojeda

Climbs ‘A Muerte’ on Sterling Rope