Maxim Pinnacle Bi-Pattern 2X Dry Climbing Rope - 9.5mm for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

My experience with this rope is terrifying. Until Maxim can address production issues I would strongly advise against buying it. I am an industry professional for 20 years, and have been climbing since the early 90s. I have owned, abused, and retired over 100 ropes from most manufacturers. I have never seen a rope degrade in such a short amount of time. My 80m version of this cord was used for no more than 15 pitches in 5 or 6 days of climbing. I’m fully aware of the various scenarios that can cause premature sheath damage: lowering or rapping over sharp edges, crystals, etc.; burrs on carabiners; hard falls. None of these were ever present in the short use of this rope. Fundamentally, this rope was babied. Within this time, and number of concerning characteristics occurred: 1) The ends separated from the sheath within a few uses. While this isn’t necessarily a danger, it does indicate that the rope wasn’t finished well. Sheath slippage can contribute to soft or weak spots, especially at the main fall point within the first 5m of rope. 2) the sheath began to fuzz almost immediately. It was more noticeable with every use. 3) The last time this rope was used, upon pulling it after lowering, a 5” section was found split open in a twisting, kinked configuration. I’ve never seen anything like this. Again, there had been no traumatic use that should have caused this. The rope was being used gently, and well within the range of normal use that should allow for dozens of days. Here’s my main point: given that this degradation happened within a few uses in normal conditions, I would need at least a dozen of these ropes to get through a normal year of guiding and climbing my own projects. This is completely unacceptable. Especially given the price. I have reached out to Maxim. They have responded but with minimal regard to my concerns. I have sent the rope for inspection. I have also spoken to two colleagues/friends who have had similar issues with this specific model. Based on my professional experience, and my familiarity with similar products from other companies, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this rope. I am actively encouraging potential buyers to look elsewhere until Maxim can address these concerns.

My experience with this rope is terrifying. Until Maxim can address production issues I would strongly advise against buying it. I am an industry professional for 20 years, and have been climbing since the early 90s. I have owned, abused, and retired over 100 ropes from most manufacturers. I have never seen a rope degrade in such a short amount of time. My 80m version of this cord was used for no more than 15 pitches in 5 or 6 days of climbing. I’m fully aware of the various scenarios that can cause premature sheath damage: lowering or rapping over sharp edges, crystals, etc.; burrs on carabiners; hard falls. None of these were ever present in the short use of this rope. Fundamentally, this rope was babied. Within this time, and number of concerning characteristics occurred: 1) The ends separated from the sheath within a few uses. While this isn’t necessarily a danger, it does indicate that the rope wasn’t finished well. Sheath slippage can contribute to soft or weak spots, especially at the main fall point within the first 5m of rope. 2) the sheath began to fuzz almost immediately. It was more noticeable with every use. 3) The last time this rope was used, upon pulling it after lowering, a 5” section was found split open in a twisting, kinked configuration. I’ve never seen anything like this. Again, there had been no traumatic use that should have caused this. The rope was being used gently, and well within the range of normal use that should allow for dozens of days. Here’s my main point: given that this degradation happened within a few uses in normal conditions, I would need at least a dozen of these ropes to get through a normal year of guiding and climbing my own projects. This is completely unacceptable. Especially given the price. I have reached out to Maxim. They have responded but with minimal regard to my concerns. I have sent the rope for inspection. I have also spoken to two colleagues/friends who have had similar issues with this specific model. Based on my professional experience, and my familiarity with similar products from other companies, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this rope. I am actively encouraging potential buyers to look elsewhere until Maxim can address these concerns.

This was a birth day give for my Dad and I am so happy with how much use he has gotten out of it already. He climbs in the PNW, so the dry treated rope is a must. The Endura Dry 2x treatment keeps his mind at ease when getting stuck in wet conditions, and it also means he can climb more! He also loves the bright bi-pattern for his "old eyes". I like knowing he is safe on a trusty Maxim rope, and I'm stoked to see him get more into climbing after getting this rope!

One of the things I love about climbing is all the gear. When you want the best rope you have to have one of these in your arsenal. I now have a few and only bring out my other brands of rope when I know I'll be climbing with newbies or my overly sweaty friends. The cliche is this rope feels like butta. Well... IT DOES! I have a few different thicknesses and lengths of this brand of ropes and all of my friends love climbing on them. Due to my location, I have used my ropes for sport and multi pitch sport climbing. The ropes have excelled at both. The sheaths have taken a beaten and still look great. The rope almost unkinks itself. When you want the Ferrari of ropes, you buy a Maxim. The ease of use, feel in your hands, durability of the sheath, "unkinking ability", and the fact that these rope are so beautifully made, are all reasons why I now only buy Maxim ropes.

This rope is amazing. It has great performance in weight, durability, and rope handling. I only use this rope for multipitch and use beater ropes for the single pitch cragging. For places like Tahquitz, Eastern Sierra, Needles, and Red Rock Canyon, it is hard to find a better rope!

This is the rope Alex Honnold trusts, when he does climb with one. I got sick of needing to replace my ropes almost every season, and for one season twice in a season, because of lack of durability in sheath construction. The pinnacle destroys the comp. - smooth to the feel, supple to the touch, but a workhorse of a rope - even at 9.5 mm. I've taken a handful of good falls on it and the stretch provides a very soft and distinct catch. The feel of the rope makes it extremely easy to tie knots, fix lines, hitch etc. The multi-pitch climbers dreeeaammm. Comes out of the pack NOT wanting to tangle and knot up. The smooth sheath also reduces, noticeably, drag as it runs through biners. Sometimes, more than i should, forget to sling pieces long on meandering routes, and usually end up with dreadful rope drag. While there is still drag with this rope, its quite significant the difference between it and others. The bi pattern is seamless in the middle and vibrant as alllll get out! - bumble bee popping - you'll know both ends are at the same spot. No sheath and core slippage because of the dual dry treatment. Because of the dry treatment and the weaving on this rope, it packs down extremely small - and at 9.5 mm its quite light for its class. Maxim - not to be confused with the magazine - first class!!! (Photo) - Running it out on the Diedre - Frey - Patagonia