Boasting a thick diameter of 9.9mm, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond is a tough single rope built for heavy use, meaning it can be your go-to rope for day-in and day-out use at the gym or for climbing courses. It's a great rope for beginners to use for tough routes at the gym that they don't want to lead climb yet. Of course, this single rope is great for heavy use in alpine terrain as well - be it for high-altitude mountaineering or climbing sharp rock - when you don't want to lug around a double rope. Actually, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond would be perfect for high-altitude mountaineering with a long glacier approach and descent, because these situations can be quite taxing for ropes. However, a rope with a complete sheath and core treatment would be better in the long run.
Boasting a thick diameter of 9.9mm, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond is a tough single rope built for heavy use, meaning it can be your go-to rope for day-in and day-out use at the gym or for climbing courses. It's a great rope for beginners to use for tough routes at the gym that they don't want to lead climb yet. Of course, this single rope is great for heavy use in alpine terrain as well - be it for high-altitude mountaineering or climbing sharp rock - when you don't want to lug around a double rope. Actually, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond would be perfect for high-altitude mountaineering with a long glacier approach and descent, because these situations can be quite taxing for ropes. However, a rope with a complete sheath and core treatment would be better in the long run.
Boasting a thick diameter of 9.9mm, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond is a tough single rope built for heavy use, meaning it can be your go-to rope for day-in and day-out use at the gym or for climbing courses. It's a great rope for beginners to use for tough routes at the gym that they don't want to lead climb yet. Of course, this single rope is great for heavy use in alpine terrain as well - be it for high-altitude mountaineering or climbing sharp rock - when you don't want to lug around a double rope. Actually, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond would be perfect for high-altitude mountaineering with a long glacier approach and descent, because these situations can be quite taxing for ropes. However, a rope with a complete sheath and core treatment would be better in the long run.
Boasting a thick diameter of 9.9mm, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond is a tough single rope built for heavy use, meaning it can be your go-to rope for day-in and day-out use at the gym or for climbing courses. It's a great rope for beginners to use for tough routes at the gym that they don't want to lead climb yet. Of course, this single rope is great for heavy use in alpine terrain as well - be it for high-altitude mountaineering or climbing sharp rock - when you don't want to lug around a double rope. Actually, the 9.9 Rope from Black Diamond would be perfect for high-altitude mountaineering with a long glacier approach and descent, because these situations can be quite taxing for ropes. However, a rope with a complete sheath and core treatment would be better in the long run.
Last updated at 06/02/2026 07:35:02
Black Diamond 9.9 Mm Climbing Rope
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Black Diamond 9.9 Climbing Rope 40m
Delivery between 8–16 June $9.95
9.9 Climbing Rope Dual Blue / 40 m
Free delivery between 11–16 June
originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
Drop shipped one of these to where I was staying for my last trip to Red Rock to simplify packing on the way there. I've been a loyal Blue Water rope user for my entire climbing career, so this was the first time I've owned and used a Black Diamond rope - needless to say, I was very impressed. The rope was fairly soft and easy to tie. The sheath held up great and flowed through several different belay devices with no issue over the course a couple weeks usage. Dynamic stretch was great but also not too stretchy like some ropes can be. I can't speak to the longevity and long-term durability of the rope yet, but so-far, so-good.
originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
Bought a 35m 9.9 to use as a gym rope and a 70m 9.9 to use outside - I lead in the gym about once every two weeks, on average, and sport climb outside about once a week on average.When I received the 35m rope, it had a 1-2 inch long sheath defect (thread spool changeover...?). Not a huge deal since it was near an end and I could afford to cut it off. OK, but after only about 10 sessions the sheath began separating from the core, first in just a few places but now (after only 20 gym sessions?) the whole middle 10m of the rope has turned spongy and flat. Not great. Never had a rope do this, and I've abused ropes of all brands outdoors for years.The 70m hasn't had the same issues so far, but I only have about 5 outdoor sport climbing sessions on it so I will report ... MoreBought a 35m 9.9 to use as a gym rope and a 70m 9.9 to use outside - I lead in the gym about once every two weeks, on average, and sport climb outside about once a week on average.When I received the 35m rope, it had a 1-2 inch long sheath defect (thread spool changeover...?). Not a huge deal since it was near an end and I could afford to cut it off. OK, but after only about 10 sessions the sheath began separating from the core, first in just a few places but now (after only 20 gym sessions?) the whole middle 10m of the rope has turned spongy and flat. Not great. Never had a rope do this, and I've abused ropes of all brands outdoors for years.The 70m hasn't had the same issues so far, but I only have about 5 outdoor sport climbing sessions on it so I will report back. Maybe the 35m was a lemon, but either way, it's disappointing to have a rope only last a year with very gentle indoor use.Four stars for the 70m (it's been fine, certainly not a Cadillac rope but for the price it does fine), and two stars for the 35m.
originally posted on mec.ca
Good feel, and easy to belay with especially when you have to give a lot of slack. The catch is also pretty good.However the durability is absolutely horrible. They barely last a full climbing season. I've owned two black diamond ropes (both the regular and the dry) and have had to retire them only after 2 summers of very light climbing. Both developed multiple flat spots all throughout the length.I've used mammut and beal ropes for both rock and ice climbing and they've lasted MUCH longer. I'll have to stick to those brands. Unless they fix the durability issues, Black diamond ropes are just not worth it.
| Rope diameter (mm) | 9.9 |
| Weight (g/m) | 64 |
| Number of UIAA falls | 6 |
| Max Impact Force (kN) | 8.4 |
| Static Elongation (%) | 7.6 |
Black Diamond 9.9 Mm Climbing Rope
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Black Diamond 9.9 Climbing Rope 40m
Delivery between 8–16 June $9.95
9.9 Climbing Rope Dual Blue / 40 m
Free delivery between 11–16 June
Drop shipped one of these to where I was staying for my last trip to Red Rock to simplify packing on the way there. I've been a loyal Blue Water rope user for my entire climbing career, so this was the first time I've owned and used a Black Diamond rope - needless to say, I was very impressed. The rope was fairly soft and easy to tie. The sheath held up great and flowed through several different belay devices with no issue over the course a couple weeks usage. Dynamic stretch was great but also not too stretchy like some ropes can be. I can't speak to the longevity and long-term durability of the rope yet, but so-far, so-good.
Bought a 35m 9.9 to use as a gym rope and a 70m 9.9 to use outside - I lead in the gym about once every two weeks, on average, and sport climb outside about once a week on average.When I received the 35m rope, it had a 1-2 inch long sheath defect (thread spool changeover...?). Not a huge deal since it was near an end and I could afford to cut it off. OK, but after only about 10 sessions the sheath began separating from the core, first in just a few places but now (after only 20 gym sessions?) the whole middle 10m of the rope has turned spongy and flat. Not great. Never had a rope do this, and I've abused ropes of all brands outdoors for years.The 70m hasn't had the same issues so far, but I only have about 5 outdoor sport climbing sessions on it so I will report ... MoreBought a 35m 9.9 to use as a gym rope and a 70m 9.9 to use outside - I lead in the gym about once every two weeks, on average, and sport climb outside about once a week on average.When I received the 35m rope, it had a 1-2 inch long sheath defect (thread spool changeover...?). Not a huge deal since it was near an end and I could afford to cut it off. OK, but after only about 10 sessions the sheath began separating from the core, first in just a few places but now (after only 20 gym sessions?) the whole middle 10m of the rope has turned spongy and flat. Not great. Never had a rope do this, and I've abused ropes of all brands outdoors for years.The 70m hasn't had the same issues so far, but I only have about 5 outdoor sport climbing sessions on it so I will report back. Maybe the 35m was a lemon, but either way, it's disappointing to have a rope only last a year with very gentle indoor use.Four stars for the 70m (it's been fine, certainly not a Cadillac rope but for the price it does fine), and two stars for the 35m.
Good feel, and easy to belay with especially when you have to give a lot of slack. The catch is also pretty good.However the durability is absolutely horrible. They barely last a full climbing season. I've owned two black diamond ropes (both the regular and the dry) and have had to retire them only after 2 summers of very light climbing. Both developed multiple flat spots all throughout the length.I've used mammut and beal ropes for both rock and ice climbing and they've lasted MUCH longer. I'll have to stick to those brands. Unless they fix the durability issues, Black diamond ropes are just not worth it.
Been using it in the gym 4 days a week lowering and whipping feels great. It’s a great length. Good color and quality!Nothing is bad about it. Simple and saw the same rope in the gym being used so it’s definitely one of the better types out there specifically being used for the climbing gym. Both expert and beginner use because it’s simply a great rope to use on lead climbing inside. If you’re looking to have two ropes one for indoor use and another for outdoor use this is a great option!
This was my first lead rope. Overall, it is nice rope such as soft falling, nice touch feeling and smooth but not durable. I used it indoor only (once a week average and belay device is Mega Jul.) It started to kink very bad when belay after one and half years past. It was very bad to belay so retired although the presentation wise looks good. After that, I used "9.9 Crag Workhorse Dry Rope", it retired less than 2 years with flat rope. Safety belay device makes the rope life shorter I think. Considering the price, it is not bad.
Have had the pleasure of climbing on this rope as part of a halves setup on multiple alpine rock excursions and a couple of glacier adventures. Photo from the top of Mt. Owen in GTNP guiding a party of 4 across the cathedral traverse.This rope is solid. Handles well for belaying, smooth operation and without tendencies to twist (with reasonable rope management) I had confidence in my belayers ability to manage themselves, and was pleased with the handling while building my top managed rigs. I’m using the 70m version.Have also used this guy on glaciated terrain, granted, it’s a little bit bigger but it’s what I had. Mountaineer’s coils on either end work well for Simul-climbing and you’ve always got the option of a few alpine butterfly’s in the middle.Overall, a ... MoreHave had the pleasure of climbing on this rope as part of a halves setup on multiple alpine rock excursions and a couple of glacier adventures. Photo from the top of Mt. Owen in GTNP guiding a party of 4 across the cathedral traverse.This rope is solid. Handles well for belaying, smooth operation and without tendencies to twist (with reasonable rope management) I had confidence in my belayers ability to manage themselves, and was pleased with the handling while building my top managed rigs. I’m using the 70m version.Have also used this guy on glaciated terrain, granted, it’s a little bit bigger but it’s what I had. Mountaineer’s coils on either end work well for Simul-climbing and you’ve always got the option of a few alpine butterfly’s in the middle.Overall, a fine rope that does why it’s supposed to do, handles well, and has shown good durability through my applications.
This is a great rope despite an exceptionally odd middle mark. I've never seen anything like it and it's not good. It was marked with a thin coating of what appeared to be a sort of furry, tacky rubber. The first time I used to rope was ice climbing. You can feel the mark stick hard in your belay device and gear as it passes through. Not to worry though. By lunch time it will be completely worn off leaving no hint that it was ever there. Then you can make due finding the center through other means until you get home and remark it with something more durable, and less furry and sticky. Like an ink or dye instead of rubber fur. Then you will enjoy the great handling, durability, and fantastic performance of this otherwise extremely high-quality rope. I believe this is ... MoreThis is a great rope despite an exceptionally odd middle mark. I've never seen anything like it and it's not good. It was marked with a thin coating of what appeared to be a sort of furry, tacky rubber. The first time I used to rope was ice climbing. You can feel the mark stick hard in your belay device and gear as it passes through. Not to worry though. By lunch time it will be completely worn off leaving no hint that it was ever there. Then you can make due finding the center through other means until you get home and remark it with something more durable, and less furry and sticky. Like an ink or dye instead of rubber fur. Then you will enjoy the great handling, durability, and fantastic performance of this otherwise extremely high-quality rope. I believe this is the least-likely-to-pigtail rope I've ever owned. The dry treatment is still going strong after several seasons. It must be enzo.
Great rope for its category. Which is an affordable rope for someone who only plans on doing a ton of cragging, some solo TRing, trips to the gym and maybe a few trips up ElCap in favorable conditions. Not for the mountaineers and big wall in winter crowds. Wouldn’t be my go to for projecting the latest and greatest, cutting edge sic sport proj either. But it will serve you well on your way to achieving such future glory. Supple handle, doesn’t twist much, great abrasion resistance, the girls love it and makes the guys jealous!
I use this exclusively as a basic gym rope for lead climbing. In short, the rope just doesn't feel good when you use it. When lead belaying it doesn't feed slack well through a grigri despite being in the middle of the range. It feel like it gets almost stuck. When lowering off it either flies through or gets stuck. When using an Ohm for lead climbing it has a lot more resistance when clipping. So smooth lowering is basically impossible. The actual feel of the rope though is quite good. It's supple but not too soft. The fact that it can feel so good and yet perform so poorly is rather wild. Of the many ropes my friends and I use from multiple different brands this one performs the worst. I'm hoping over time it'll continue to break in and the performance will ... MoreI use this exclusively as a basic gym rope for lead climbing. In short, the rope just doesn't feel good when you use it. When lead belaying it doesn't feed slack well through a grigri despite being in the middle of the range. It feel like it gets almost stuck. When lowering off it either flies through or gets stuck. When using an Ohm for lead climbing it has a lot more resistance when clipping. So smooth lowering is basically impossible. The actual feel of the rope though is quite good. It's supple but not too soft. The fact that it can feel so good and yet perform so poorly is rather wild. Of the many ropes my friends and I use from multiple different brands this one performs the worst. I'm hoping over time it'll continue to break in and the performance will improve. But so far it falls short of my expectations.
This is the first rope I've ever bought and I'm glad I did. It can take a beating and definitely does. Have had it rub against rocks, trees, other objects while rappelling and it holds up super well. Doesn't show any sign of wear and stays strong. Definitely on the heavier side considering its a thicker rope and its 70 meters long but i wanted a strong reliable rope as my first one. As a result I would highly recommend it to those buying their first ropes and to even those more experienced who just want a reliable rope that can take a beating outside.
| Rope diameter (mm) | 9.9 |
| Weight (g/m) | 64 |
| Number of UIAA falls | 6 |
| Max Impact Force (kN) | 8.4 |
| Static Elongation (%) | 7.6 |
