STERLING 9.6 VR96 Climbing Rope

Lightweight performance without compromise.

The STERLING ROPE VR96 9.6mm is a versatile all-around climbing rope that balances light weight with reliable durability. As a thinner alternative to the VR9 9.8mm, the VR96 shaves grams off your rack while maintaining the handling characteristics and performance you need for sport climbing, gym sessions, and multi-pitch routes. Made in the USA with Sterling's commitment to quality, this rope delivers consistent performance whether you're working indoor projects or sending outdoor routes.

Technical Specifications:

• Diameter: 9.6mm
• UIAA Falls: 5-6 (single rope rating)
• Impact Force: 8.5 kN
• Static Elongation: 7.8%
• Dynamic Elongation: 33%
• Sheath Percentage: 36%
• Weight: 59 g/m
• Certifications: UIAA 101, EN 892

Why VR96?

The 9.6mm diameter sits in the sweet spot for climbers who want to reduce pack weight without stepping down to ultra-thin ropes that sacrifice durability. At 59 g/m, the VR96 is noticeably lighter than thicker ropes, making it ideal for long approaches, multi-pitch routes, and climbers who count every gram. The 36% sheath percentage provides solid abrasion resistance for repeated use on sharp edges and rough rock.

Key Features:

• Lightweight 59 g/m construction reduces pack weight on long routes
• 36% sheath percentage balances durability with supple handling
• 5-6 UIAA fall rating meets certification standards for single rope use
• Low static elongation (7.8%) for efficient toproping and jugging
• 33% dynamic elongation provides soft catches with minimal bounce
• Made in the USA with Sterling's quality craftsmanship
• Purple Flash colorway with middle mark for easy identification
• Available in 60m and 70m lengths
• Smooth feeding and handling for belaying and rappelling

Performance Breakdown:

The VR96's 5-6 UIAA fall rating provides reliable safety margins for sport and trad climbing. The 33% dynamic elongation delivers soft catches that are gentle on gear placements while keeping rope stretch manageable when working moves. With 7.8% static elongation, the rope feels responsive and efficient on toprope without excessive sag or stretch.

Ideal For:

Sport climbing, gym climbing, multi-pitch routes, redpointing, and all-around use where weight savings matter. The VR96 is perfect for climbers who want a lighter rope for long days at the crag or multi-pitch objectives without sacrificing the durability needed for regular use.

Whether you're logging laps at the gym, projecting sport routes, or ticking off multi-pitch classics, the STERLING ROPE VR96 9.6mm delivers lightweight performance and reliable handling that keeps you focused on the climbing, not the gear.