REVIEW: Edelrid Skimmer Rope

The Edelrid Skimmers are as about as specialised as ropes get. They aren't really aimed at British trad, and are certainly not a beginner's rope. However, take them to the big mountains and they would shine, their lightness making them perfect for the weight conscious user with the experience to know exactly what they're buying into. Their rating as both half ropes and twin ropes gives them versatility in a number of settings: Alpine ice and mixed; multi pitch sport routes with an abseil descent; granite crack climb adventures; and committing mountain madness in Patagonia. They might find a place on Scottish ice too. At £165 per 60m rope they are by no means a budget buy, but if you have a big trip planned and you're counting every gram, then the Skimmers have to be one of the best options currently available.