XEROS technology is a new way to manufacture UIAA-certified dry rope, but the benefits of XEROS go beyond simply keeping rope dry. This isn’t just better dry rope, it’s better climbing rope—and it’s only available from Sterling.
XEROS resists wear. Sterling athlete Rob Pizem used his XEROS climbing rope for 13 straight days and more than 21,100 feet of climbing when he first got it. The surprise? The rope still looked and felt like new. “XEROS does not show the ‘normal’ breakdown and softening that regular non-treated ropes do, and what regular treated ropes do shortly after a few uses. It just didn’t occur.” Read more here
Dirt doesn't stick. Traditional dry ropes are made with a coating that can be tacky and pick up dirt. Dirt can lead to abrasion and premature wear, in both the rope and in carabiners and belay devices. But XEROS isn’t sticky, so ropes stay cleaner longer.
Dry? Yeah, it stays dry. XEROS helps ropes stay dry even in humid and damp-rock conditions. But because XEROS is a part of every fiber in the rope, it performs differently than traditional coatings—and it blows them out of the water. Learn more about XEROS technology
It lasts longer. XEROS isn’t a coating, so it doesn’t act like traditional dry rope coatings do. In fact, we ran a UIAA Dry certification test on some heavily used XEROS rope that was beyond the end of its lifespan—and found the rope still only had a 6.5% absorption rate. See for yourself
It helps the environment. Our XEROS process reduces waste and energy use—and we partner with a bluesign® system-certified yarn supplier to ensure the highest levels of environmental sustainability in manufacturing.
Costs less, too. Sterling XEROS ropes only cost marginally more than untreated rope—and untreated rope doesn’t have all the benefits listed above.
After three years of research with our bluesign®-certified nylon yarn supplier, we were able to develop an entirely new way to create dry rope.
What we’ve created is not a coating, or a separate liquid bath treatment. It’s a new step in the manufacturing process of individual nylon filaments so that each individual fiber is water resistant before it’s even twisted into yarn. When we make rope using these fibers, the result is a remarkable rope—wet or dry.
Reduces Waste
Eliminate the bath treatment process by treating the fibers at the filament level, virtually removing all chemical waste.
Reduces toxicity
Our yarn supplier is a bluesign® system partner which means chemical and toxicity management are at the highest level for environmental sustainability.
Reduces energy use
More efficient process eliminates the need for curing the dry treatment on the rope and reduces the use of greenhouse gases and electricity.
Reduces labor
An entirely new way to manufacture UIAA Certified dry rope that is more efficient and less labor-intensive.
“After 13 days of use and over 21,100 feet of climbing, the rope looks and feels like new.”
—Rob Pizem, Sterling Athlete
“It’s no longer the question of ‘Why dry?’ Now the question is, ‘Why not?’”
—Angela Hawse, Sterling Athlete and IFMGA Mountain Guide
A half/twin UIAA Dry rope that offers superior protection for the minimalist climber.
A mid-range half and twin rope that’s ideal for long, wandering routes, run-outs, ice climbs or sketchy trad leads.
When you are ready to push your sport or trad climbing to the limit, the Nano 8.9 mm is the tool to take along.
Skinny dry cord with a burly sheath for projects. A Sterling Athlete Team favorite.
A guide favorite, the IonR 9.4 mm offers durability in a perfect, mid-range size that is notable for its firm, tactile feel that is easy to clip and works well with a multitude of gear.
A lightweight workhorse rope that is perfect for using across climbing disciplines.
Suited for both rock and ice, the Velocity is the flagship of our lineup: lightweight, durable, long-lasting and easy to handle.
A big rope for gnarly expeditions or top-rope laps.
