1. What is the difference between 3 and 4 strand ropes?

• A 3-strand is spun using 3 pieces of cord, and a 4-strand is spun using 4 pieces of cord.
  Some are spun around a center called a core.
• 3-strand ropes have higher, wider crowns allowing them to grip the horn rubber better.
• 4-strand ropes have lower, shallower crowns so there is less rubber build up, contributing
  to the longevity of the rope.

2. What is a core in a rope and what does it do?

• The Coretec™ core technology, from Equibrand, is a center piece around which the strands of a rope are spun. This is the only core on the market to date.
• The core helps to give the rope memory.
• The core also provides weight, extra body and a little more control.
• Ropes with a core require proper break in procedures to make them last.

3. What is the difference between nylon and poly blended ropes?

• Ropes can be spun from either 100% nylon string or a blended nylon/polyester string.
• 100 % nylon ropes, when compared to blended ropes of the same size and lay, tend to be a bit lighter in weight, have less body and a bit more spring.
• Blended ropes tend to remain more consistent than 100 % nylon ropes in varying
  weather conditions.

4. True, Scant or Lite – what difference does it make?

• These terms all refer to the diameter of the rope.
• Based on the traditional 3/8" size, the “true” diameter measures closest to 3/8".
  The “scant” or “lite” ropes measure less than 3/8" in diameter (within minimum size based on USTRC regulations).
• A 3/8" true rope will have more body, and a little more weight than a 3/8" scant or lite rope so it will be more consistent in difficult weather conditions.
• A 3/8" scant or lite rope will be slightly lighter and have more speed than a 3/8" true rope.

5. Extra Soft or Medium Soft – what is the lay of a rope?

• The lay of the rope refers to the stiffness of the rope. Standard lays are labeled as follows:
  

Code Description
XXS Double Extra Soft
XS Extra Soft
S Soft
MS Medium Soft
M Medium
HM Hard Medium
MH Medium Hard
H Hard

• Head ropes are generally XXS-MS, and heel ropes are generally MS-MH.
• The softer the lay, the easier it is to handle.
• The stiffer the lay, the easier it is to keep your loop open.

6. Lengths – why are they different?

• Most head ropes are between 30' and 32'. Most heel ropes are 35'.
• A heeler needs a longer rope because the loop has to reach to the ground to catch the back legs and have enough rope to pull slack and dally, while the steer is still moving away and your horse is stopped (separation).

7. What is the best beginner rope?

• The softer lays for both head and heel ropes are recommended for beginning ropers.
• To choose brand, diameter, color, and blend, it is suggested that you contact NRS
  product specialists for further assistance or come to an NRS clinic.

8. What is the best way to break in a rope?

• All ropes with a Coretec™ core should be used to rope 3 to 4 steers the first day and then re-coiled, tied and put back in the rope bag for at least 24 hours, to allow the
  memory to set up in the core. These ropes should not be used to rope a dummy. This will disturb the memory in the core and diminish the life and usefulness of your rope.
• Ropes with no core should be used the first day until the wax has been broken out of
  the crowns and then re-coiled, tied up and put away for at least
  24 hours to allow the memory to set in.

9. Why is it important to use a fresh rope?

• A fresh rope is one that has been spun in the same season in which you will use it and one that has never been uncoiled or swung prior to purchase.
• A fresh rope allows you to get the most consistent ropes possible all year round.
• To account for the affect that weather changes have on ropes, manufacturers adjust the settings on their machines so you will have a consistent feeling rope all year round.
• To make sure that your rope feels the best in the fall, you should buy a rope that has been spun in the fall. A rope spun in the fall will not feel the same in the summer.

10. What is memory in a rope?

• Memory is the entire rope’s ability, including the eye, to return itself to it’s original,
  coiled state.
• As the rope ages and is used, portions of the rope lose their memory due to repeated catches, dallies and stretches.
• To preserve the rope’s memory and make your ropes last as long as possible, it is best to recoil your rope and let it “rest” in your rope bag after 4-5 steers.
• The eye will continuously turn in the opposite direction of the twist. To counteract this
  tendency, it is critical to re-set the eye after each run. If not, the eye will lose memory
  and continue to twist in the wrong direction.

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