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Arbsession

    Samson Vortex Cool 12.7mm Climbing Rope

    As low as$1.09

    Samson's Vortex Cool 12.7mm climbing line is your safe and secure stronghold at the center of activity when you are ascending a tree. This 24-strand cover line is a true 1/2" (12.7 mm), and is the lightest premium climbing line of its size available. Like its counterpart Velocity, but a little larger for easy handling, Vortex has excellent knot-holding ability, works well with hardware, and is great for footlocking. Compared to ropes of similar size, Vortex has 25-30% lower elongation when used at the same load.

    Please Note:  The cover on most new double braid ropes will stretch during the first few weeks of use. The excess cover should be cut off. For this reason, Arbsession doesn't recommend putting two eyes on a brand new double braid rope.

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    1ft (by the foot)
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    Service Options
    Brand:Samson

    Details

    • Excellent knot-holding capability   
    • Full 12.7 mm for easy handling   
    • Lightweight   
    • Works well with hardware

    Diameter:  1/2 inch (12.7mm)

    ABS:  8000 lbs

    Weight per 100':  7.6 lbs

    Cover:  Polyester 

    Core:  Nylon

    Specific Gravity:  1.25

    Elastic Elongation:  3% at 10% MBS 

    More Information

    Manufacturer:Samson

    Ask An Expert

    Customer Questions

    Q: Is this a kernmantle that is compatible with the petzl zigzag ?
    A:

    This rope in particular is a double braid. It is on the upper end for diameter but it can still be used with the zigzag as it works with ropes that have a 11.5 to 13mm diameter range.

    Q: Hello, I would like to make a custom 12 foot rope lanyard with samson's vortex cool. Ultimately, I would like it with double tight eye sewn splices on each end, but I also understand why you don't recommend that on new ropes because of the stretch or milking of the new rope. My question is, I see in the lanyard options you sell multiple diameters of samson 24 strand ropes with double sewn eyes. How do you work around the stretching for those ropes, and if it works for those ropes wouldn't it work for what I would like to order? Thank you.
    A:
    We can certainly make that custom lanyard for you and you can actually order it yourself on the website. 
    • First Select 1ft (by the foot)
    • Then Select Double Tight Eye Sewn Splice
    • Then put 12 in the quantity field and add to cart.
     
    Yes there is a concern of milking with any double braid but generally you will have less the shorter the rope is. You should be good to go with ordering the specific rope you are looking for. 
    Please, mind that only logged in users can submit questions
    Customer Reviews
    4.0 out of 5 (3 reviews)

    Kaj • December 24, 2025

    Enh.

    I bought this to use as a long lanyard/short climbing system. It feels nice in the hand, but is a little bulky for the lanyard purpose, and frays quickly when used with natural crotching on rougher barked trees. If I were using it for DRT with a friction saver I think it would be decent. I have Teufelberger Safety Blue and like that better for that purpose, and the Teufelberger Safety Blue holds up very well to natural crotching. I also prefer texture of the (16 strand) Teufelberger Safety Blue as it feels easier to grip.

    Tyler • January 13, 2025

    Good for MRS

    Has quite high elongation for SRS. Full 1/2" makes it nice to grab. Climbed on mine for three years and it held up well.

    Nick • June 8, 2024

    great rope

    I have both the hot and cold of the Samson Vortex(same rope different color). they are really great ropes. as far as ropes go I would say they are on the less stiff side and they dont weigh a whole lot. I love that for moving around the tree. The only down side to that is that it can be hard to grip at times. Mine are both brand new so that may be the culprit to them being a little bit slippery.

    About Arbsession

    We specialize in professional arborist supplies and tree climbing gear. Our mission is to provide the highest quality equipment for tree care professionals.

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