1. What is a Marathon Sheath anyway?
The Marathon Sheath is a Sterling Innovation. This sheath uses heavier denier nylon than any other dynamic rope on the market. We do this to enhance the rope's durability and longevity.

2. What is DryCore(TM)?
DryCore is our unique nylon core construction that reduces yarn on yarn abrasion of wet nylon fibers, helping to maintain the original strength and elongation characteristics of our ropes. Only Sterling ropes have DryCore(TM). Please note that DryCore(TM) does not guarantee your rope will stay dry, but that when the rope is wet the fibers will maintain more of their strength and stretch.

3. How should I wash my rope?
To clean rope, use Sterling's Wicked Good Rope Wash(TM) or rinse in warm to hot water. Machine washing is acceptable. It is best to use a front-load machine. We do not recommend using a top-loading machine as the rope could damage the agitator or vice versa. The temperature of the water is not a major concern as nylon or polyester are not much affected by heat until around 300 degrees and it would be difficult to get the water that hot.

4. How should I uncoil my rope?
Ropes are hanked twist free at the factory. In order to avoid unnecessary and annoying kinking during its first use it is necessary to properly unhank the rope. To do this, hold the coil of rope in one hand and take one free end. Begin uncoiling that free end three or four twists and drop to the ground. After you have taken three or four coils off the hank, move the remainder of the rope to the other hand and begin uncoiling from the other direction. After three or four coils on that side, switch again. Repeat until the entire rope has been uncoiled. After uncoiling run the rope through your hands meter by meter two or three times to remove excess twist. This will also help you inspect the rope. Now the rope is ready to be used or flaked into a rope bag.

5. How should I coil my rope?
To minimize twists and kinking, the best method for coiling your rope is a butterfly coil over your neck or hand or leg. It is important that each coil is alternatively laid down from left to right without twisting. At the end of the coil belly wrap the left and right sides together and pull a bight through the hole in the top of the coil and push the loose ends of the rope through the bight. If the ends are left long enough you can wear the butterfly coil like a backpack.

6. How should I store my rope?
Store your ropes in a cool dry place away from chemicals and direct sunlight. Do not hang your rope from a coil; use a piece of webbing or cord girth hitched around the entire coil.

Next time we will continue to work on answering Frequently Asked Questions.

Until next time, be safe and always dress your knots!

STERLING ROPE and AHS Rescue