<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Esinem-Rope" src=http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/product_images/ESINEM_Rope_web_site.jpg >
''Let Rope-bot help you choose the best rope for you''
<img border="0" alt="Rope-bot" src=http://esinem.com/misc/rope-bot.jpg >
</p>
As you have probably seen, we have a huge range of rope so it can be a bit daunting. If you are a complete beginner, you can be forgiven for thinking rope is just rope. However, as anyone with experience will tell you, that's like saying cars are all the same. There's no doubt that a rope with the right qualities will make even a rooky tie better. At best, the wrong rope can be hard to use and produce disappointing results and, at worst, downright dangerous.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Rope chart" src=http://esinem.com/misc/jute.jpg >
</p>
After much painstaking research and late nights in my secret laboratory, we built Rope-bot! Rope-bot can help you by guiding you through the selection process using your criteria to find the perfect rope. You can get going right away via the links at the bottom of the page or, if you want to know a bit more about the ins and outs of rope, take a look at the video:
<p style="text-align:center;">
<iframe width="448" height="252" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cclaS4YqMX0?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
The first thing to do is to work out what's most important to you so Rope-bot can narrow it down within the range. As my range is mainly jute, dedicated hemp fans might want to skip straight to <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/hemp-rope/" target="_blank">the hemp section </a>in my shop.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Rope chart" src=http://esinem.com/misc/hemp.jpg >
</p>
''First, tell Rope-bot what's most important to you''
Rope-bot says: Once I know your priorities, I can point you in the right direction and then hone in on the best options depending on your other criteria.
Don't worry, the choices below are not mutually exclusive. For example, almost all rope is available untreated or treated and ready to use. Within either category, there are budget and premium options, pro ropes and everyday ones etc. Whatever your tastes, you will almost certainly find something exactly right.
Let's start clicking on one these choices:
<ul>
<li>[[Price and value for money]]
<li>[[Feel and handling]]
<li>[[Durability and resilience]]
<li>[[Ready to use]]
<li>[[Comparison of the range]]
</ul>
''Price and value for money''
We believe all our products offer great value for money as we try to keep our prices low and our quality high. Not only that but Airmail shipping is FREE with options for an upgrade to tracked services.
Of course, value is determined largely by whether you get what you paid for and how closely that suits your needs. You might not want to spend a lot because you can't afford it or can't justify the money. However, whatever your requirement, it makes sense to take into account the life of the rope vs other qualities. Like so many things in life, it pays to invest in quality products which last, as the cost should be be factored out over time. Of course, safety is priceless.
If you want optimal feel and handling, you will trade-off durability and resilience; a bit like race tyres. At the budget end, we have Tossa Lite and at the premium end, Osaka. On the other hand, you might prefer to sacrifice some feel and handling for durability and resilience. <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">Tossa</a> and <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">Tossa Xtra reinforced</a> are perfect examples of ropes that will take a lot of mishandling and last and last. Think of them as touring tyres for maximum mileage.
If you prefer a rope with some real heft and like hemp, <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/amanawa-linen-hemp-shibari-rope/" target="_blank">Amanawa</a> is my strongest and most durable natural fibre rope by far. We are not sure at what point it fails but we used a single piece to anchor a carabiner on out test rig and broke everything else in stock with it. This is a ready to use rope that will last for years and only get softer. I guarantee you'll get mileage from it.
<ul>
<li>[[Budget rope]]
<li>[[Special offers]]
<li>[[Return to start->Let me help you choose the best rope for you]]
</ul>''Feel and handling''
Unless you are a complete beginner, you'll know not all rope is created equal. At worst, rope could be totally unsuitable because it is stretchy and knots jam or conversely slippery and unable to hold knots well. The rope will also determine how it feels to use and the aesthetics. Once you use good rope, you won't go back.
For my taste, rope should be light, pliable and be sufficiently compressible to form neat compact frictions, yet not stretchy so it jams knots. This requires rope with a gentle twist (soft lay) but not to the extent of the twisted plies opening up too easily. If that happens, it becomes easy to snag a ply and pull the rope out of balance.
''Single yarn rope''
The smoothest and nicest ropes are made from a large number of single yarns twisted to form the three plies. The number of yarns per ply should be at least high single figures but it's probably fair to say the more the better. This is how Japanese asanawa, used by the pro's, is constructed. My <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/osaka/" target="_blank">Osaka range</a> follows these traditions and is indistiguishable from more expensive Japanese versions.
<div style="float:left; text-align:center; width:500px;">
<img border="0" alt="Osaka" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/products/524/images/1371/apidf36pl__60838.1490121707.1280.1280.jpg?c=2" width="434" height="290">
<span style="display:block;">Osaka 6mm jute</span>
</div style>
High yarn count single ply jute ropes need more careful handling and maintenance to combat a tendency to go out of balance (high-strand). Fans of this sort of rope are happy to lavish a bit more care for the amazing look, feel and handling.
However, I have found is <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/amanawa-linen-hemp-shibari-rope/" target="_blank">Amanawa</a> linen hemp which, in spite of having up to 40 single yarns per ply, is incredibly stable and forgiving of rough handling.
In the image below, you can see the difference in smoothness between Amanawa and Hempex, which has a very low yarn count of three per ply. Again, a very stable and strong rope but much less smooth.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Hemp" src=http://esinem.com/misc/hemp.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
Here's a closer look at one of the three plies from a bit of Amanawa.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="One ply of Amanawa" src=http://esinem.com/misc/ama.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
Below, you can see examples of single and double yarns. On the left, a super fine single yarn from Amanawa, in the middle is a single yarn from Osaka and right, a double yarn from Tossa Lite Natural.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Yarns" src=http://esinem.com/misc/Yarns.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
''Double yarn rope''
If you want an alternative that is more forgiving and resilient, double yarn rope is the answer. It feels slighly less smooth initially as it is made up of an equivalent number of yarns but they are twisted in pairs. However, with a little use they soon become smooth and more polished. <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa-lite" target="_blank">Tossa Lite</a> is the softest whith a softer lay, whereas <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa-lite" target="_blank">Tossa Lite Natural</a> has a little more body and a harder lay. Again, the trade-off is flexibility and softness versus a slightly stiffer and more durable rope.
<div style="float: left; text-align:center; width:500px;">
<img border="0" alt="Osaka" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/product_images/uploaded_images/lite-nat-6mm-w.jpg?t=1489684867" width="434" height="290">
<span style="display:block;">Tossa Lite Natural 6mm jute</span>
</div>
Here's a closer look at one of the three plies from a bit of Tossa Lite Natural.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="One ply of Tossa Lite Natural" src=http://esinem.com/misc/Lite%20nat.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
Ropes that are hard laid, and thus dense, will be heavier and take a lot more breaking in. They will become much softer with treatment and use but not to the extend of a more loosely twisted rope. It's all a matter of taste. Some people prefer a little more heft to their rope and a more solid feel. Jute lovers should look at the standard <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">Tossa</a> and <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">Tossa Xtra reinforced</a>, whereas as hemp fans will love <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/amanawa-linen-hemp-shibari-rope/" target="_blank">Amanawa linen hemp</a>, which is ready to use, bar oiling or waxing to taste.
The photo below shows a soft/loose laid example on the top (Tossa Lite 6mm) and Tossa 6mm below which has a harder/tighter lay. You can see the angle of the twist is less for the Tossa Lite.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Soft and hard laid rope" src=http://esinem.com/misc/jute_lay.jpg >
</p>
<li>[[Price and value for money]]
<li>[[Durability and resilience]]
<li>[[Ready to use]]
<li>[[Return to start->Let me help you choose the best rope for you]]
</ul>''Durability and resilience''
There main thing that seems to contribute to durability is a hard lay (tight twist). If this is combined with using double-twisted yarn, the result will be a very hard-wearing rope that is very forgiving of rough handling.
In their untreated state, hard laid rope can be quite stiff so it benefits from wet treatment and plenty of breaking in. It will always feel more solid and be heavier than loose laid ropes but it just gets nicer with age. If have sets of Tossa 5mm, which I still use that are years old yet show little signs of wear. These qualities, combined with superb quality of manufacture and super clean fibre, are probably why the <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa" target="_blank">Tossa range</a> has been a best seller ever since it was introduced.
<div style="float:left; text-align:center; width:500px;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/product_images/uploaded_images/tossa-6mm-w.jpg?t=1489684811280.jpg?c=2" width="434" height="290">
<span style="display:block;">Tossa 6mm jute</span>
</div style>
If you prefer a rope with some real heft and like hemp, <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/amanawa-linen-hemp-shibari-rope/" target="_blank">Amanawa</a> is my strongest and more durable natural fibre rope by far. We are not sure at what point it fails but we used a single piece to anchor a carabiner on out test rig and broke everything else in stock without it failing. This is a ready to use rope that will last for years and only get softer.
''Suspension lines''
Due to reports of a number of incidents involving the failure of main-lines, it is very wise to reduce the possibility. We strongly advise against using 5mm or any rope of which you are not entirely confident. Thinner ropes are fine for tying and secondary lines but you need to upgrade primary up-lines. So if you tie with 5mm Tossa, you might choose <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">6mm Tossa</a> for critical lines as a minimum.
For a fully synthetic, we offer <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/Geotwist_Hempex_synthetic_hemp_rope/" target="_blank">Geotwist Hempex</a> which is the industry standard and has high rated breaking strains.
If you want something that blends in with natural jute but has quoted breaking strains, look no further than <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">Tossa Xtra reinforced</a>. The addition of synthetic fibres hidden inside the plies means that the manufacturers are prepared to quote a breaking strain, which is not something they will do for any 100% natural fibre rope.
<div style="float:left; text-align:center; width:500px;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/product_images/uploaded_images/xtra-wt-5mm-w.jpg?t=1489681164" width="434" height="290">
<span style="display:block;">Xtra reinforced jute</span>
</div style>
''Durability and resilience''
There main thing that seems to contribute to durability is a hard lay (tight twist). If this is combined with using double-twisted yarn, the result will be a very hard-wearing rope that is very forgiving of rough handling.
In their untreated state, hard laid rope can be quite stiff so it benefits from wet treatment and plenty of breaking in. It will always feel more solid and be heavier than loose laid ropes but it just gets nicer with age. If have sets of Tossa 5mm, which I still use that are years old yet show little signs of wear. These qualities, combined with superb quality of manufacture and super clean fibre, are probably why the <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa" target="_blank">Tossa range</a> has been a best seller ever since it was introduced.
<div style="float:left; text-align:center; width:500px;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/product_images/uploaded_images/tossa-6mm-w.jpg?t=1489684811280.jpg?c=2" width="434" height="290">
<span style="display:block;">Tossa 6mm jute</span>
</div style>
If you prefer a rope with some real heft and like hemp, <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/amanawa-linen-hemp-shibari-rope/ width="434" height="290"" target="_blank">Amanawa</a> is my strongest and more durable natural fibre rope by far. We are not sure at what point it fails but we used a single piece to anchor a carabiner on out test rig and broke everything else in stock without it failing. This is a ready to use rope that will last for years and only get softer.
''Suspension lines''
Due to reports of a number of incidents involving the failure of main-lines, it is very wise to reduce the possibility. We strongly advise against using 5mm or any rope of which you are not entirely confident. Thinner ropes are fine for tying and secondary lines but you need to upgrade primary up-lines. So if you tie with 5mm Tossa, you might choose <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">6mm Tossa</a> for critical lines as a minimum.
For a fully synthetic, we offer <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/Geotwist_Hempex_synthetic_hemp_rope/" target="_blank">Geotwist Hempex</a> which is the industry standard and has high rated breaking strains.
If you want something that blends in with natural jute but has quoted breaking strains, look no further than <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">Tossa Xtra reinforced</a>. The addition of synthetic fibres hidden inside the plies means that the manufacturers are prepared to quote a breaking strain, which is not something they will do for any 100% natural fibre rope.
<div style="align: left; text-align:center;">
<img src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/product_images/uploaded_images/xtra-wt-5mm-w.jpg?t=1489681164" width="434" height="290">
<div class="caption">Xtra reinforced jute</div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>[[Price and value for money]]
<li>[[Feel and handling]]
<li>[[Ready to use]]
<li>[[Return to start->Let me help you choose the best rope for you]]
</ul>
</div style>''Ready to use''
There's nothing to stop you using any rope without any treatment. However, the feel, flexibility, softness and smell all will almost certainly improve with the right treatment. In addition, treatment provides lubrication to reduce friction, wear and shedding of fibres. You can see the effects of friction in the video below
<p style="text-align:center;">
<iframe width="448" height="252" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8W9ZGuHApDk?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
The more tighly twisted, the harder and less flexible the rope will feel if it isn't treated. The biggest exception to this is the Amanawa linen hemp. Whilst is has quite a hard lay, it has a massive number of fine yarns (around 40 per ply for the 6mm). There's no smell or fuzziness and any initial stiffness quickly disappears. In fact, it is the only rope I don't bother to offer treated as all it needs is a wipe with a lightly oiled or waxed rag.
As for almost all my other rope, it is available treated or untreated. There are very few exceptions which will be added shortly if appropriate. We offer two methods of treatment, dry and wet, which are chosen according to which is most appropriate for the rope type.
If you fancy giving treatment a go or just want to see what it entails, here's an instructional video:
<p style="text-align:center;">
<iframe width="448" height="252" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XcU6-Fr6fiA?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
From here, you need to decide what else is important to you as almost all my rope is available already treated.
<ul>
<li>[[Price and value for money]]
<li>[[Feel and handling]]
<li>[[Durability and resilience]]
<li>[[Return to start->Let me help you choose the best rope for you]]
</ul>''Budget rope''
The <a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa-lite" target="_blank">Tossa Lite collection</a> is my budget price range but nonetheless very nice rope, especially the Lite Natural.
<p style=text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa Lite Natural" src=http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/product_images/uploaded_images/lite-nat-6mm-w.jpg?t=1489684867 width="434" height="290">
<span style="display:block;">Tossa Lite Natural 6mm jute</span>
</p>
As you can see from the comparison with a standard pencil, the Lite range are very close to the nominal sizes. Most rope is over the nominal size, so don't be surprised if the diameter seems smaller than other "6mm".
<p style=text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa Lite Natural" src=http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/rzlg0p/products/481/images/1186/TOSL_5.5_cu__73419.1476116065.1280.1280.JPG?c=2 width="434" height="290">
<span style="display:block;">Tossa Lite Natural 6mm jute, treated and untreated</span>
</p>
<ul>
<li>[[Special offers]]
<li>[[Return to start->Let me help you choose the best rope for you]]
</ul>''Special offers''
It's always worth checking the <a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/sale/" target="_blank">special offers page</a> as there are usually some bargains to be had. I can't guarantee they will always include rope, as the selection changes regularly, but it is always worth a look. You never know what bargains you will find, especially when I clear out end of lines.
<img border="0" alt="Special offers" src=http://esinem.com/misc/offers.jpg ><ul>
<li>[[Budget rope]]
<li>[[Return to start->Let me help you choose the best rope for you]]
</ul>''Comparison of the range''
This section compares the various products showing typical specifications. I say "typical" because the fibre can vary from batch to batch due to source, weather and other variables. The yarn can also vary accordingly and specification can also differ, e.g. it might be thicker or thinner. Even small differences in the way a machine is set up will make a difference to the final product. Whilst every effort is made to ensure consistency, small variations in a natural product like rope are inevitable.
It is also typical that the manufacturer's stated diameters are nominal and usually less than the actual diameter. The measurement used in the chart is an average of 10 wraps around a cylinder. With use and, especially if the rope is wet treated and stretched, the diameter will decrease. Likewise, if you machine wash rope with a conditioner and do not dry it under tension (not recommended), it could add to the diameter when the rope is relaxed, albeit making the rope stretchy and thus lose diameter under tension.
The chart shows:
<ul>
<li>Weight in grams per meter to nearest 0.5g</li>
<li>Actual diameter before treating/stretching</li>
<li>Yarn type, i.e. single/double/triple</li>
<li>Yarns in each of the 3 plies, e.g. 10 x 1 means 10 single yarns</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Rope comparison chart" src=http://esinem.com/misc/rope_chart.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
So you can really get a good idea of the quality of the rope, I have included hi-res extreme close-ups with a brief description and some specifications:
<a href="http://esinem-rope.com/amanawa-linen-hemp-shibari-rope/" target="_blank">''Amanawa''</a>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Amanawa" src=http://esinem.com/misc/ama_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
This is the finest linen hemp you will find with around 80 yarns per ply. This means it is really smooth and perfectly defined for gorgeous rope-marks. An indication of its quality is that it is sold by premium stores like Coco de Mer. Available in 5mm and 6mm.
As you can see, there are no imperfections or fuzz to remove. Just oil and go. Wet treating is optional but really doesn't change the rope much beyond slightly accelerating the breaking in. It is perfect for dyeing.
<a href="http://esinem-rope.com/osaka/" target="_blank">''Osaka''</a>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Osaka" src=http://esinem.com/misc/osaka_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
A top-quality jute rope which mimics the finest Japanese single ply ropes. This is a professional rope for those who want the best but are prepared to put in the maintenance to keep this sort of rope in optimal condition and balance. Available in 5mm and 6mm.
Extremely consistent and clean fibre.
<a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa/" target="_blank">''Tossa''</a>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa" src=http://esinem.com/misc/tos_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
A harder laid double yarn rope which is very hard-wearing and forgiving of careless treatment. A very good all-rounder that just gets nicer with age. Available in 5mm and 6mm.
Extremely consistent and clean fibre.
<a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa-lite/" target="_blank">''Tossa Lite''</a>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa Lite" src=http://esinem.com/misc/lite_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
An affordable and super light 'flickable' rope for those who want the softness and fast handling of a top Japanese style single ply but with a bit less maintenance. Very loose laid. Available in 6mm and 7mm.
Generally very clean but the occasional dark or rough fibre.
<a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa-lite/" target="_blank">''Tossa Lite Natural''</a>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa Lite Natural" src=http://esinem.com/misc/nat_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
A nice compromise between Tossa Lite and the standard Tossa having an intermediate lay which means it can be dry or wet treated.
Good fibre but not quite as perfect as standard Tossa.
<a href="http://esinem-rope.com/tossa-lite/" target="_blank">''Tossa Lite 5.5mm''</a>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Tossa Lite 5.5mm" src=http://esinem.com/misc/lite_5.5_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
A good budget rope that looks very similar to Tossa Lite but softer, with less body and more fuzz.
The yarn is not as consistent as my premium ropes. However, when dry treated, it is a perfect everyday rope for beginners or those on a budget.
<a href="http://esinem-rope.com/okinawa/" target="_blank">''Okinawa''</a>
Similar to Tossa but more flexible and softer due to the triple yarn construction. Please note that this rope is over-size at just over 7mm.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Okinawa" src=http://esinem.com/misc/oki_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
<a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/asanawa-xtra-reinforced-jute-shibari-rope/" target="_blank">''Asanawa Xtra''</a>
This is a reinforced jute rope made by wrapping single yarns around a core of synthetic fibre to add strength. As the synthetic fibres are well-protected, they are not noticeable and are unaffected by singeing off the rope.
The lay is similar to standard Tossa, although the plies are tightly twisted which means it is quite stiff. Thus, fairly aggressive wet treatment is required, however, this does mean that it very resilient. Available in 4mm, 5mm and 6mm.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Asanawa Xtra" src=http://esinem.com/misc/xtra.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
<a href="http://www.esinem-rope.com/Geotwist_Hempex_synthetic_hemp_rope/" target="_blank">''Geotwist Hempex''</a>
A synthetic hemp in 6mm and 8mm that has a rated breaking strain which is ideal for applications where strength is important.
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img border="0" alt="Geotwist Hempex" src=http://esinem.com/misc/shmp_1.jpg width="434" height="290">
</p>
<ul>
<li>[[Price and value for money]]
<li>[[Feel and handling]]
<li>[[Durability and resilience]]
<li>[[Ready to use]]
<li>[[Return to start->Let me help you choose the best rope for you]]
</ul>