Rope Basics
Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Rope
Not sure which rope to buy? Answer eight questions in order, from what you rope to what is actually available, and you will narrow the choice to a few models you can compare side by side.
Precision Ropes • 2 min read
The short answer
Before you buy, know what you rope, which end you rope, the lay and length you need, the diameter you like, your experience level and how you want the rope to handle. Then check which models are actually offered in that combination. The comparison tool lets you put up to three Precision ropes side by side once you have narrowed it down.
1. What will I use it for?
Team roping in the arena, ranch work with cattle, making ropes from a coil, or tie-down roping. Each points to a different category: Team Ropes, Ranch Ropes, Full Coils or Rope Accessories for calf strings.
2. Head or heel?
For team roping, this decides the version. Precision head ropes are 31 ft and heel ropes are 35 ft, and every team rope model is offered both ways.
3. Which lay?
Lay is how soft or stiff the rope feels. Precision head ropes come in XXS to MS; heel ropes in MS to HM on four strand models and MS to M on six strand models. Ranch ropes come in XS, or XS and S. If you like your current rope, start with the same lay.
4. What length?
Team ropes: 31 ft head or 35 ft heel. Ranch ropes: 52 ft or 64 ft (4 strand) and 57 ft (6 strand). Longer gives more reach and more rope to manage.
5. What diameter?
Amazon 4, Finish Him 4, Patriota 4 and Six Seals 6 are 3/8 scant; Combat 4 and both ranch ropes are 3/8 true. White, Green, Orange and Gray coils come in scant, true or full. Our diameter guide explains the difference.
6. How much experience do I have?
If you are newer to roping, stay close to what you learned with and change one thing at a time. Experienced ropers who know what they want to change can use each model's rope feel to fine tune.
7. How do I like a rope to handle?
Our team ropes offer different feels: heavier with body weight (Amazon 4, Amazon 6), heavy (Combat 4), small and snappy (Finish Him 4), fast (Patriota 4), small with tip weight (Six Seals 6). Pick the words that match what you like, then also decide between four and six strands.
8. Is it actually available?
Not every model comes in every lay. For example, the six strand team ropes don't offer HM heel ropes, and the ranch ropes are only offered in the lengths listed. Check the product page for the options in stock before you settle on a choice, or ask your local retailer.
Put it together
Write down your answers, open the comparison tool and select up to three models that fit. Then open the product page to order from the Precision Ropes store. Retailers can reach us through the wholesale page.