Prorope
Premium Climbing Rope – Prorope Synthetic Hemp (4 to 9 meters)
Regular priceFrom €74,95Unit price-
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Advantages and properties of Spleitex rope
High breaking strength
Our own break tests show Spleitex rope (6 mm) achieves an average breaking strength of 435 kg – nearly 50% more than comparable natural hemp (approx. 291 kg). This makes Spleitex not only decorative, but genuinely functional for applications that demand strength.
Rot and mould free
Because Spleitex absorbs no moisture, fibres remain completely unaffected. Where natural hemp rots and moulds over time, Spleitex retains its strength and appearance year after year – including for permanent outdoor installations such as garden fences, bridges and mill poles.
UV-resistant and colourfast
Spleitex is naturally weatherproof and retains its characteristic beige colour in sunlight. The polypropylene fibres are also treated with UV stabilisers that significantly extend service life outdoors.
Floats on water
Polypropylene has a lower specific gravity than water (approx. 0.91 g/cm³), so Spleitex rope floats. This makes it highly suitable as a marker line, fishing line or decorative nautical rope – and an excellent choice for maritime applications thanks to its saltwater and moisture resistance.
Visual overload indicator
After overloading, the fibres of Spleitex curl in a distinctive way – a clear visual warning that the rope can no longer be used safely. Moreover, Spleitex rarely snaps completely in one go: at least one strand almost always remains intact.
Soft on the hands
Compared to manila polypropylene – which has a harder, more artificial structure – Spleitex is remarkably soft and pleasant to handle. It gives no splinters, making it safe as a stair rail, climbing rope or sports and play rope for children.
Spleitex rope vs Natural Hemp vs Manila: the comparison
| Property | Spleitex rope | Natural hemp | Manila rope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaking strength (6 mm) | 435 kg | ~291 kg | ~300 kg |
| Rot resistant | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Slower than hemp |
| UV resistant | ✅ Very good | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Water absorption | Virtually none | High | High |
| Floats on water | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Scent | Odourless | Characteristic hemp scent | Characteristic manila scent |
| Appearance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Price | €€ | €€€ | €€ |
| Best for | Climbing rope, classic boats, stair rails, outdoors | Garden decoration, interior, pioneering | Stair rails, interior, outdoors (limited) |
Applications of Spleitex rope
Where Spleitex makes the difference
Garden & outdoor projects
- Boundary rope along garden paths and flower beds
- Rope for garden posts and wooden fences
- Decorative rope for mills and windmills
- Planting supports and climbing support for plants
Water sports & maritime
- Marker lines and barrier cords
- Decorative nautical rope and nautical decorations
- Mooring lines for small boats (decorative use)
Interior & stair rails
- Stair rails and balustrade filling
- Space dividers in bars and restaurants
- Wall decorations and macramé-style applications
- Nautical interior and cottage style
Sport & obstacle courses
- Obstacle run and survival run courses
- Climbing frames and playground ropes
- Tug of war competitions (recreational)
- Pioneering activities at school camps
Pioneering & scouting
- Construction of structures (bridges, masts, nets)
- Lashing ropes for wooden poles
- Lashing ropes and taut-line connections
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Twisted polypropylene (splitfilm PP) |
| Colour | Beige (natural hemp look) |
| Construction | 3-strand twisted |
| Specific gravity | ~0.91 g/cm³ (floats on water) |
| Water absorption | Virtually none |
| Working temperature | -20°C to +80°C |
| UV resistance | Good (UV-stabilised) |
| Elongation at break | approx. 20–25% |
| Melting point | approx. 165°C (polypropylene) |
| Breaking strength 6 mm | 435 kg (own break test) |
Notes on use
- Spleitex is not suitable for use with sharp metal edges or unprotected pulleys – the softer PP fibres can wear under repeated friction.
- At high temperatures (e.g. friction during rapid load releases), the melting point of PP may be a limiting factor. Use polyester rope in such cases.
- After overloading (visible curling of fibres): replace the rope immediately.
Frequently asked questions about Spleitex rope
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Spleitex rope is a 3-strand twisted polypropylene rope with the appearance of traditional hemp rope. It is also known as "synthetic hemp" or "Hempex". Thanks to its natural beige colour and soft texture, it is virtually indistinguishable from real hemp – but it does not rot, does not shrink and is considerably stronger.
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The biggest difference is weather resistance and strength. Spleitex absorbs no water, does not rot and does not mould – whereas natural hemp deteriorates over time in outdoor use. Moreover, Spleitex is almost 50% stronger (435 kg vs. approx. 291 kg at 6 mm). The only real difference: Spleitex has no scent, while hemp has a characteristic earthy smell.
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Yes. Spleitex is treated with UV stabilisers, making it highly resistant to prolonged exposure to sunlight. The colour retains its warmth and the fibres retain their strength, even after years of outdoor use.
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Yes. Polypropylene has a specific gravity of approx. 0.91 g/cm³, which is lower than water (1.0 g/cm³). Spleitex therefore floats naturally, making it highly suitable for use on or near water.
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Absolutely. Spleitex is softer than manila polypropylene and gives no splinters, making it pleasant for daily use. It is one of the most popular rope types for stair rails in homes, hotels and restaurants.
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Spleitex has a unique visual indicator: when the rope has been close to its breaking strength, the fibres begin to curl noticeably. This "curl pattern" looks clearly different from normal rope. If you see this curling, replace the rope immediately.
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Yes. Polypropylene is chemically inert and is unaffected by salt water, sea air or moisture. Spleitex is therefore suitable for maritime decorations, harbour installations and use on or near the sea.
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Both are made from polypropylene, but the construction differs. Spleitex uses splitfilm PP fibres that give the rope a softer, fibrous structure closely resembling hemp. Manila PP has a harder, more artificial structure with a glossy surface. Spleitex is softer on the hands and aesthetically finer; manila PP is slightly stiffer with a less authentic appearance.
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Spleitex is available exclusively in beige (natural), the characteristic hemp colour. Available diameters are: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28, 32 and 36 mm.
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Yes. Spleitex rope is available per metre in all available diameters. Ordering larger quantities? Coils of 220 metres are available at the sharpest price per metre. For custom orders or specific requirements, you can also request a quote.