Our test method
All break strength tests are carried out by Otto Tromm in our own test lab, using an adjustable universal tensile testing machine with a capacity of 50 kN and rope-specific clamps — suitable for testing rope without rope splices.
We follow the ISO 2307:2019 standards as closely as possible.
This is the most recent standard for determining certain properties of fibre ropes, such as break strength and water absorption.
We purchased this standard from NEN and you can view it here and purchase it yourself if you want to see the exact content.
What this means for our tests:
- Bollard type fixing bracket with a diameter of at least 10 x the diameter of the rope.
We use 2 different bracket sets so the right bracket set can be selected for each type of rope. - Each test is repeated 4 to 6 times, depending on the length of the rope (100 metre reel or 220 metre coil)
- A speed of 20 mm / minute
- All tests are recorded in our database
The first 2 tests are also video recorded — both the test itself, so you can see the rope break.
All details are recorded and any observations are noted.
For example how the rope breaks, how the break curve progresses and the sound of the break (loud snap or quiet, multiple breaks or did the rope go in one go)
Long-term break strength tests for rope - UV and moisture
We don't just test new rope, but also rope that has been exposed to the elements.
This lets us assess the effect of sun, weather and wind on the break strength of the rope.
These tests run over an extended period and are structured as follows:
- First test of new rope
- 2nd test: 6 months outdoors
- 3rd test: 12 months (1 year outdoors)
- 4th test: 2 years outdoors
- 5th test: 3 years outdoors
- 6th test: 4 years outdoors
- 7th test: 5 years outdoors
Each test is carried out according to ISO 2307:2019 — meaning 5 tests per interval.
So 35 samples per rope are used in total.
The long-term tests currently running are for:
- Prorope 4 mm HMPE - click here for test info and results
Other long-term tests
1. UV / visual test 32 mm rope
With this test we want to see how long rope holds up visually in outdoor use and when it starts to degrade.
We're testing the 3 most popular ropes for garden fencing: spleitex, natural manila and polypropylene in manila colour.
Every 3 months we assess how the rope looks after exposure to sun, weather and wind.
Read more and view the photos here
From data to blog post
Testing already takes a lot of time and we noticed there was too much of a gap between carrying out a break strength test and publishing an article — we wanted to fix that.
So we now convert the test data into a blog post using AI. The AI writes the text based on the raw numbers and our technical guidelines.
This lets us publish shortly after a test is completed.
Fact checking and accuracy
Every generated post is checked by us for factual accuracy before it's published. The numbers always come directly from our test data — the AI doesn't add or remove anything.
Why be transparent about this?
We think it's important that you know how our content is produced. The test data is real and collected by us. The text is a tool to make that data available quickly and accessibly. The facts always come first.
Got questions about a specific test, or want more info about the tested ropes?
Email us at info@prorope.eu