Bull Rope vs Rigging Rope: Which is Better for Tree Climbing

Do you want to know the difference between a bull rope and a rigging rope? Then this is the article for you. In this article, we’ll break down the bull rope vs. rigging rope debate and give our verdict regarding which one to use in which scenario.
So, if you are an arborist or a rope enthusiast, follow this article to the end and find your answers regarding which one is better.

Bull rope vs rigging rope

Products Reviewed in this Article

In this article, we’ve reviewed and used Arborist Tree Rope as a primary example as they are one of the best bull ropes available in the market.

On the other hand, to conduct the experiment and usage for rigging rope, the Notch Kraken Rigging Rope was used. Due to its popularity and versatile usage all across the globe.

Difference Between Bull Rope and Rigging Rope: A Feature-by-Feature Comparison

After our initial testing, we found a few insights regarding the difference between the bull rope and rigging rope.

bull rope vs rigging rope

Stretching Feature

The main difference between a bull rope and a rigging rope is the stretch and how the ropes get stretched. A bull rope is static, meaning it doesn’t stretch as much as a dynamic rope would. Thus, it stays steady even in the face of heavy force and keeps its posture.

On the other hand, a rigging rope is dynamic, meaning when facing the external downward force, the cord stretches and creates a rigging effect to balance out the strength and slowly stops the rigging and gets back to a steady line.

Different Usage

A bull rope such as the Arborist tree rope is most commonly used for tree climbing and is best suited for that as tree climbers don’t face long distances to climb and also need a steady surface to follow when climbing.

The stretch more minor feature is required for tree climbing because the more continuous the line is, the more perfectly you’ll be able to climb the tree.

Rigging ropes like the Notch Kraken rigging rope are made for climbing rocks. And that’s understandable because rock climbers need that rigging to counter out their fall force if they misstep while climbing.

The shock absorption feature of the rigging rope allows for balancing out the falling power that comes when rock climbers fall.

Use In Gym & Exercise

A prime use of bull ropes is to perform battle ropes in the gym. As it doesn’t stretch, it is suitable for grip training and arm strength. Also, due to the heavier weight than standard ropes in general, the bull rope is one of the best choices out there for battle ropes.

Rigging ropes are dynamic ropes which means they are stretchable, and for that reason, they can be used on gyms for battle rope training. But at the same time, rigging rope is best for jump ropes due to its stretching ability. Because depending on the power, the rope comes around from the top.

They need to stretch if you want to jump over them properly, and that’s you can’t also use bull ropes for this exercise.

bull rope vs rigging rope

Durability & Knots Strength

In the sector of durability and knots, the rigging rope is much preferred over the bull rope.

But that doesn’t exactly mean the durability of bull ropes is insufficient. It’s just the fact that the rigging rope can handle more pressure and tension as they are dynamic ropes and are able to with more force, pressure, and intensity than its static counterpart.

Usage in Professional Sports

Bull rope, in general, isn’t used in entertainment activities and sports events due to its static structure. Dynamic ropes such as the Notch Kraken rigging rope are best suited for these occasions as they provide both safety and remove the chance of accidents significantly.

Usefulness in Children Recreation

Last but not least, bull ropes are best for children’s games like rope pulling. But rigging ropes are best for playground structures like rope bridges and tents, and more.

Verdict: Which One is Better?

After reviewing the features and the usage of both bull rope and rigging rope, we can conclude that both are best in their own area of expertise. And it depends on what type of tasks we are going to do with them to get the best out the both.

But in general day-to-day usage, we can give rigging ropes a slight bit advantage over bull ropes. But at the same time, if you look into construction or restricted sites or any in the official workspace, the bull rope is the uncrowned king of ropes there. But the rigging ropes get used by people than the bull rope.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Bull Rope?

A bull rope is a rope made of solid fiber or wire; it is a double-coated double braided composite rope. Its exterior is made of polyester, while in the middle, the inner cord consists of nylon. They are static ropes.

What is a Rigging Rope?

A rigging rope is a dynamic rope that has added stretch to its build so that it can absorb shock from falling or to an external force.

What is an Arborist Bull Rope used for?

Arborists use bull ropes to either climb or pull out trees as they are static ropes. They can easily pullout a tree without t much hindrance.

How do you rig a Rope for Climbing tree?

The process is relatively easy. First, ensure a safe anchor point with the tree. In most cases, going single line is better. So do a half-inch figure-eight knot to tie the rope with the tree where you have already made the anchor point.

Then throw the rope over the top branch and again connect it with a figure-eight knot and tie yourself in with the rope. Pull the string with force to check whether or not it’s stable to climb, and you are good to go.

Final Thoughts

The difference between bull ropes and rigging ropes may seem small at first glance as they are used in a similar type of work. But that is the most prominent misconception people have regarding these two ropes.

But if you have come this far in the article, you already know which rope does what.
And we believe that you now know everything regarding bull rope vs rigging rope in general.