For many, a climbing sling is a climbing sling–most can appreciate the bulk and weight benefits of a Dyneema runner over a sewn or tied nylon one, but beyond that, the average climber probably doesn’t care much. Here at The High Route, we certainly appreciate a good sling.
The biggest innovation in the climbing-sling world over the past few years is making slings without a bulky seam that hangs up on carabiners and belay loops, adding bulk and stiffness to the whole package. Black Diamond and Blue Ice use an “infinity loop” to achieve a seamless product; essentially, a Dyneema yarn is wound in a loop many times, then covered in a sheath. Its strength relies on the fact that the loop won’t elongate, and therefore, the strands share the load without coming unwound. This technology is compelling, particularly because it is easily reproducible by a machine. Industrial lifting slings are probably the origin of this technology, so it isn’t new; it’s just been more recently adapted for climbing.
