Rope FAQ

A recent post on IC asked "Where is a good place to buy rope?". The replies included many general comment about the qualities of the different types, and it was also pointed out that the same questions keep being asked time and again. For that reason, The replies are summarised here. Remember that all opinions are those of the contributors:

Jahc99:

Probably the best, least hassle first step is a trip to B&Q, have a fondle and see what you think. Most folks go for 6 or 8mm, I use anything from 2 to 12mm, depending on mood and what falls to hand.
My favourite shop: Bristolrope

Xmoose

Try looking for a chandelry in your area, they often have a huge selection of ropes on the drum and will cut you the meterage that you want and if you need splice ends and all sorts. They more often or not have a huge selection of other pulleys and pervertables.
If you cannot find a chandelry close by try online ones like Jimmy Green Marine

MarkBondageVarley

I do hemp - www.BeautifulBondage.net/rope - also on ebay (search for 'Beautiful Bondage').

Esinem

Jute: www.esinem.com/main-ropesales also on eBay

rupertroper

I know the lady at www.bound-to-please.co.uk she sells really nice rope and has a great range, you can find her on ebay but the whole range is on her website and has some ropes you can't get anywhere else.
If you fancy hemp but don't want a farmyard smell she doea a great Linen rope.

DeviantPlay

deviantplay How about this? I have it in blue, black, red and white.

desaatile

I brought 100 meters of hemp rope from gepotex that I'm slowly working through treating (got about 30 meters left). It seems very good value for money at around £30 for 100 meters if you have the time to treat it.

boy050505

If you want to buy a quantity and treat it, truly your rope made your way, these guys do mail order. Call them they are very friendly. www.master-ropemakers.co.ukl

Pascal_85

My favourite rope (especially for "Western" style bondage) has been hemp rope from www.twistedmonk.com. Expensive, especially with the import costs from America, but well worth the investment. Their Midori Dojo set provides a versatile mix of rope lengths that has served me well so far.

RichardRope

I get mine imported from Netherlands (from Marrow & Debora at www.bindme.nl) - very good quality and not too expensive.
How long? My advice is to keep a variety of lengths. Personally I keep a number of pieces at 8m for quick basic stuff, and a few others at 12m for more intricate body harnesses. Occasionally I manage to work out how to tie a knot so that I can tie two pieces together... (advanced stuff for me).
Little piece of advice: When finishing the ends of the rope with twine, I use different colours to identify the length!

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roymondo

What is a good length for a rope? In other words how many body turns to one rope would be the best?

Jahc99

How long is a piece of string? How big is the body you want to wrap, and how many times?
Many of these issues are discussed by very experienced riggers over here: fetlife.com/groups/51/
I think it was The Hungry Tiger that invented the double double double rule of thumb: Have you regular partner stretch both arms out parallel to the floor and measure from fingertip to fingertip. Double that number. This number in feet is the first length and is good for single column ties and cuffs.
Double that number again and you have good middle length for chest harnesses and crotch ropes.
Double that length again and you have about the right length for karadas and more in-depth ties.
So, in general In general, 10-15 feet short. 20-30 feet medium, 40-60 feet long.

porndog

Again it really depends on what you are planning to do, I have 2x 20M 2x 10M 4x 5M and lots of small lengths at under a metre and that lets me do most of what I want to do. Unless you are planning some serious rope work using a lot of rope or suspension work that should do you.