1. How long, on average, can a calf rope last if it is properly maintained? What are some variables that affect longevity?
On average, any of our poly calf ropes should last at least 60 runs for tie down roping. For breakaway roping they will last a lot longer, such as 120 to 150 runs. Ropers can use them beyond that; they just lose some of their life and don’t feel as good. The tie down ropers put a lot more stress on the ropes with all the pulling, in contrast to breakaway where the rope just pops off when the calf hits the end.
Poly ropes are fairly weather resistant. The sun and rain will not ruin them, but of course it’s always better to keep them clean and dry. In the summertime, poly ropes will be stiffer, and they will soften up in cold weather.
The longevity of a rope depends on how it’s taken care of. Three strand ropes have deeper grooves and four strand ropes are smoother and tighter. Some say that four strand ropes last longer. This could be because the deeper grooves on the three strand ropes pick up and hold more dirt. But ultimately, it comes down to personal preference for which type a roper likes better.
2. What is the best way to properly store a calf rope or extend its life?
The best way to properly store a calf rope is in a rope can or bag, with the honda straight. If a roper lays the rope down with the eye (honda) turned, it will ruin the rope. It’s okay to hang it on a nail or in a trailer, as long as the honda is straight. With a new rope, it’s always best to rope five to ten calves and loosely coil the rope up with the eye straight and put it away until the next day. Do this for a day or two and it will be good to go. Just don’t hammer on a new rope the first day.
Make sure to clean any dirt or debris off. This will make a rope last longer. A lot of people just throw it down in the arena or hang it on the fence. This is not the best thing to do if you want it to last.
3. What are some factors that can damage a calf rope or shorten its life?
The two main things that will ruin a calf rope is to put it up stored with the honda crooked, or to figure eight a tail while roping. A smaller figure eight usually equals a good neck catch, but if the roper doesn’t follow through completely, the figure eight will be too big and come back around and catch the calf’s tail. That will put a kink in a rope that will not come out.
The biggest mistake ropers make when caring for their ropes is NOT caring for them. Hang them or lay them with the eyes (hondas) straight, and keep them clean.
