Explain a little bit about these new core ropes. What is the difference or advantage?
Ropes with cores are a lot tougher and last a lot longer. When it comes to feel, they feel the same from new to 20 or 30 runs later, and that’s way longer than other ropes I have used. People spend around $40.00 for a rope and may get five or six runs before it feels different. That’s where you get an unsatisfied customer. But this weekend I roped at the Windy Ryon Memorial, it was near 100 degrees, the steers were big, and my ropes lasted really well. The core is what keeps the rope coming back to its original position. I give ropes a big stretch every time, and these ropes are tough! I think the core, for heelers, is almost a necessity now. In a rope with no core, I use a medium hard. But with these core ropes, I’ll use a medium soft at a jackpot (maybe a medium hard at a rodeo). Those medium softs are easier to swing all day, and still have body and weight. That alone has been a major difference for me.
Tell us a little bit about the Fast Back Venom rope? What are your favorite features?
The Venom is awesome. I love the way it feels, it has a lot of balance, it is very light but still has a lot of tip weight. I need a light, fast rope because my hand is smaller, and it is ideal for my style. I also like the bright green color. I am very visual when I rope. When I deliver I like to see the legs jump in my rope before I go for my slack, so this is a complete rope for my style. I told Fast Back what I was looking for, and they did a great job of fitting a rope to me.
What role did you play in research and development?
I rope so many steers; in the winter I rope 100 a day or so. I’m breaking in the World Series Finals steers for Las Vegas, 1000 head. I got to test the Venom for toughness and longevity, and I helped pick the color. I tested it non-stop, different diameters and such. The Venom does not break down, and the loop stays full and fast. You can use it until the coils aren’t good any more. The Centerfire 2 is a great rope as well, for those who like a heavier rope with more body. Hats off to Fast Back, because they covered all aspects of what ropers need in these two ropes.
Who would you recommend the Venom rope to?
I recommend it for women, younger kids, and all the way to the older gentlemen who may have trouble swinging a rope and getting the speed going. I cut my thumb off when I was 12, and this rope is real light and easy to swing and I feel like it works great for people with smaller hands. I think this rope will be very popular on the professional level as well because it is fast; when you throw it down there it comes back. I just can’t say enough good about the Venom.
