How usable is an old climbing rope

[sonicvalley]

I have a 10 year old Bluewater 10.5 climbing rope that was used sparingly (less than 10 trips to smith rock). I dont think it has ever had a lead fall and has been stored dry and in the bag. Is it still usable?

[Alex]

For? I wouldnt lead on it, personally.

[genepires]

If I remember right, when a rope ages, it loses elasticity or has higher impact forces. So leading on trad gear may not be a good idea. But taking it sport climbing may be ok. Top roping should be fine.

[Plaidman]

My wife makes rugs out of old climbing ropes. She has to pry my fingers off them to get them away for me though. It really is a good fight and she usually wins.

[sonicvalley]

it would be for lead sport climbing and top roping. So it sounds like it would be fine for top roping but for leading a sport route, 50/50...?

 

those rugs sound cool. i want one.

[stevetimetravlr]

Look and feel of a rope should tell you how good it is after time, if its been stored in a bag out of UV.