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Sterling Aero 9.2 Xeros Review

A supremely versatile rope, this one works for any discipline, from the gym to the alpine
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Sterling Aero 9.2 Xeros Review
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Price:  $280 List
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Manufacturer:   Sterling
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 30, 2024
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 13
  • Handling - 30% 8.0
  • Durability - 25% 5.0
  • Versatility - 20% 9.0
  • Features - 15% 8.0
  • Weight - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Sterling Aero 9.2 Xeros is a supple and well-featured rope that offers the best versatility on the market. If you participate in a wide variety of climbing disciplines from fast-and-light alpine climbing to sport climbing and cragging, this rope can do it all. It has a soft feel that allows for easy handling, knot-tying, and belaying. At 9.2 millimeters in diameter, it's thick enough to provide some peace of mind on wandering, sharp alpine rock, or when whipping on your project. And at 56 grams per meter, it's light enough to carry deep into the backcountry on remote climbs. It has excellent features, including a UIAA triple-use rating and a send-read factory coil, and comes in five color options. The major downside to this rope is limited durability, as we chewed up this rope during a fairly average summer of sport, trad, and alpine climbing. But for most users, this is the best choice for a wide range of climbing disciplines.
REASONS TO BUY
Supple handling
Excellent versatility
Premium features
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly below-average durability
Expensive

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Most Versatile
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Rock Climbing Rope
Top Pick Award
Best for Alpine Climbing
Top Pick Award
Best Bi-Pattern Rope
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Price $280 List
$279.99 at Amazon
$149.95 at Backcountry
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Check Price at Backcountry
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$109.95 at REI
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Bottom Line With maximum versatility and great handling, we reach for this rope when we can only bring one on a climbing tripNo rope does a better job of including all the attributes we want – durability, great handling, and a reasonable priceThe best lightweight rope for alpine climbing on the marketThe most distinct bi-pattern we've seen combined with excellent performance and handlingAn excellent deal on an environmentally friendly and high-performance rope
Rating Categories Sterling Aero 9.2 X... Mammut 9.5 Crag Cla... Beal Opera Edelrid Tommy Caldw... Mammut 9.5 Crag We...
Handling (30%)
8.0
9.0
10.0
8.0
9.0
Durability (25%)
5.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
Versatility (20%)
9.0
8.0
4.0
9.0
7.0
Features (15%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
5.0
Weight (10%)
7.0
6.0
10.0
7.0
6.0
Specs Sterling Aero 9.2 X... Mammut 9.5 Crag Cla... Beal Opera Edelrid Tommy Caldw... Mammut 9.5 Crag We...
Length Tested (m) 70 60 60 70 70
Diameter (mm) 9.2 9.5 8.5 9.3 9.5
Weight (g/m) 56 59 48 57 58
Lengths Available (m) 40, 70, 80 50, 60, 70, 80 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 200 60, 70, 80 40, 50, 60, 70, 80
Dry Coating Option XEROS Dry Treatment (PFOA-free) Classic, Dry Dry Cover, Golden Dry Eco Dry Classic, Dry
Middle Mark or Bi-Pattern Option Bi-pattern, middle mark Bi-pattern, middle mark Middle mark Bi-pattern, middle mark Middle mark
Certified Use Single, Half, Twin Single Single, Half, and Twin Single Single
UIAA Number of Factor 1.77 Falls 7 (single), 21 (half), >20 (twin) 6 5 (single), 20-22 (half), >25 (twin) 7 6
Impact Force (kN) 8.8 (single), 8.6 (half), 10.1 (twin) 7.7 7.3 (single), 5.5 (half), 8.8 (twin) 9 7.7
Static Elongation % (in use) 75 (single), 6.6 (half), 6.1 (twin) 7.5 8.4 (single), 8.4 (half), 5.1 (twin) 7.4 7.5
Dynamic Elongation % (first fall) 30.2 (single), 28.9 (half), 23.6 (twin) 33 36 (single), 32 (half), 28 (twin) 34 33
Sheath Proportion % 41 42 38 39 42
Calculated Weight of Sheath (g/m) 23 24 18 22 24

Our Analysis and Test Results

This rope toes the line between a superlight alpine climbing rope and a thicker crag-oriented workhorse rope. With performance attributes that allow it to be used for any type of climbing, we think this is the most versatile rope on the market.

Performance Comparison


sterling aero 9.2 xeros - testing the sterling aero 9.2 on a multi-pitch climb high above...
Testing the Sterling Aero 9.2 on a multi-pitch climb high above Estes Park, Colorado.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Handling


The Sterling Aero 9.2 has a soft feel right from the start. It's easy to tie tight knots and clip quickdraws with this rope as soon as you take it out of the wrapper. After a busy summer of climbing on this rope, this rope felt about as soft as it did when it was new, and it didn't grow stiffer with use. The dry treatment gives an oily and slick feel to the rope when new, but this didn't affect its ability to bite in belay devices. This slippery surface wears off over time, producing a rope that remains easy to handle over time.


We were a bit alarmed at how soft this rope felt out of the box, since ropes tend to get softer over time (unless subjected to repeated rappelling). A soft rope allows easy handling, but it also presents durability concerns, since the rope is more easily bent over sharp edges. Indeed, durability is the main drawback of this rope. That said, this rope handles like a dream and is easy to use whether you are leading a pitch or belaying one.

The Sterling Aero 9.2 has soft handling with plenty of bite in modern belay devices.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Durability


Indeed, our fears about the durability of this soft-handed rope were somewhat confirmed. The sheath weave feels slightly loose right out of the factory, and while this may produce easy handling, it also seems to catch on sharp edges and coarse crystals more easily than ropes with a tighter sheath weave. We noticed large nicks and tears in the sheath after just a few pitches of average-sharpness rock.


Over a summer of climbing, we noticed a reasonable amount of sheath fuzz developing. While this is normal, and it's actually how the sheath is designed to work, we think this rope wears out faster than others on the market.

sterling aero 9.2 xeros - the sheath of the sterling aero 9.2 xeros wears out slightly faster...
The sheath of the Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS wears out slightly faster than other ropes, but it's only a concern for users who climb every day.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

It isn't a deal-breaker, but if you are looking for a workhorse rope that will last year after year of heavy use, this isn't the rope for you. But for the average climber who goes outdoor climbing a couple times a week, this rope is plenty durable.

sterling aero 9.2 xeros - we frayed the sheath of the aero 9.2 with lots of use on rough rock...
We frayed the sheath of the Aero 9.2 with lots of use on rough rock like the high-friction granite of Colorado's Lumpy Ridge.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Versatility


The Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS is the most versatile rope on the market, and it's the one we reach for when going on a long climbing trip where any climbing discipline is in the cards. The 9.2-millimeter diameter is the sweet spot for versatility, since the rope is light enough to be carried deep into the alpine, and it's thick enough to be used for single-pitch cragging and top-roping. This rope is at it's best for multi-pitch climbing and onsighting single-pitch routes, but it's burly enough to take repeated whippers at the gym or outdoor crag, and light enough for backcountry missions.


Not surprisingly, the versatility of the Aero 9.2 tapers off at the extreme ends of the spectrum. If you are hiking miles and miles into the backcountry for an alpine climb, this rope might be a bit too thick and heavy. On the other side of the spectrum, if you plan on mostly top-roping or aid climbing, we recommend a thicker rope that can take more of a beating. But for most climbers, these uses are few and far between, and most of our time is spent at the sport crag or on multi-pitch routes. For the majority of users, this rope offers exceptional versatilty.

Alpine climbing in Colorado with the Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS.
Alpine climbing in Colorado with the Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS.
We don't hesitate to grab this rope when headed to the sport crag...
We don't hesitate to grab this rope when headed to the sport crag, especially if the routes are long and sustained.
The Sterling Aero 9.2 is useful from the alpine to the single-pitch crag.

Features


The Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS has a great set of features that add to its versatility. First, the rope is triple-rated as a single, half, and twin rope. This means that it can be used in a variety of advanced climbing systems. The rope comes in five color options, including two bi-pattern weaves. It comes in 40-, 70-, and 80-meter length options, and we bought the 70-meter length for the greatest versatility. Finally, it has a UIAA-certified dry treatment, meaning that it repels water and only absorbs up to 5% of the weight of the rope, which is minimal.


Our testing rope didn't have a bi-pattern, and the black middle mark faded easily. Even out of the box, it was difficult to see the middle mark against the dark blue sheath. That's the only complaint we have with the features of the Sterling Aero 9.2, and it's not a huge deal, since most middle marks fade over time. In our experience testing ropes, it's common for us to have to re-mark the middle of our ropes after every 15-20 uses.

sterling aero 9.2 xeros - the sterling aero 9.2's middle mark is hard to see, even when new...
The Sterling Aero 9.2's middle mark is hard to see, even when new. If this is a problem for you, the rope also comes in a bi-pattern.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Weight


At 56 grams per meter, the Sterling Aero 9.2 weighs in at the middle of the pack. The thicker the rope, the heavier the rope will be, and this rope fits into the spectrum exactly where it should. Far from the lightest rope on the market, we reach for a lighter option when we are headed deep into the backcountry or need to do a lot of uphill hiking to reach the base of a route. That said, this rope is light enough for the occasional alpine foray.


The extended weight of this rope is 7.4 pounds (3.36 kilograms) for a 60-meter length, 8.6 pounds (3.92 kg) for a 70-meter length, and 9.9 pounds (4.48 kg) or an 80-meter length. This is a bit too heavy for long slogs to the base of the route, but it's perfect for short to moderate approaches where increased durability and diameter is preferred once you get to the crag. It's plenty light for short approaches to multi-pitch rock and ice climbs.

sterling aero 9.2 xeros - at 56 grams per meter for a 9.2-millimeter diameter rope, the...
At 56 grams per meter for a 9.2-millimeter diameter rope, the Sterling Aero 9.2 isn't as light as some options, but it is lighter than most.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

We brought this rope into the alpine a few times, and noticed the weight compared to the lightest ropes on the market. It wasn't a deal-breaker if the approaches weren't too long and if our packs were full of other heavy things like a large rock rack.

sterling aero 9.2 xeros - alpine climbing in rocky mountain national park, colorado with the...
Alpine climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado with the Sterling Aero 9.2.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Should You Buy the Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS?


This rope is the perfect rope for climbers who participate in every climbing discipline, from alpine rock and ice climbs to sport climbing and cragging. It is one of the only ropes on the market that is suitable for literally every kind of climbing. It excels on single-pitch sport and trad leads and multi-pitch adventures, but it also has enough versatility for alpine climbing and top-roping. You can even use it in the gym. It isn't cheap, but it might save you money by allowing you to purchase one rope for all uses.

sterling aero 9.2 xeros - the sterling aero 9.2 xeros is at home at the crag or on multi-pitch...
The Sterling Aero 9.2 Xeros is at home at the crag or on multi-pitch climbs.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

What Other Climbing Ropes Should You Consider?


If you want a little more durability for focusing on single-pitch climbing and top-roping, while still retaining good multi-pitch versatility, the Mammut 9.5 Crag Classic is our top choice, and its eco-friendly twin Mammut 9.5 Crag We Care Classic is another great option. If you are looking for even more durability, the Sterling Velocity XEROS 9.8 is the best workhorse rope on the market. If long multi-pitch routes are your preferred style, the Beal Joker is hard to beat, but we don't like it as much for single-pitch climbing. And if you are looking for the lightest single rope for high and wild alpine climbing, the Beal Opera will take you there.

sterling aero 9.2 xeros - the sterling aero 9.2 xeros has maximum versatility for all climbing...
The Sterling Aero 9.2 XEROS has maximum versatility for all climbing disciplines, from the sport crag to the alpine.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Jeff Dobronyi