REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
RED FLAG markings improve safety
Rated for as a single
Half
Or twin rope
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Middle mark fades
Squishy feel to the sheath
Trango Agility Duo Dry 9.1 Review
A slender, premium rope that has the ends uniquely marked to enhance safety
Although the Trango Agility is a skinnier all-around rope at 9.1mm, it's on the heavier side for ropes of this diameter.
Credit: Jack Cramer
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Our Verdict
Trango sells a range of ropes in the Agility line at several different diameters. We tested the most unique model of the bunch, the 9.1mm version. Unlike some other Agility ropes, it features Trango's proprietary RED FLAG markings. These are bright markings that identify the last five meters of rope on either end that make it much easier to notice when you're nearing the end of the rope on rappel or when lowering a partner. We love this feature due to its clear safety benefits. We are disappointed, however, that such an expensive rope doesn't also include a permanent middle mark. In addition, some of our testers complained about the squishiness of the sheath and the weight being on the high side for a 9.1mm rope. Despite these flaws, this rope could still be a wise purchase, especially if you can appreciate the clear safety benefit of its RED FLAG markings.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on December 22nd, 2022, to include our most recent test results and thoughts about this premium climbing rope.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Trango Agility 9.1 is available in two color options: yellow or green. Both choices feature the same permanent obvious red markings on the last 5m of either end. The middle mark, however, features a usual pair of dyed black marks that are not permanent. You can expect these to wear off as quickly as they do on most other ropes.
Performance Comparison
The defining characteristic of the Trango Agility 9.1 is its marked ends. Most of the rope is green but the last 5 meters on either end are red to alert you when you're almost out of rope.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Handling
From a handling perspective the most distinctive characteristic of the Trango Agility 9.1 is the 1-over-1 weave on the sheath. Most rock climbing ropes utilize a 2-over-2 pattern. A 1-over-1 pattern is common on many Maxim ropes and occasionally used by other brands. After talking to numerous climbers over several years, we've found that most climbers seem to prefer a 2-over-2 weave. Our testers noted that the specific 1-over-1 weave on the Agility felt somewhat squishy, almost as if there was excess space between the sheath and the core strands. After the rope was broken in they also complained that feeding slack with this rope through a GriGri was a little trickier and prone to occasionally sticking in the belay device.
The Trango Agility held up a little better than other 9.1mm ropes.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Durability
With a slender diameter of 9.1mm, you shouldn't expect this version of the Trango Agility to be particularly durable. Rather, prospective shoppers should be prepared to accept that to enjoy the weight and handling advantages of a thinner rope, they will have to sacrifice some durability. Compared to similarly skinny ropes, the Agility did seem to hold up well. Its sheath percentage of 37% equates to 21 g of sheath per meter which is more than most ropes at this diameter.
Weight
The Trango Agility 9.1 weighs in at 56 g/m. That's pretty light for a rock climbing rope but on the heavier side for ropes near the same diameter. Our testers also noticed that the Agility 9.1 seemed to feel a little thicker than other ropes advertised with the same diameter. We've tried other 9.1mm ropes with weights as low as 53 g/m. For a 70m rope, that difference would equate to nearly a half pound of total weight savings.
The 1-over-1 weave on the sheath of Trango Agility 9.1 is less common among climbing ropes, which usually feature a 2-over-2 pattern. Our testers generally prefer the handling of a 2-over-2 weave.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Catch
The Trango Agility 9.1 is rated for use as a single, half, or twin rope. However, it would certainly be a heavy choice for half or twin use. Its single-rope impact force, static elongation, and dynamic elongation specifications all reside near a “sweet spot” near the middle of the range. In our tests, we thought it provided a pleasantly soft catch during lead falls combined with minimal stretch on top-rope hangs.
The middle mark on the Trango Agility 9.1 is a simple dark patch that wore off quickly. We find this particularly disappointing on an expensive rope that features permanent markings at either end.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Should You Buy the Trango Agility 9.1
Deciding whether to spring for the Trango Agility 9.1 is a little tricky. Its scores in most of the usual areas we measure climbing rope performance were less than outstanding. At the same time, its price is rather high. Ordinarily, this would equate to it being a poor value. However, its distinctive RED FLAG markings do provide a clear safety benefit. If you would like to reduce the likelihood of a lowering or rappeling accident and can afford the added cost, the Agility 9.1 could be an excellent choice.
Though rated for use as a single, half, or twin rope, it would be a heavy option to use as a dedicated half or twin rope.
Credit: Jack Cramer
What Other Rock Climbing Ropes Should You Consider
The Trango Agility 9.1 isn't the first rope to feature distinctive markings to enhance convenience and safety. Bi-pattern ropes have been around for decades and are designed to offer a clear and permanent middle mark. Our favorite bi-pattern is the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry 9.3 because it's divided into bright blue and pink halves that are impossible to confuse. However, that rope is also expensive. If you're willing to sacrifice safety markings, our favorite affordable choice is the Mammut Crag We Care Classic.
—
Jack Cramer
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