REASONS TO BUY
Great for soft catches
Thick diameter best for lots of mileage
Supple handling
Decent price
REASONS TO AVOID
Very stretchy
Thicker diameter limits versatility
Heavier-weight
Lacks durability
Edelrid Boa Eco 2R 9.6 Review
Although the thicker diameter and significant impact absorption are perfect for mileage, the supple nature, lack of dry treatment, and ultra-soft catches limit the overall durability of this more affordable design
Credit: Trish Matheny
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ August 19, 2026
RELATED: The Best Rock Climbing Ropes of 2026
Our Verdict
The Edelrid Boa is a great choice for entry level climbers after a thicker diameter that will perform well for single pitch climbing. The supple nature of the design makes for easier handling, but also offers extremely soft catches whether on lead or even top-roping. A key detail to be aware of so you can keep your climbing safe. The thick 9.6mm diameter does not feature a dry treatment, which is ok in most climates, however, does decrease the durability of the design.
The 2R element refers to Edelrid's sustainability practices that include recycling and reusing yarns from other rope manufacturing processes, which essentially means each Boa is a unique design. Overall, the Boa is a solid choice for anyone after a thicker diameter with supple handling and soft catches that's best-suited for single pitch cragging.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
One of the first details we noticed about the Edelrid Boa was how easy it was to handle, whether clipping gear on lead or feeding slack through the GriGri. We love the thicker diameter for more mileage at the crag, but were quite surprised after taking our first fall on lead, as the dynamic elongation (36%) absorbs impact through incredibly soft catches, and we often fell much farther than we anticipated.
While we appreciated the supple handling and soft catches, this is definitely a good detail to be aware of so you can keep your climber safe. Credit: Trish Matheny
Weighing in a 57 grams per meter, the Boa falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to overall weight, yet when combined with the thicker 9.6mm diameter, we didn't want to hike too far with the rope in our backpack. That said, the weight of the design also made for easier handling.
The Boa is one of the heavier ropes we tested. Credit: Trish Matheny
Dislikes
It's ironic that Edelrid advertises the Boa for its durability and versatility, because these metrics are where the Boa received the lowest marks. Although the supple design makes for great handling, the loose fibers were more prone to fraying, even after minimal use. And for some reason, perhaps due to the lack of a dry treatment, the sheath absorbed dust and dirt from the crag faster than most. And finally, the thicker 9.6mm diameter along with middle mark (that can be somewhat difficult to see) made us what to use this rope strictly for single pitches in dry climates.
The middle mark is faint and tricky to see in the multi-color sheath.
Should You Buy the Edelrid Boa Eco 2R 9.6?
The Edelrid Boa is a solid choice for anyone after a climbing rope with a thicker diameter that's perfect for single pitch cragging. The supple design handles well, whether you're clipping gear on lead or feeding slack out through the GriGri. The catches are noticeably softer than other dynamic ropes that we've tested and when the supple design combines with the lack of dry treatment, this rope shows wear faster than most. While not a bad choice for single pitches, we think there are better options available despite the responsible construction and affordable price.
The Boa is a decent choice for anyone after a supple design with a thicker diameter that perfect for single pitch cragging. Credit: Trish Matheny
What Other Climbing Ropes Should You Consider?
The Edelrid Boa is a great single pitch cragging rope for those after a thicker diameter without a dry treatment. You're either going to love or hate the dynamic elongation that provides soft (and often much longer) catches. If you're more interested in a workhorse design that's affordable and built to durable long mileage days, check out the Sterling VR9 9.8. If you want something a little thinner with better versatility, the Mammut 9.5 Crag Classic is our favorite rope overall. And if you want a durable, dry treated design that's durable enough for big walls, long multi-pitch routes, and ice climbs, check out the Mammut 9.5 Alpine Core Protect Dry.
The Edelrid Boa is a more affordable option without a dry treatment, however its supple design and soft catches may not be for everyone. Credit: Trish Matheny
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Edelrid Boa Eco 2R 9.6 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $210 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | Although the thicker diameter and significant impact absorption are perfect for mileage, the supple nature, lack of dry treatment, and ultra-soft catches limit the overall durability of this more affordable design |
| Pros | Great for soft catches, thick diameter best for lots of mileage, supple handling, decent price |
| Cons | Very stretchy, thicker diameter limits versatility, heavier-weight, lacks durability |
| Rating Categories | Edelrid Boa Eco 2R 9.6 |
| Handling (30%) | |
| Durability (25%) | |
| Versatility (20%) | |
| Features (15%) | |
| Weight (10%) | |
| Specifications | Edelrid Boa Eco 2R 9.6 |
| Length Tested (m) | 70 |
| Diameter (mm) | 9.6 |
| Weight (g/m) | 57 |
| Lengths Available (m) | 40, 60, 70 |
| Dry Coating Option | Untreated |
| Middle Mark or Bi-Pattern Option | Middle mark |
| Certified Use | Single |
| UIAA Number of Factor 1.77 Falls | 7 |
| Impact Force (kN) | 8.5 |
| Static Elongation % (in use) | 9.2 |
| Dynamic Elongation % (first fall) | 36 |
| Sheath Proportion % | 41 |
| Calculated Weight of Sheath (g/m) | 25 |
—Trish Matheny
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