Single ply vs Double Ply

There is a lot of debate within the Shibari world on whether single or double ply rope is better for Shibari.  Fans of single ply highlight its appearance, flexibility, and strength - fans of double ply argue that it is more resistant to friction, and less prone to high stranding.  It really is down to individual preference,  and I have sold both for ten years - however after lots of customer feedback - I am moving to just selling single ply. Here is the difference between them:

Single ply is rope that has been made from strands of yarn that have been twisted together in one direction.

Double ply is made by taking two of these strands and twisting them together to make a very thin 2 ply rope. That 'rope' is then used to make thicker rope.

  


Single ply

Pros:

  • Appearance: The vast majority of people prefer the appearence of single ply rope, compare the pictures above - and decide for yourself. 
  • Density and Strength: Single ply ropes have less bulk than the 2ply, meaning that more fibers can be used to achieve the same mm, this results in a stronger rope. Additionally, the less that rope strands are twisted the stronger they are in a downwards pull - making single ply the clear winner when it comes to strength. 
  • Flexible:  Single ply ropes are more flexible, allowing the rope to 'fly' and making it easier to tie knots.

Cons:

  • More expensive: 2ply ropes are often cheaper as they use less yarn.
  • Less durable: If you compare a set of single ply ropes used daily to a set of double ply ropes used daily, after a year the single ply rope will show more thinning than the double ply. 

Double-Ply Ropes:

Pros:

  • Increased Durability: Double-ply ropes are more resistant to high stranding, and don't thin down as much with use. 
  • Cost: Double-ply ropes are often cheaper than single-ply ropes due to the reduced amount of raw materials used. 

Cons:

  • Less Flexibility: Double-ply ropes do not have the same amount of flexibility as single-ply ropes. For many beginners this is something that might not even be noticed, but for experienced riggers this really matters.
  • Appearance: While some people consider the difference in appearance between single and double ply subtle, most agree that single ply looks better.
  • Tradition: For a lot of riggers double-ply is considered industrial rope, as opposed to bondage rope.
  • Strength: Double-ply rope of the same thickness from the same yarn as single ply is weaker.