Page 63 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

Natural Versus Synthetic Fiber Ropes

Characteristic Natural fiber rope Synthetic fiber rope

Construction Mostly twisted Twisted or braided

Strength Low to medium Medium to very high
Stretch Low to high Low to high

Knot-holding ability Medium to high Low to high
Durability Low to medium Medium to very high

Appearance Traditional Traditional or modern
Color White, tan or brown Any

Surface, texture Hairy (may be soft or bristly) Not hairy (may be soft or hard)
Buoyancy Sinks (except coir) Sinks or floats

Chemical resistance Low to medium Low to very high
Rot resistance Low to medium Very high

Sun/heat/UV resistance Low to high Very low to very high
Price Low to medium Low to very high

Natural fiber Rope

With few exceptions (cotton clothesline being one of them), natural fiber ropes
are of twisted construction. In some diameters they are the least expensive
option, but for a given size, even the best natural fiber ropes tend to be weaker
than the cheapest synthetic ones. Compared to synthetics, natural fibers are less
durable and they degrade more quickly from most types of environmental
exposure. On the other hand, all natural fiber ropes hold knots well, while many
synthetic ropes are slippery and difficult to keep tied.

Although some natural fiber ropes will float in water briefly, all of them except
coir will sink once they become saturated. Water absorption makes natural fiber
ropes heavy, causes them to swell, and makes knots difficult to untie. Even while
they swell, many natural fiber ropes will also shrink lengthwise when wet.
Unlike synthetics, natural fibers are subject to rot. While this is usually a
drawback, biodegradability can be an advantage in some situations.

Aside from their superior knot-holding qualities, the main advantages of natural

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