Page 70 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

are themselves stronger than natural fibers, even lighter weights and smaller
diameters can be achieved. In fact, synthetic rope is often two to four times as
strong as natural fiber rope of equivalent diameter, while weighing half as much.

Some synthetic ropes float in water and others do not. Some shrink when wet,
but most lose little strength, and all are highly resistant to rot. One of the few
common drawbacks of synthetics is their slipperiness (especially when wet),
which impairs their knot-holding ability. Some synthetics have a natural
appearance and color (white, tan, or black), but many are brightly colored, which

can be an aid to visibility and identification.

Bright colors can make synthetic ropes easy to identify

Nylon
Nylon (or aliphatic polyamide) was the first synthetic rope fiber, and it is still
one of the best and most popular for demanding applications. It is very strong
and durable, and it holds knots well, but it does not float in water and it loses a
significant amount of strength when wet. Nylon is very stretchy, which is helpful
when used as anchor and mooring lines and as dynamic climbing rope, to absorb

shock loads in the case of a fall.

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