Static Kernmantle rope is used with with most versions of the PowerQuick Ascender. 12.5mm is used for the primary climbing line and 11 mm for the fall arrest line. This rope has a braided sheath (the mantle) over a core (the kern) made of parallel untwisted fibers. Static ropes have very low stretch (3% to 5% stretch). The core bundles contribute most of the rope’s strength. The load bearing fibers are inside the rope where they are protected from abrasion by the tightly woven sheath. The core bundles are continuous in length and run parallel, which not only reduces stretch but also eliminates spin when sus­pended in air. Currently static kernmantle construction is the preferred rope for most rescue situations due to the better control inherent in this type of construction. For rappelling or ascending a fixed line or in rescue lowering and raising, a static kernmantle is the best choice.