Bull Ropes 101

Whether you are in the market for your first bull rope or looking for a new new one, there are some important things that you need to know.

If you’re just beginning to rope then you’ll probably have to try out several different types to find the one that is just right for you. The following are some basic pointers to look for when searching for the correct rope.

Bull Ropes Buying Tip No.1: Pick Your Strand

Bull ropes can be purchased in varieties of either three strand or four strand with the main difference being the feel between the two different types. A four strand is composed of four strands of rope entwined and has a tighter feel with smaller ridges between each strand.

While a rope that is three strand is a bit looser and has only three strands that are twisted together. As you progress in your roping you will learn how to feel and observe to determine which one will work best for you.

Bull Ropes Buying Tip No.2: Header or Heeler?

As a new header a good rope to begin with will be the Mach III and the Mach III Plus manufactured by Fast Back. These particular ropes are longer than most head ropes but can be very useful when you have to reach out for the steers.

Additionally, Fast Back has recently introduced a new four strand rope which is called the Instinct. This particular rope is lightweight, smooth and very fast. You may also want to consider another rope known as the Ultimate 4.

If you are a Heeler you may want to experiment between ropes that are three strand and four strand. The Mach III rope can be used as a header or a heeling rope.

Another popular rope for Heelers is known as the Pink Patron. Its eye-catching color will allow it to stand out well enough so that you can follow through with your loop.

Bull Ropes Buying Tip No.3: The Right Feel

It is important to select a rope that feels just right to you, makes you comfortable in your movements and will last you more than just a couple of throws. An important factor that most ropers fail to take into consideration when competing is the weather.

Cold temperatures and snowy or rainy day can affect the performance of your rope as well as how it feels. The Fast Back Pink Patron as well as the Mach III are two really good ropes that can withstand cold temperatures of forty degrees or less.

If you are performing your roping indoors during cold weather you should be aware that the humidity can affect your rope in a way that it will become soft and have a raggedy feeling to it.

Photo: Emilio Labrador

In the summertime the warmer temperatures will cause your rope to become stiffer than it normally would, making it harder to get a good feel when you are roping.

The best bull ropes for use in the summertime are the Grabber, the Ultimate 4 and the Instinct, all of these ropes are manufactured by Fast Back Ropes.

Ropes are an important part of your bull riding gear arsenal. Here’s hoping these tips can help you find the rope to suit your needs.