Climbing tape, a sewn sling and a harness component are different purchasing items. Before comparing nylon, polyester or UHMWPE, identify the exact product, standard and manufacturer instructions required. General industrial webbing must not be substituted for specified climbing equipment.
EN 565 Tape and EN 566 Slings Are Different
UIAA identifies EN 565 with mountaineering tape and EN 566 with slings. Do not describe the finished-sling strength requirement as a universal requirement for every loose tape, and do not transfer an assembly certification to a roll of raw webbing.
The product’s certification and instructions define its intended use and limitations. A straight-pull material test does not reproduce every knot, seam, connector, edge or dynamic event in an equipment system.
Flat vs Tubular Climbing Webbing
Both constructions can be used in appropriately designed products. EDELRID’s PES SLING 16mm, for example, is a flat polyester sling listed with EN 566 and other certifications. This is evidence about that identified finished product, not an approval of generic flat polyester webbing.
Tubular construction can provide a different hand, thickness and handling behavior. Neither shape alone proves greater strength, abrasion resistance or suitability. Use the actual construction and test evidence. Knots and seams change the load path and must be assessed for the intended product.
Material Trade-offs
| Material | Evaluate | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Extension, moisture conditioning, abrasion and heat exposure | That elongation at break proves an assembly can safely arrest a fall |
| Polyester | Lower moisture uptake, construction and finished-sling certification | That all flat polyester is unsuitable for climbing |
| UHMWPE/hybrid | Mass, surface friction, joining, heat and sustained loading | That high fiber specific strength establishes a finished sling rating |
What Technical Buyers Should Request
- Product drawing and intended equipment-system function.
- Applicable standards, revisions and required certification/qualification route.
- Material identity, construction, width, thickness, tolerances and finish.
- Relevant material results and final assembly test evidence.
- Traceability, marking, inspection and retirement information from the equipment manufacturer.
TMG Component Sourcing
TMG manufactures webbing in Dongguan, China. A material discussion, GRS certificate or OEKO-TEX certificate does not establish a climbing-equipment certification. Send the component drawing and qualification requirements for assessment. Obtain complete equipment approval through the responsible finished-product manufacturer before use.
For general construction decisions read flat vs tubular webbing. For test interpretation read how to read a webbing test report.
Sources and Technical References
Specify Your Webbing for a Factory Quote
TMG Webbing manufactures in Dongguan, China. Custom webbing MOQ is 3,000 meters, with a standard production lead time of 15 days after specification and sample approval. Confirm the schedule for your material and finish. Stock availability and finished-product quantities are quoted separately.
Send the material, width, thickness, construction, color, quantity, required tests and end use. We hold GRS and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certificates; ask us to confirm the applicable article scope for your order.