What is a characteristic of rotation resistant ropes compared to similar sized ropes?

When discussing rotation resistant ropes, one key characteristic is that they are designed to minimize rotation under load compared to similar sized ropes. This design typically involves a specific construction involving a combination of different strand types or arrangements that create a torque-neutral effect, thereby reducing the likelihood of twisting.

However, while rotation resistant ropes do provide the advantage of reduced rotation, they often have a lower breaking strength compared to standard ropes of the same diameter due to the complex construction methods used, which may include a higher number of smaller strands or materials that focus on flexibility over sheer strength. This means that the overall load-bearing capacity may not match that of traditional ropes, leading to the conclusion that rotation resistant ropes have a lower breaking strength than standard ropes with comparable dimensions.

This characteristic is important for linemen to consider when selecting ropes for specific applications where rotation and twisting could become an issue, necessitating a different strength profile.