Mammut Infinity 9.5, $179

Summary: Mammut’s Infinity strikes a balance between light weight, durability, and handling. Virtually kink-free right out of the factory coil, this cord clipped well, held up to extended working sessions, and fed smoothly through all

belay devices

. Those with tender hands should opt for belay gloves, as a few testers found the sheath to be a bit coarse.

Pros: Lightweight. Durable.

Cons: Coarse sheath.

Overall grade: A

Mammut/Climb High: (802) 985-5056, www.climbhigh.com; Mammut/Metolius: (541) 382-7585, www.metoliusclimbing.com