Tendon, Anniversal 9.5

In 2025 Tendon celebrates 20 years of activity and on this occasion they have produced a new rope: Anniversal 9.5

About four years ago I addressed one of climbing’s most common questions: How to choose a sport climbing rope? In that article I highlighted my all-around favourite rope, the Master 8.6, and my sport climbing workhorse, the Master Pro 9.2. What impressed me most was their durability without compromising the suppleness and handling that make them enjoyable to use.

In the meantime I began using the Master 9.0 TeFix for sport climbing—both single and multipitch ascents. My first impression upon opening the package was how remarkably soft it felt. It wasn’t as light as the Master 8.6 but considerably lighter than the Master Pro 9.2, and in terms of handling, it surpassed both by several degrees. Long-term use revealed that this softness came at a price: the rope couldn’t match the durability of the other two models when used intensively in alpine, ice, or high-abrasion environments. Nevertheless, the Master 9.0 TeFix became my go-to rope for most sport climbing and rock multipitch routes, whether guiding or climbing recreationally. Its triple rating (single, half, and twin) expanded the variety of scenarios I could deploy it in. I so appreciated its handling combined with its lightness that I committed to carrying it in 100m length—maintaining the same bulk and minimal extra weight of my 60 or 70m ropes. It became, invariably, my travelling rope on climbing holidays, and at 100m it grants access to virtually all route types.

Enter the Anniversal 9.5. When this rope arrived at the beginning of spring, my first thought was immediate: it’s too thick. I prefer ropes between 8.5mm and 9mm diameter since they naturally thicken with use, and while I recognise that distinguishing 4-5mm by touch alone is likely “all in my head,” it remains one of my selection criteria. The first surprise came from the package: it felt soft to the touch and proved exceptionally easy to knot and handle—much like the Master 9.0 TeFix. I noticed additional width, though I suspect my preconceived bias may have influenced this perception. Yet despite this tactile impression, the rope never felt uncomfortably thick—a welcome discovery. In a rope bag headed to the crag, the Anniversal 9.5 already packed noticeably smaller than my Master Pro 9.2 for the same length. My first climbing day confirmed that it handles superbly, much like the Master 9.0 TeFix. It felt neither heavy nor excessively thick, and its lower bulk proved genuinely surprising. It gave the impression of a more robust Master 9.0 TeFix.

After that initial day, I deliberately tempered my enthusiasm—I needed to observe how this rope withstood genuine use over time. I wanted it to become my new sport climbing workhorse, but could it truly stand the wear? I spend considerable time hanging on rope while contemplating barely-possible for me sequences, constantly gripping it with chalked hands. How would the final 2-3 meters appear after several months of use? How long before shortening became necessary? While I employ a rope tarp to avoid dragging ropes through dust, not all my climbing partners share this approach, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. Given its softness, how would dust penetration affect durability? What would washing do to the sheath? When would fuzz develop? How much twist would accumulate? So I stepped away from my keyboard and subjected this rope to genuine work conditions. Between April and now, we’ve climbed on granite, limestone, and conglomerate. Half our sessions involved project work—substantial falling and rope hanging throughout. We used various belay devices, both tube-style and brake-assist, some quite dirty. Dirty enough that the rope required thorough brush washing after several cragging sessions.

The Anniversal 9.5 completed an extensive road trip over the last six months: San Vito lo Capo, Arco, Aiguilles Rouges, Vallée de l’Arve, Weißbachtal, Bicazului Gorge, Tautavel, Montserrat, and Margalef. It has endured approximately 75 days of climbing while withstanding two machine washes and one vigorous hand wash with rope brush. Notably, there are no signs of fuzziness on the sheath. Handling feels identical to day one. No visible increase in volume is apparent to the naked eye. Following washing, minimal signs of use remain visible, and the rope handles all types of belay devices without compromise.

Consider it official: I’ve found my new sport climbing workhorse. The Anniversal 9.5 withstands everything thrown at it while maintaining brilliant handling characteristics and good durability. With its low bulk, I’m confident it would remain manageable even in 80m or 100m lengths during regular use. With this rope, Tendon has achieved a good equilibrium between maneuverability and durability.

When I wrote my rope-selection guide four years ago, I was comparing the best of what was available. For Tendon’s 20-year milestone, the Anniversal 9.5 is more than a commemorative release—it validates their commitment to evolving proven designs. This rope has genuinely shifted my recommendations: it’s now the one I suggest first to climbers asking which single rope handles sport climbing comprehensively.