Nylon Riot

When synthetic fibers changed the roping industry.

There’s little question that the most significant technological advancement in team rope manufacturing is the introduction of synthetic fibers to the rope.

Prior to the 1960s, ropes were made of several different natural materials: most notably rawhide, or hemp—imported from Southeast Asia, and often referred to as “Manila.” To a lesser degree, cotton and hair ropes existed. Early (and present-day) California vaqueros braided and used rawhide, dallying on a large horn. Later, Texas cowboys used grass ropes—tied on hard-and fast—to do their work.