Dear Richard,
I am having a hard time choosing what rope lay is best for me. I find that I can swing a softer rope faster, but catch the same amount as swinging a hard rope. What should I do?
Thanks,
K.C., Lebanon , Ore.

Dear K.C.,
A stiffer rope is going to allow for more mistakes in your delivery. If you can swing a stiffer rope and still catch the same amount of steers, you should stick with it. If a steer happens to stumble or you throw a bad loop, a stiffer rope is going to stay open better when it hits the ground. A softer rope tends to collapse. It won’t stay open if there’s any change in the steer or your delivery. The stiffer rope can overcome some of those things.
Sincerely,
Richard Durham