We use tubular webbing to protect our anchor ropes on group rock climbing trips. Take that for what you will
That's the thing...rope protectors protect the rope from cuts and abrasion. They don't spread the load to protect the rock/tree. Of course the rock doesn't need much protecting.
That is true, an a climbing rope fills out the webbing all the way. Climbing ropes do plenty of damage to trees, I see plenty of damage from over use at popular areas.
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