Custom Bull Ropes

RODEO EQUIPMENT and BULL RIDING EQUIPMENT have changed and improved significantly over the last forty + years, and I have "hands on" experienced these improvements - for many years as a bull rider and rope maker, and as a rope maker to this day. One thing that has never changed is my policy and promise: To make the very best PROFESSIONAL QUALITY BULL RIDING ROPE I can for every customer and to GUARANTEE your satisfaction. From past to present, I have enjoyed making ropes for some of the best bull riders in the world ( including a few big league world champs along the way ), but what counts is the rope I make for you. I have never paid for an endorsement from anyone and I do not play favorites. No matter what level of riding you compete in, your rope will be made with total attention and dedication to quality.

The NOTES and rope pictures on this page will give you a good idea of the many options available, and if you know exactly what you want, an order can sometimes be completed through emails, but it is much better for you to call so we can go over every detail. If/ when you get the answering machine, please leave a message and I will return your call promptly. In closing this introduction I want to thank Dwayne Hare, Rankin Lindsey, and Mike O'Farrell for allowing me to use some pictures to show the span of years my ropes have been out there. Thanks for visiting my web page.

Henry Forbes
729 El Centauro
El Paso, Texas 79922
(915) 584-4584
Email: forbesropes@aol.com

OPTIONS
* Every rope listed is available with the following options *
Handhold: 9 Plait or 7 Plait. In widths of 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16", and 1". In Full Lace, Half Full/Half Skip Lace, 3/4 Full/1/4 Skip Lace, 3/4 Lace, 1/2 Lace, and All Skip Lace. Lacing may be the normal slightly rounded or flat. Risers in 1 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 2 inch, 2-1/2 inch, and 2-3/4 inch. Handhold base lengths from 6 inches to 14 inches.

Tails: 5, 7, or 9 Plait. In widths from 3/4 inch to 2+ inches. In Tight, Soft, Extra Soft, and X Extra Soft.

LOOPS and TAILS can be the exact lengths you choose, but the 7 foot Body and 8 foot Tail is a good choice to fit bulls of various sizes without getting under or over gunned. Please Note: I am a stickler on making good, straight loops!

NOTES ON OFFSET HANDHOLDS
The concept of the Offset handhold goes as far back as 1974, but they never really caught on until 20001, and I have made a bunch of them since then. This style of rope has steadily gained in popularity, but the offsets are certainly not for everyone. The main purpose and "PRO" of the offsets is they have proven to relieve stress on the wrist, hand, and arm for many riders. The potential "CON" is that these ropes, by their very construction, may not last as long as conventional ropes and often require a certain adjustment in riding style. Please keep this honest assessment in mind if you are considering an offset and please review the CENTER BLOCK OFFSET and 1/2" OFFSET as described below.
** FOR THE RECORD, the 1" and 2" Offsets as described and pictured on this web page were verifiably developed and perfected right here in my shop during the years 2000 and 20001. Nobody showed me how and I did not copy someone else's design.

NOTES ON BRAZILIAN STYLE ROPES
Like the Offsets, the Brazilian style rope is not for everyone, but there are many riders who like the way these ropes pull from the opposite side of their riding hand; feeling that this helps to better "pack" them to their hand and more to the center of the bull. There is also some contention that there are less hang-ups with the Brazilian style rope.

NOTES ON CONVENTIONAL STYLE ROPES
The block on our Conventional American Bull Rope is 2-1/2 inches wide by 3-1/2 inches long. This block is literally double laced, is extremely stiff, and lays good and flat with no tipping or rolling. The base (bull's side) of the handhold is approximately 1-6/8 inches wide to compliment the block and add stability to the rope - this is critical to the function of your rope.

ROUNDED HANDHOLDS
The Rounded Handhold is not a new concept, but has been increasing in popularity over the past few years. This handhold is constructed so that the "Palm/Underside" is rounded the same as the "Finger/Topside". It can be made in Full Lace, 3/4 Lace, 1/2 Full Lace 1/2 Skip Lace, 3/4 Full Lace 1/4 Skip Lace, 3/4 Lace, or Half Lace. Because of its construction, the rounded handhold cannot be made in All Skip Lace.

THE PATRICK PAD
The PATRICK PAD is simply a built-in Knuckle Pad which is best suited to the OFFSET ROPES. The cost is $8.00 on a 1" or 2" OFFSET rope. $15.00 on a CONVENTIONAL or BRAZILIAN style rope.

CENTER BLOCK OFFSET
I developed this rope just this past year ( 2008 ). When lined out on a flat surface and/or applied to its position on a bull, it is approximately 1& 1/2" in its degree of offset. The handhold is constructed to come out of the center of the block and riser, giving this offset design many benefits: It is stronger than the angled 1" and 2" offsets and will last longer - it feels similar to a conventional rope with the actual offset occurring at the end of the handhold, thereby eliminating most of the "tip", or getting "pulled into your hand" that some riders experience with the other offsets - it is easier to pull and it can be made with a higher rise without jeopardizing the strength of the handhold.
PRICE $290.00

THE 1/2" OFFSET
The 1/2" OFFSET may well be the perfect solution in helping to alleviate hand/wrist/arm problems without potentially sacrificing any longevity of your rope or changing your riding style. Though it is very subtle in the change of "feel" you will experience, the 1/2" offset handhold will help to put your arm in a more natural position, and it will not pull you into your hand - meaning there is very little to no adjustment needed with your riding style. If you are considering an offset handhold for the first time, please talk with me about the benefits of the 1/2" offset.
PRICE $250.00

PRICES
Conventional Bull Rope Brazilian Style Bull Rope 2" Offset 1" Offset Brazilian 2" Offset Brazilian 1" Offset	$230.00 $255.00 $295.00 $295.00 $300.00 $300.00
Extras
Stitched Loop Extra Slider Knots Leather Wear Strip Rounded Handhold	No Charge No Charge $25.00 $15.00
ACCESSORIES * sold only with a purchase of a rope *
1 LB Very sticky Amber rosin by BRINDLE BEATER SOAP/ GLYCERIN BAR by BRINDLE BEATER VESTS by PHOENIX (Black Leather Only)	$10.00 $8.00 $260.00

TERMS * Prepayment in Full, or 50% deposit and balance due at shipping time
* Check, Money Order, or Cashier's Check
* No C.O.D
* Make checks payable to: Henry Forbes
* I pay shipping within the U.S.
* Quotes for out of the country

DELIVERY TIME Delivery times vary depending on the numbers of ropes I have on order and how much I can juggle orders without slighting anyone. Loyal repeat customers usually order far enough ahead of time so that I can often shift things around and get a rope to a new customer a little quicker, and I do so whenever possible. From three to six weeks is a safe bet.

BEFORE YOU CALL When you call to order a rope, we will go over every detail to be sure you get the rope you need.
While planning what options you want on your rope, the most IMPORTANT thing to consider is what "feel" you want in your handhold : Hard/Very Stiff ? Medium/with a little "give", or Medium with a lot of "give" ? As you figure on how you want your handhold, keep in mind that whether you want it ultra hard and stiff or with a little or a lot of give, I will always make your block and the beginning of your handhold so that it will hold up and not roll over. The stiffness, plus or minus, must be distributed throughout the entire length of your handhold. You can have the desired amount of "give" without sacrificing the strength which is imperative at the beginning of any style handhold.