Kevlar and Technora Rope
Renegade Kevlar Rope Wick
Renegade was the first prop maker to use Kevlar as a torch wick (1984) to replace asbestos. Since then and with the advent of fire dance and flow arts, Kevlar wicking has become the industry standard. Renegade has a full selection of rope sizes and thicknesses, which can be used to make a variety of props, like fire poi, fire snakes, jump ropes and others.
Renegade has two grades of Kevlar rope. Our standard rope is made with a woven sleeve, and a stranded, non-woven core, which is very absorbent so that it can hold fuel. We also sell pure 100% Kevlar 12-strand rope, which is a much denser and more durable wick. Stranded rope can be used to hold a load; as it can have splices inside the braided sleeve which you cannot see. The standard rope is not continuous so it could break at the splice under the sleeve.
- Kevlar rope is our standard rope made with a braided sleeve over a stranded core. The fibers to make the sleeve and core are made of a blend consisting of Kevlar and about 10% fiberglass.
- Kevlar rope 100% pure 12-strand rope can be used for making all types of props where you need a higher tensile strength.
- Technora 12-strand rope has a higher temperature and tensile strength than Kevlar and is used for making poi leashes, rope darts and other props.
Pro tips (intermediate to advanced fire dancer)
If you are making a prop for outside use without high winds and only burning a single strand of rope, it needs to be at least 1/2 inch in diameter to hold enough fuel to give off a noticeable flame. For a rope that you are spinning like a fire snake, it needs to be thicker, e.g., at least 3/4 inch, so as not to blow out. For a stationary fire hoop like a tiger would jump through, it needs to be at least 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter to have a high enough flame to look dangerous.