My lady's rope came in the mail before mine did, so I practiced with hers for a few days before I got mine. She got a polyblend 4 strand team rope and I got this here calf rope. It wasn't until I got mine and solely used mine for a couple of weeks and then tried using hers again, that I realized that I loved the way this rope feels in my hand. I love that it has a bigger diameter, a "grippier" grab to the touch yet still slides freely though your palm and bigger strands/grooves. I am yet to try a stiffer lay, perhaps a medium soft or even a medium - but so far I love the way the tip feels as it's coming around and it stays open right where you want it. If you're looking for a rope that feels "real", this is it for ya.