8 plait – produces a knobbly cover, normally quite a thick cover so small core. Examples include excel matrix and 8 plait pre-stretch.
16 plait over 2 under 2 –made on same machine type as 8 plait, gives a smoother cover with more space for core, suits smaller core dependent ropes such as Excel Pro, Excel Racing, Fusion etc In larger sizes this construction can give a firm round rope with a small core such as Gecko arborist ropes .
24 plait – This construction gives a good balance between a thick durable cover whilst retaining space for core. Can be used in both core dependant and balanced rope designs. Spliceability is typically good. Examples include D2 and doublebraid.
16 plait – Similar to 24 plait, can make thinner cover though if required. Examples include D2 club, marlowbraid and Static LSK.
32 plait – Can be made with a thinner cover than 24 plait allowing bigger/stronger core. Harder to splice in this form though. Thin cover doesn’t always work well in deck hardware. Examples include Dynaline defender and Prostatic..
48 plait – Thinner cover than either 24 plait or 32 allowing bigger/stronger core. Mainly used in in climbing ropes and chafe covers.