Which type of ropes are typically used for repelling and offer less rope drag?

Half ropes are designed for applications such as rappelling where less rope drag is essential. They are typically thinner and lighter than static ropes, allowing for greater maneuverability and reduced friction as they pass through belay devices or anchors. This design makes them particularly effective in multi-pitch climbing where managing rope drag can significantly impact performance and safety.

Using half ropes allows climbers to clip each rope to different protection points, which also reduces the chance of rope drag when ascending or descending. This feature is especially useful in technical terrain, where a smoother pass of the rope can enhance overall efficiency during transitions.

In contrast, static ropes, while strong and reliable for fixed anchor points, are less suitable for rappelling because they do not handle dynamic loads or flexibility as effectively as half ropes. Lead ropes and twin ropes also have specific uses that do not emphasize minimizing drag in the same way that half ropes do during rappelling scenarios.