Never used old rope

Question
I recently purchased some used gear - carabiners, harness, shoes, chalk bags, webbing and the guy also included a never used 150 ft. 11 mm dry mammut rope. It is still wrapped in its original plastic. But he brought it in 1994. I am assuming that is past the shelf life of a rope. I would be using it for top roping and rappelling. He also included a used rope which I am assuming I should use a clothesline and not much else. Thanks, Bruce

Answer
Bruce,

I don't thing it's a good idea to use any soft goods without knowing the history of the equipment. Ropes and harnesses are two such items we use with no redundancy. I'm sure the rope in the plastic is OK for the uses you mentioned, however, ropes are pretty inexpensive when you think about what your life is worth. I would go get a new one.

Be safe,

Jeff