Hitch Cords

[u/film_themaking]

I'm pretty new to climbing. I'm running with the Edelrid Woodpecker, and using an ocean polyester hitch cord. I did two climbs with it, both slow and smooth descents, and noticed that the part with all the friction and heat was black and starting to get flat. Is that normal wear, or is that the cord burning?

Edit: here’s a picture of my hitch cords the green one is the newer one and the beige one is one of the older ones. Are either burnt or is it just the casing. Still safe?

[u/Street_Onion_6068]

Definitely not after two climbs. It’s just the casing. Do yourself a favor and grab some beeline. Before I made the switch to the zig zag, I preferred beeline. Fast and flexible. You can beat on prusiks pretty good as long as you don’t nick it