A controlled failure rope and method of making the same. The controlled failure rope comprises first and second portions. The first portion is formed of a first material having a first set of tension failure characteristics. The second portion is formed of a second material having a second set of tension failure characteristics. The first and second sets of tension failure characteristics differ such that, when the rope is subjected to tension loads above a tension threshold, the first portion of the rope begins to fail before the second portion of the rope, therefore providing a prior indication of possible rope failure before the rope becomes completed separated.
