Abstract: To identify the need for replacement of stranded synthetic fiber ropes, preferably ropes of aramide fiber, a torsionally neutral rope construction of load-bearing fiber strands is obtained by having at least two layers of strands laid together in opposite directions so that the torsional forces in the layers of strands compensate each other. If the layers of the strands become weakened by unequal amounts due to wear or external influences, when the rope is under load and running operationally it begins to twist about its longitudinal axis. The twisting of the rope can be made visible by a colored mark or strip extending along the length of the rope to indicate twisting of the rope thereby providing visual identification of the need for replacement of the rope.