Rope Rescue/Equipment/Need/Descender

From PCSAR

[edit] Requirements

Needs to support 10.5mm to 13mm (PCES) rope
3 sets for attendants
3 @ US$129.95 = US$389.85
2 extra scarabs as dual use lowering devices @ US$129.95 = US$259.90
totals:
- base: US$389.85
- optional: US$259.90
- maximum: US$649.75
- shipping, taxes, duty

[edit] Products

[edit] Preferred

[edit] Conterra Scarab Stainless Steel

preferred option because fits range of rope sizes, becoming norm with other rope teams, can be used as a lowering device

Manufacturer's page

works with 9-13mm rope
http://catalogue.carletonrescue.com/do/ppa/2246/Conterra_Scarab_Stainless_Steel.html
twists:
- impart a very minor twist to the rope in my experience, but not bad
- I notice a small amount of twisting of the rope when using the Scarab in rescue scenario
no auto-stop feature
review, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
country of origin: USA: Built by Conterra Precision, our own in house ISO 9001 certified facility.
Price
- US$129.95+shipping 2016-03-26 from Conterra
  - preferred supplier: for the small price difference, easier to get right from manufacturer; can get manuals at same time
- US$129.95+shipping from Rescue Direct
- US$129.95+shipping from Cascade Rescue
- US$118.30+shipping from Patroller Supply

[edit] Acceptable

[edit] BMS Long Frame Micro Brake Rack

A compact all stainless steel rack made as a "U" frame configuration with 3 heavy duty tubular stainless steel bars. The narrow U shaped design yields a compact easy to use rack. Long version for use with 7/16" (11 mm) and 1/2" (12.5 mm) ropes. This version has a second inverted hyper-bar below the top hyper-bar (see pic.). This modification allows the user to take an additional wrap around the hyper-bars to further increase the load handling abilities of these devices. This modification has been widely accepted in the Fire and Search & Rescue communities as providing a compact and safe alternative to traditional 6 bar open frame racks. Dimensions 10.5" x 2.75" x .75 (26.6 x 7 x 1.9 cm). Weight 16.5 oz. (474 g). Strength 14,000 lbf. (62 kN).

Suitable for lowering rescue size loads (2-person). The double hyper bar system automatically increases braking as the input force increases. Will not twist the rope Top and Bottom bars are a "Hyper Bar" which improves friction control and makes locking off easier.

Perfect for any mountain rescue team that needs to travel fast and light.

Frame rated breaking strength by manufacturer: 63kN

(14,000 lbf). Weight: 448g, Length: 27cm x 7cm.

Note Rope damage occurs at 25.9kN

US$94.90 at Rock N Rescue
No listed price at Carleton Rescue

[edit] SMC Spider

[edit] CMI HYRACKEXNFPA

manufacturer specs

Exceeds tests for national fire protection association standard on fire service life safety rope and system components NFPA 1983-2006 edition. *Not Certified*
Specifications: 2 solid anodized aluminum bars + 2 anodized aluminum hyperbars
Material: 5/16" stainless steel wire form
Weight (with bars): 1.0lbs (453g)
Overall Length:8.3in (21.08cm)
MBS:14,000 (62.2kN)

[edit] SMC Micro Rappel Rack

manufacturer page

Model #: 13700
Frame Material: Stainless Steel Frame, Stainless Steel Tie-Off Bars & Brake Bars
Brake Bars: Stainless
Tie-off Bars: Stainless
Max. Rope size: <= 1/2" (12.5mm)
Dimensions: 8.65" Long
Weight: 16.08 oz (399g)
Made In USA