Spark - A first look at the Skylotec Spark Rope Access Descender

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  • Опубликовано: 20 янв 2025

Комментарии • 67

  • @Gogubutelie
    @Gogubutelie Год назад +7

    I'm using this device for some time now and the Sirius for many years, and both of them have a small "issue" every now and then, crossloading the carabiner during transfers, as the gate gets stuck in the connection hole, you can see this at 10:40 in this video. Easy fixable by using a carabiner with a chunkier gate.

    • @DerAndroid478
      @DerAndroid478 Год назад +1

      Yeah I’ve had the same happen with normal carabiners I’ve been using a petzl captiv at first to fix it and than put a micro swivel on it that makes for such a nice combi

    • @julienrivollet3654
      @julienrivollet3654 Год назад +1

      Using the Bm'D, I've no problem !😉

    • @Gogubutelie
      @Gogubutelie Год назад +1

      @@julienrivollet3654 I'm using Bm'D as well, with both Sirius and Spark

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      That was the first time it happened. I thought about cutting it out but it is just something that happens.. I see it all the time while teaching. Even with Id's and Rigs. It is just something to monitor. I'll definitely keep a closer eye on it after what you said. Thanks

  • @julienrivollet3654
    @julienrivollet3654 Год назад +2

    Hi, thank you for this presentation.
    It's really a good device.
    I particularly like also the tip with the handle in case of rescue : because it's possible to operate the handle from a distance (there is a hole where to clip a small carabiner at the end of the handle, like the DMM XSRE), by connecting the rescuer's lanyard in this small carabiner, the casualty will descend when the rescuer will go down on his own rope 😉

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад +1

      Yeah that is a great feature! But something for the full review. Not for this quick look

  • @TrueHelpTV
    @TrueHelpTV Год назад +1

    That FUSE is a pretty sweet little piece of kit, I'm glad I took a minute to figure out what it was; I wasn't aware anyone made a device that combines the features of a ASAP and the ASAP Lock. Pretty nifty.

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      It's only been out for a very short time. I am hearing good things from others.

  • @conservationtreecare2083
    @conservationtreecare2083 Год назад

    So excited for you to do a deep dive on this one. A couple things I would love to see in your main review: 1. The instructions don't seem to require additional friction with a two person rescue load (please correct me if I'm reading that wrong). I tested this out the other day and it seemed fine, would love your take on the function there. 2. It's basically the only device out there I can find that's rated all the way up to 12mm. Would love to see how you like it on 11.5-12 mm ropes. I know that's a big rope for you rope access folks but that's standard diameter for us Arborists and our modern SRS devices (well.. 11.5-8 is really standard). This is not a device we would climb on, but we have been using it in anchors and having one in case of rescue is my primary consideration as many arborist devices just aren't that good under a two person rescue load. Weight seems like one of the main downsides, but it sure feels durable. Thank you!

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      Great to hear!
      I can confirm that you do not need a friction biner. But after about 200/225kg it does give a bit more control. ( I havn't tried that yet).I've used it till about 180 kg, and it worked flawless without extra friction.
      As for that 11mm plus range, I'll keep it in mind however I never encounter ropes that big anymore..

  • @ropeaccessworkermelb
    @ropeaccessworkermelb Год назад +4

    The changeover is the bit I always have to stop an think for a second on which way the rope goes.

  • @matthewhow7952
    @matthewhow7952 Год назад +1

    Great video, its nice to have a contender against the Petzl Rig, How do you find the Elderid harness?

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      Absolutely !!
      I really like the Edelrid. At the moment it is my go to harness.

  • @charliem8458
    @charliem8458 Год назад +1

    That descender is great. I was wondering if there is any way I could ask you how to back up the descender. My challenge is me and hundreds and maybe thousands of hunters use a madrock safeguard to ascend, hang in, and descend trees without a great way to back it up. The biggest challenge is the back up would have to be quiet, compact, and easy for begginer level rope users.

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад +2

      In rope access we use a second rope with a backup. In recreational climbing sometimes a prussik above the descender that could be an option

  • @leonflemming354
    @leonflemming354 Год назад +1

    I have the sirius, and i absolutely love it.
    Short lever action unlike ID/Rig, buttersmooth descent, very rellable lock( even from slacked rope), pretty much impossible to get tangled or activate by accident, and it enshures the rope is inserted correctly.
    I also really like the anti-panik, works well but doesn't annoy at all.
    All in all i just love how it is probably the safest and easiest to use device out there. I actually also take it rock climbing when climbing with beginners, because it is pretty damn idiot proof

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      I have more experience with the Spark and I totally agree with your findings. What a great descender!!
      Thanks for adding to the conversation!!

  • @FalenAnjel2
    @FalenAnjel2 2 месяца назад +1

    I bought one and have my own, I love it. It reminds me of the Sparrow R. However, I didn't read and choose carefully and got the Sirius and wanted the Spark. This might be a good excuse to grab another device and have 2 for a better tandom descent*.

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  2 месяца назад

      Both are great, personally I like the Spark more due to the lack of the safety stop. So yeah, I can see how you'd want one ;-)

  • @schwartztekllc
    @schwartztekllc Год назад +1

    Edelid Megawatt or the Spark? I need to order one quick. I have only used the Petzl Rig.

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад +1

      Difficult call and right now I am leaning towards the Spark. No panic function and an extra becket for some added functionality

    • @schwartztekllc
      @schwartztekllc Год назад

      @The Rope Access Channel I ordered the Edelrid for 200 bucks and will get it quick. Cost and USA availability won out. Next time I order from Europe, I'll probably get a Spark. Thanks for your input and videos. I learn from you and others then my boys learn from me as we practice on our big pecan tree. Fun times.

    • @Charlie-vl9op
      @Charlie-vl9op Год назад

      How was the edelrid?
      are you thinking of you should have bought the spark? 😁

    • @boomupengineering
      @boomupengineering Год назад

      ​@@Charlie-vl9op Ultimately I'd have rather tried the Spark. I just played around with the Edelrid on some 11.7mm rope. It works but I know the Petzl Rig is easier for me to start down the rope nice and smooth. Easier to modulate. Seems like it takes a lot of force on the Edelrid lever and so I have to position the Edelrid different than I am used to, in order to be able to operate the lever with enough force and control. I'm heavy at probably 240# with gear. I may eventually buy a Spark to try but I probably shouldn't spend the money. Mostly my kids are using these things while I am using a Unicender or Rope Runner Pro. I'm learning tree work and the kids are just playing until I put them to work. The Edelrid anti-panic feature might not be too problematic. I didn't have any issues with it.

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад +1

      The Megawatt does take getting used to. I like the small form factor. Lately I have been using Spark more. And them at has to be one of the smoothest descenders. It is just big and I don’t like the handle sticking out.

  • @turkhollinger2195
    @turkhollinger2195 Год назад +2

    How is this device with bigger guys?

  • @joeshmo5399
    @joeshmo5399 Год назад +1

    What harness are you using here?

  • @brianrodman1033
    @brianrodman1033 Год назад

    Sweet. I just saw this device shown on IG and it looks pretty awesome. Happy to find a video from you that takes a look at it. You have my favorite rope access videos (I’m a rock climber so the topics aren’t always applicable but you make them interesting and hold my attention). This might be a stupid question but could this device or a Petzl Rig or ID be used to lead belay a climber, like is often done with a Gri gri?

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      Thanks man! I appreciate it!
      A lot of the newer descenders also hold the EN15151-1 norm which is the belay device standard. So yes you can belay with it. With the older ones you could too, it just did not have the standard. It won't be as smooth though and often means depressing the cam to pay out slack, so it requires a bit more experience and savvy handling.

  • @gregw9554
    @gregw9554 3 месяца назад

    Thanks for the video! Is there a height that is too high for this device, due to rope weight hanging below or heat generated on long rappels? And might you know what the differences are between the Spark and SIRIUS? They both look interesting, and I just saw them today when looking for something else. I might need to buy one to try out in some caves instead of my racks. But hopefully someone else with more money has already done so and can share there opinion here, if I'm lucky. And has anyone tried using it with very stiff caving ropes?

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  2 месяца назад

      All descenders have a max weight and distance on them. Anything above 80-ish meters means you'll have to pull up te rope a bit to unweight and have it slide through teh device

  • @joellumanglas6497
    @joellumanglas6497 Год назад +1

    What brand is your harness mate?

  • @hhuodod2209
    @hhuodod2209 Год назад +2

    Have seen this. Want to see how it is on wet muddy ropes.

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      I hardly ever encounter muddy ropes . Dirty, oily and wet yes. Muddy not.
      But I hear that it is very durable and lasts longer than other devices

  • @filipbelak6594
    @filipbelak6594 Год назад

    Any link for full review?

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад +2

      I am still filming for the full review. Coming end of the year

    • @filipbelak6594
      @filipbelak6594 Год назад +1

      @@TheRopeAccessChannel thank you for your work. Looking forward seeing it

  • @biT516
    @biT516 Год назад

    What brand are that blue carabiner connected to your fuse?

  • @tubosolinas
    @tubosolinas Год назад +2

    The price of Spark is about the same as the new ID,so the competition will be high.God bless we're not rich,otherwise we'd purchased everything out there🤣 One observation tough,you're acting like you're in a rush and i know that this is a demo video,so time counts but it is advisable for a rope access technician to do the changeovers and other operations in a more "ZEN" fashion,because at heights the reaper is waiting for your mistake.I would paraphrase the quote from Bruce Lee : "Don't feeeel,think" 😍

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад +4

      Yeah, the Spark is nicely priced in that range.
      I actually rewatched the climbing part of the video to see where I am rushed. And to be honest, to me, I am moving slow, talk clearly and explain my steps as I go along. I take time to find a way to thread the rope in the Spark etc. If this seems rushed or quick than I would not want you to see me when I am actually working 😂. This is about half speed... I am not really worried about time with these video's. I prefer them to be clear so we can learn. Is there a specific part that makes you feel that I am rushing?

    • @tubosolinas
      @tubosolinas Год назад +1

      @@TheRopeAccessChannel Specific part?Basically the whole video😆.I don't mind the speed.The video is clear,and i can understand everything,no worries there.Indeed this might be my idea,but my point was to remind to people watching the video,to take deliberate,careful actions and think,because routine and muscle memory some times makes us do mistakes.And up there we don't have that luxury.

  • @balcomoz
    @balcomoz Год назад

    Did you used aramid ropes with Spark? With standard polyamide ropes you can actually see sparks when you go 3m/s😂

  • @TSchulzeMasterClimb
    @TSchulzeMasterClimb Год назад

    👏👏👏

  • @TrueHelpTV
    @TrueHelpTV Год назад +1

    I keep a similar device in the rescue kit because i dont like the idea of a panic feature during a rescue operation. I want my rescue IDs to operate like a smart fisk that lets me get that fucker to the ground as fast as possible. But I don't use them for my everyday in case it snags on my gear during a descent and becomes uncontrolled, even though it shouldnt matter if you're backup is rigged properly.

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  Год назад

      That sounds like a reasonable risk assessment. Personally I don't like the panic function of most devices.

    • @TrueHelpTV
      @TrueHelpTV Год назад

      @@TheRopeAccessChannel I can appreciate and understand that... I've got a D4 and an older petzil Rig that lock up way too easy... its like come on man I want a hot rope to keep my hands warm when I hit the ground.

  • @joe5511
    @joe5511 Год назад

    드뎌~스.로에서도 숙련자용이 나왔네요...리그 처럼 ^^(안티패닉 기능이 없음)

  • @Theminju410
    @Theminju410 Год назад

    👍😃👍

  • @noname-ev5in
    @noname-ev5in Год назад

    винайшли Федю, лол

  • @barshcheuski
    @barshcheuski 9 месяцев назад

    What harness do you use in this video?

    • @TheRopeAccessChannel
      @TheRopeAccessChannel  8 месяцев назад

      Can't remember. CMC Atom/Edelrid Vertic Y/Petzl falcon probablhy