Spark - A first look at the Skylotec Spark Rope Access Descender
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- Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
- The Skylotec Spark.Finally a look at one of the smoothest rope access descenders on the market. Not long after the Sirius was released, Skylotec released the Spark. The main difference is the fact that the Spark does not have an anti panic function making it a very good device for advanced rope access technicians.
This is just a quick intro where I show some of the basic features of the Spark. The next few months I will be working on a full review. Doing something like that properly takes some time and I could not resist getting some of the basics out of the way!
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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 😉
Yeah that is a great feature! But something for the full review. Not for this quick look
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.
It's only been out for a very short time. I am hearing good things from others.
The changeover is the bit I always have to stop an think for a second on which way the rope goes.
Me too haha. But I'm getting better at it ;-)
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!
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..
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.
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
Using the Bm'D, I've no problem !😉
@@julienrivollet3654 I'm using Bm'D as well, with both Sirius and Spark
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
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?
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.
Great video, its nice to have a contender against the Petzl Rig, How do you find the Elderid harness?
Absolutely !!
I really like the Edelrid. At the moment it is my go to harness.
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
I have more experience with the Spark and I totally agree with your findings. What a great descender!!
Thanks for adding to the conversation!!
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.
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
Have seen this. Want to see how it is on wet muddy ropes.
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
How is this device with bigger guys?
Very smooth 👍🏼. I answered your DM on IG👍🏼
What harness are you using here?
He's using the edelrid vector y body harness.
What Eugene Lim said!
What brand are that blue carabiner connected to your fuse?
Should be edelrids oval power triple
That is correct what Waldschrat said
What harness do you use in this video?
Can't remember. CMC Atom/Edelrid Vertic Y/Petzl falcon probablhy
Edelid Megawatt or the Spark? I need to order one quick. I have only used the Petzl Rig.
Difficult call and right now I am leaning towards the Spark. No panic function and an extra becket for some added functionality
@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.
How was the edelrid?
are you thinking of you should have bought the spark? 😁
@@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.
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.
👏👏👏
🙏😀
What brand is your harness mate?
Thank you for asking!
That is the Edelrid Vector Y harness
Cheers mate
@@joellumanglas6497 you’re welcome
Any link for full review?
I am still filming for the full review. Coming end of the year
@@TheRopeAccessChannel thank you for your work. Looking forward seeing it
Did you used aramid ropes with Spark? With standard polyamide ropes you can actually see sparks when you go 3m/s😂
No haha, besides, my backups lock up at 2 m/s ;-)
That's why we got them backups!
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" 😍
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?
@@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.
👍😃👍
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
드뎌~스.로에서도 숙련자용이 나왔네요...리그 처럼 ^^(안티패닉 기능이 없음)
👍🏼👍🏼
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.
That sounds like a reasonable risk assessment. Personally I don't like the panic function of most devices.
@@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.
винайшли Федю, лол
I dont understand my friend