The Full Skylotec Spark Review - Is this the best descender?
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- Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
- This is the long term review of the SKYLOTEC SPARK.
After 8 months of solid use it is time I bring you this long term review of the SKYLOTEC Spark. The Spark is very similar to the Sirius and only lacks the anti panic function. Personally, for my own kit I don’t like those functions so the Spark suits me perfectly. The Spark has very quickly become one of my favorite descenders out there. It is supersmooth on the rope and for rescues you do not need an extra friction carabiner. The rope path through the Spark is also much more straight than in other devices and doesn’t twist the rope as much.
Watch the full video where I share all the ins and outs of the device. It is such a great descender. Some of the things I explain are:
- The Specifications of the Spark
- How to use a Spark in a rescue
- How to use the Spark remotely from a distance
- How to haul and lower using the Spark
- Why the Spark is good in a dual descender setup
- And of course some of my dislikes of the device
From the Skylotec website:
SPARK is designed for permanent use in the toughest conditions. The product combines the advantages of the best descenders for industrial and rescue use. SPARK is characterised in particular by its design without anti-panic function, which enables fast, precise and uninterrupted abseiling. Intuitive and simple rope handling, while the carabiner on the harness can remain connected to the device, the well thought-out ergonomics and the precise operation of the lever allow for the best handling. Thanks to the sophisticated rope guide inside the device, the rope is protected against twisting and kinking aswell as heavy wear. - Fast, precise, uninterrupted abseiling without anti-panic-function - Outstanding handling thanks to compact, ergonomic design and intuitive rope guide - Durable and robust: 100% metal without vulnerable plastic parts
Standards:
EN 12841-C:2006
EN 15151-1:2012
EN 341-2A:2011
NET WEIGHT 0.51 kg
MATERIAL Aluminium, Steel
MAXIMUM LOAD 250.00 kg
MAXIMUM LOAD 1 PERSON 141.00 kg
MAXIMUM LOAD 2 PERSONS 250.00 kg
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS 2
MAX. ABSEIL SPEED 2.00 m/s
MINIMUM COMPATIBLE ROPE DIAMETER 9.00 mm
MAXIMUM COMPATIBLE ROPE DIAMETER 12.00 mm
MAXIMUM LIFETIME 30 years
Video's mentioned in this video:
The SKYLOTEC SPARK introduction:
• Spark - A first look a...
The FRICTION video exploring how much friction our devices create:
• How much friction does...
The Pulley system playlist explaining SIMPLE, COMPOUND and COMPLEX pulley systems:
• Pulley Systems
RADS. Rapid Ascent Descent System:
• Rapid Ascent Descent S...
The full GRIMPDAY by SKYLOTEC Playlist:
• Grimpday 2023 by Skylotec
Welcome video where I explain the philosophy behind The Rope Access Channel
• Welcome to THE ROPE AC...
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
0:15 What’s in de box
4:20 How to put the rope in the Spark
8:48 A very easy rescue with the spark
13:31 How to lower a load or casualty remotely
15:42 The disadvantages of the SKYLOTEC SPARK
18:40 Dual Spark Descent
21:43 How to SUPPORT the channel
23:18 How to lift a load with the Skylotec Spark
29:15 Conclusion of the Skylotec Spark Review
33:18 Bonus points for the Spark - Навчання та стиль
What are your thoughts about the @skylotec Spark?
Looks like a great product. I have a cmc clutch which I really like. Much more expensive. I feel it does everything any other device does only more efficiently. Would like to see a video on the clutch and your thoughts as well.
Hey, (don't read if you don't want, full paragraph ahead!)
Just wanted to say thanks for your content and excellent reviews like this one! I think I might be minority in rope access in the fact that I'm choosing to pursue it *first thing* after finishing high school and becoming an adult - most people I've met have been doing this for years! I only recently became SPRAT certified and I've seen a ton of different equipment for different situations, but I'm always looking to learn more! Your channel and content have consistently broadened my perspective and mindset to encompass different ways to use equipment, more effective methods for achieving different goals/results, or (like this review) teach me about features on equipment would never occur to me otherwise! (I now want a Skylotec Spark... Darn the lack of budget that comes with being a young adult!)
My life is a very small corner of the rope access world, but I am fascinated about all the rest - your channel and the effort you put into it is one of the few ways I can continue to engage with a community I really look up to! Thank you for being a credible source and a pillar of inspiration!!!
Wauw!! Thank you so much for this!!! I am happy my content is helpful :-). This is exactly why I started the Channel so it is great to hear!!
Thank you!
Excellent video ALex. I feel the same with the handle on the Sirius. Using a small rope on the handle is a great feature. I like how you mentioned using two descenders on a Long drop and having them parallel. Your video showing the rescue with all the rope stretch greatly shows how this is a huge issue. JIm
Thank you for your feedback Jim🙏🏻🙏🏻
I love the spark, biggest advantage in my opinion is that you can operate the cam with your thumb on a slope.
I use a Rock Exotica Pirate Wire Eye carabiner to prevent the spark fron crossloading the carabiner.
I use the Pirate WireEye as well with the descender.
That cam trick works on all EN1515-1 devices though ;-)
The Rock Ex wire has been mentioned a few times before. I think I will have a go at that as well. Thanks for chiming in
!
Thanks for the tip !
I've used countless descent devices over the years. I purchased the Spark Tactical a couple years ago and it is stellar. Smooth under load, versatile, well-made, great as a brake/pulley combo in haul systems. My ONLY complaint is that it does not tolerate saltwater environments at all. I did a short descent off an oceanside cliff and the internals showed rust in less than 24 hours, and that was only from the air. The device was never submerged in saltwater. Maritime operators take note. Otherwise this is hands-down the best device I've ever used for its intended purpose.
Good point and one I have not tested! Thanks for sharing!
Very nice review Alex, i have Sirius its great and anti panic function is not annoying as on some other devices. Very durable device! Keep rocking!!!🎉🎉
Thank you very much!
Zoals steeds een prachtige review.
Thanks :-)
Great video and review Alex thanks!
Thanks Paul!
Glad you liked it!
Nice work man great to watch and learn as all ways.
It’s such a topic at the moment trying to find the best descenda.
R.A.T in London are on the Sirius and love it I’ve been on the ID and RIG for a while naw but they don’t last long probably going to switch it up after this sweet long term review
Glad you enjoyed it!
If I were in the market for a descender it would be a Rig or Spark. The only reason I mention the rig is that the form factor is a bit smaller. Descent wise, durability all go to the Spark. It is just a bit big with that handle. I think I can deal with that haha
Great video mate. Appreciate the content.
Glad you enjoyed it
great video, always good to have a review with both good and bad points. Maybe a comparison in weight and price to other popular descenders?
Thanks Bob :-)
Good points. Price might be difficult because of differences around the world and a compared to I'd it is more or less expensive could be done.
I did put the weight in the video though ;-) Just not compared to anything else. I'll do that in future reviews for sure.
Thanks man
Alex the rescue is a fantastic idea welcome on that idea I love it 👏 to prevent rotation of carabiner I use a Petzl Bmd biner
Had these devices since they were released have been the best I’ve used so far fantastic video!!
Thanks!!
The Bmd is an interesesting choice! That is a new tip. Good one, thank you
I switched to the spark about 4 months ago, using anything else now feels clunky to me. Rigs do not feel nice after using the spark! I love mine! Keep up the great work mate!
Totally agree 👍🏻
Had Sirius when they first came out. Love using a spark
I totally agree!!
Very good review. I use a Sirius and love it very much. I use the same trick with the lever when inserting the rope and it's a single fluid movement. To avoid crossloading the carabiner I use a Petzl OK carabiner with a petzl captiv adjust. This allows you to open the Sirius/Spark wide enough.
Yes, great tip about the Captive Adjust. There is more people using that one who mentioned that to me. Thanks
Hi Man, really damn good movies! Friction, pulleys, Spark test, great 👍🏻 Taz and Megawat time ;)
Thanks 🙏🏻. The Megawatt already has 2 video’s out. This is the link to the full review: ua-cam.com/video/hOvPtoCHu4g/v-deo.htmlsi=Ln65q_mfL_uL5mhe
The TAZ LOV3 review is in the works 👍🏻
First descender I have seen that may tempt me away from my Sparrow. I really like that facility to be able to control both the main and backup at the same time for a lower, really handy! Some very nice safety features too
What is it that you like about the Sparrow over other descenders at the moment?
@@TheRopeAccessChannel Probably familiarity more than anything at this point, Ive been on them for a decade and I just like the feel and durability. Initially it was because I didn't like the size or feel of the ID at my weight (too light for it) and rigs didn't cope with geotech for very long. I still have my first one, it got me through my first thousand hours, it's 10 years old now and although it's only been used for lowering gear since the 200 came out its still seen a lot of rock dust yet still functions perfectly. It takes a while for the latest gear to become available down here, and I have a bit of a play with whatever is at the training centre when I have to reassess, but I just keep coming back the the bird.
Gotcha. I was really excited when they announced it at the A+A a LOOOONNNNGGG time ago. I though finally a competitor to the I’d.. Then I had a work day on it and realized that it did not work for me.. I used it again a two years ago during my ITRA course. And I still don’t like it.. That might also be lack of familiarity. And with a Rig in hand and now the Spark, nothing comes close to the ease of use. I reckon most of this is just what you are used to and personal preference 👍🏻
@@TheRopeAccessChannel Yeah totally, so spoiled for choice nowadays pretty much all of it is excellent and much kinder to use that a stop and a couple of shunts
For sure haha. It is great not having to tie of a descender to stop going down😂😂
Nice video Alex!
Alex or someone know how is working with it in big highs for example 160m?
Thanks
good video
Thanks
i like the the Spark/Sirius a lot. definitly in my top 3 descenders along with the megawatt and the lov3.
i´ve had the same issue with the carabiner crossloading. fixed it with a captiv at first and because of the sideplate not properly opening ive changed since to a dmm ceros Locksafe with that i can still change out the carabiner quickly if i want to.
Yeah that is my experience as well. I will change that captiv I have now for something else. I'll look into that dmm biner. Thanks for the tip 👍🏻
The DMM Ceros is the winner for the GriGri as well. Great little thing.
I use the Captiv Adjust, works perfectly, I can open it all the way. Only works on Petzl Biners though.
Rock Exoticas Pirate Eye carabiner do that job as well and you don't need a tool to apply them do the device.
Hey!
Quick Question!
Is het ook mogelijk deze als positionerings lijn te gebruiken? Ziet er erg prettig uit!
En een mooie review video!
Thanks. Je zou hem als postionering kunnen gebruiken. Al is hij daar voor wel wat groot.. Een Grillon of MadROck Safeguard is wel wat beter vind ik
Love mine - use a rubber captive bar on a Skylotec crab 👍🏻✅
That was the next thing I wanted to try!
Obrigado pelas informações que você nos passa.
Elenilton " Brazil
You are welcome
What do you think of the SPARK??
At 14:00 I see the ASAP in use during the lower from the overhead anchor. Is that necessary? You basically have a twin tension system. If one line fails the other is still in tension, so why the ASAP? There should be no shock load with twin tension. Is that an IRATA requirement even with twin tension? Also, if I use the ASAP on a lower I typically keep it with me at the anchor so if it is deployed I can have access to it and address it. Thanks for the great video!
I think the scenario is unclear. It is not a twin tension system. It is a rigged for lower setup. The rope tech works on the ropes and does his own up and down movement. Instead of knots we rig two descenders tied of. In case of emergency, rescue is easy because we can lower him to the ground. Does that make sense?
@@TheRopeAccessChannel You may have mentioned it was a rig for lower and I missed it. That completely makes sense. Great video. As always, I look forward to more content.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Nice review. Only used this once so have very limited familiarity with the device but the antenna-handle was a real pain when doing the classic "beached whale" technique on & off a flat roof; it just stabs the rope pad & is troublesome over a 90 degree edge, especially when going back up. Like many of us, I'm a bit disillusioned with the "semi-disposable-soft-alloy-junk" that a famous company makes nowadays but I feel that Skylotec need to modify this if they want to have any chance of dominating the industry as the Frenchies still rule when it comes to the actual design side.
Hahaha YES on everything you said hahaha.
I feel the same about the handle. If they can change that we are close to the perfect descender!
@TheRopeAccessChannel How do you get over fear of heights?
I don't know. There are several theories. I like the one about exposure therapy and just knowledge. If you are certain your system is solid and are working with credible Level 3's, than it is just a matter of doing it. We all have these little moments where it feels a bit different than normal. We check our system and just get it done. There is no reason for anything to go wrong... Start small and gradually go higher ;-)
Can you descend more than 150 meters in rescue? Greetings
Well, if you read the manual you can download by simply going to the Skylotec website it says 190 meters for 20 consecutive descents. So yep, your good
So after 20 descents, you need to let the Spark cool off? Jim@@TheRopeAccessChannel
Hahaha, hopefully we will never have to do 20 consecutive rescues of 190 meters!
Nice toy ,comment for coverage
Thanks 👍