Sunday, January 30, 2011

New Via Ferrata set Skyrider able to brake on cable!

Skylotec released the SkyRider: A new via ferrata set, where one of the karabiners is replaced by an innovative blocking mechanism (Skyturn) that instantly brakes on the safety cable when a fall occurs.




Conventional Via Ferrata sets often show serious security gaps in case of drops. The falling person rushes undamped along the safety rope to the next bolting. In case of emergency this can result in serious injuries. Additionally this means an extra load on the karabiner.

The Skyrider set consists of two revolutionary components, which replace the old safety mechanisms and therefore avoid basic problems while belaying a fixed cable route.

The novel connecting element Skyturn substitutes the classic karabiner on one end of the set. Skyturn is placed on the cable rope and is locked and secured with the help of a simple inter-locking. It was designed for cables from 10,5 mm up to 18 mm. In case of a drop, Skyturn clamps to the cable and the falling person is held in his current position without sliding all the way down to the next bolting. The risk of serious injuries is minimized (see fall factor / impact factor). In order to hook into the next section, the locking will be released and the disc has to be turned for 45 degrees. If necessary the skyturn can be easily replaced with a locking karabiner, giving you the same possibilities as a traditional via ferrata set.


The second component of the set is an especially designed karabiner. Unlike common karabiners, this one is made of steel and therefore offers high tensile strength and optimum bending load. Two steel cores, both 2 mm thick, can move against each other in case of edge load and such create a redundant system which one might know from twin ropes. The special design allows ultimate grip even with gloves and a slipping off the karabiner is nearly impossible. Additionally it offers a catch with an opening of 28mm, the largest on the market.

Note: according to the manufacturer these sets are also suited for children

Available in Belgium at De Berghut for about € 159,95.

Below are the instruction videos from the company, showing you how to use the equipment correctly and safe in different terrain.


Sunday, January 30, 2011

New Via Ferrata set Skyrider able to brake on cable!

Skylotec released the SkyRider: A new via ferrata set, where one of the karabiners is replaced by an innovative blocking mechanism (Skyturn) that instantly brakes on the safety cable when a fall occurs.




Conventional Via Ferrata sets often show serious security gaps in case of drops. The falling person rushes undamped along the safety rope to the next bolting. In case of emergency this can result in serious injuries. Additionally this means an extra load on the karabiner.

The Skyrider set consists of two revolutionary components, which replace the old safety mechanisms and therefore avoid basic problems while belaying a fixed cable route.

The novel connecting element Skyturn substitutes the classic karabiner on one end of the set. Skyturn is placed on the cable rope and is locked and secured with the help of a simple inter-locking. It was designed for cables from 10,5 mm up to 18 mm. In case of a drop, Skyturn clamps to the cable and the falling person is held in his current position without sliding all the way down to the next bolting. The risk of serious injuries is minimized (see fall factor / impact factor). In order to hook into the next section, the locking will be released and the disc has to be turned for 45 degrees. If necessary the skyturn can be easily replaced with a locking karabiner, giving you the same possibilities as a traditional via ferrata set.


The second component of the set is an especially designed karabiner. Unlike common karabiners, this one is made of steel and therefore offers high tensile strength and optimum bending load. Two steel cores, both 2 mm thick, can move against each other in case of edge load and such create a redundant system which one might know from twin ropes. The special design allows ultimate grip even with gloves and a slipping off the karabiner is nearly impossible. Additionally it offers a catch with an opening of 28mm, the largest on the market.

Note: according to the manufacturer these sets are also suited for children

Available in Belgium at De Berghut for about € 159,95.

Below are the instruction videos from the company, showing you how to use the equipment correctly and safe in different terrain.