Helix Operations > Tactical > Products > Descenders & Belay Devices

Tactical Descenders & Belay Devices

Advances in manufacturing have allowed for significant improvements in rope control devices, even simple belay devices for mountaineering are now hot forged and CNC machined allowing for tighter tolerances, ease of use and improved control. Auto locking devices and force limiting devices have also greatly influenced the techniques and systems used in modern rope access and rescue whilst significantly improving safety.

Read our Rope Control Devices Comparison brochure

{ "colour": "#000000" }

[{ "Product Name": "Skylotec Spark Tactical", "Product Code": "SKA-057", "Weight": "510g / 1.12lbs", "Dimensions": "47x79x175mm / 1.85x3.11x6.9in", "Rope Compatibilty": "9-11mm", "Maximum Load": "250kg / 551lbs", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No ", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "EN 12841-C:2006, EN 15151-1:2012, EN 341-2A:2011" }]

Auto-locking descender without the anti-panic function.
Certified for use on a wider range of rope diameter ropes.
During rope insertion, the carabiner can stay connected to both the harness and the device.
Ergonomic handle allows for controlled descents.
Self-locking side-plate.

Skylotec Spark Tactical

Based on the successful Sirius descender, but with features optimised for the tactical user.

{ "colour": "#000000" }

[{ "Product Name": "Skylotec Sirius ", "Product Code": "SKA-050", "Weight": "510g / 1.12lbs", "Dimensions": "47x79x175mm/ 1.85x3.11x6.9in", "Rope Diameter": "10-12mm", "Maximum Load": "250kg / 551lbs", "Anti-Panic Feature": "Yes", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "DIN EN 12841-C:2006, DIN EN 15151-1:2012, DIN EN 341-2A:201", "NSN Code": "8465-12-416-6810" }]

An extremely compact design featuring all the advantages of the best descenders for rescue applications.
Auto-returning operating lever has a particularly small radius of motion so work can be carried out quickly and safely.
During rope insertion, the carabiner on the harness can stay connected to the device.
Rope is protected from twisting and kinking due to the device design.

Skylotec Sirius

A compact, durable descender for industrial and rescue applications.

{ "colour": "#000000" }

[{ "Product Name": "Petzl I'D S ", "Product Code": "PZD020AA01", "Weight": "600g / 1.32lbs", "Dimensions": "80 x 200 x 55mm", "Rope Diameter": "10-11.5mm", "Maximum Load": "250kg / 551lbs", "Anti-Panic Feature": "Yes", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "EN 341 type 2 class A, CE EN 12841 type C, CE EN 15151-1, ANSI Z359.4, NFPA 1983 Technical Use" },{ "Product Name": "Petzl I'D L ", "Product Code": "PZD020BA01", "Weight": "600g / 1.32lbs", "Dimensions": "90 x 255 x 65mm", "Rope Diameter": "12.5-13mm", "Maximum Load": "280kg / 551lbs", "Anti-Panic Feature": "Yes", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "EN 341 type 2 class A, CE EN 12841 type C, CE EN 15151-1, ANSI Z359.4, NFPA 1983 Technical Use" }]

Petzl I'D

A self braking descender with a multi-function handle that allows control of the descent speed.

{ "colour": "#000000" }

{ "colour": "#f8d568" }

[{ "Product Name": "Petzl Rig", "Product Code": "PZD021AA01", "Weight ": "400g", "Dimensions": "70 x 180 x 54mm", "Rope Diameter": "10 -11.5mm", "Maximum Load": "200kg", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "EN 341 type 2 class A, CE EN 12841 type C, ANSI Z359.4, NFPA 1983 General Use" },{ "Product Name": "Petzl Rig", "Product Code": "PZD021AA00", "Weight ": "400g", "Dimensions": "70 x 180 x 54mm", "Rope Diameter": "10 -11.5mm", "Maximum Load": "200kg", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Colour": "Red", "Certification": "EN 341 type 2 class A, CE EN 12841 type C, ANSI Z359.4, NFPA 1983 General Use" }]

Petzl Rig

Compact self-braking descender for rope access.

{ "colour": "#FFA500" }

[{ "Product Name": "Petzl I'D Evac", "Product Code": "PZD020CA01", "Weight": "615g", "Dimensions": "85 x 200 54mm", "Rope Compatability": "10 to 11.5mm", "Maximum Load": "250kg", "Anti-Panic Feature": "Yes", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "EN 341 type 2 class A, CE EN 12841 type C, ANSI Z359.4, NFPA 1983 Technical Use" },{ "Product Name": "Petzl I'D Evac", "Product Code": "PZD020CA00", "Weight": "615g", "Dimensions": "85 x 200 54mm", "Rope Compatability": "10 to 11.5mm", "Maximum Load": "250kg", "Anti-Panic Feature": "Yes", "Colour": "Yellow", "Certification": "EN 341 type 2 class A, CE EN 12841 type C, ANSI Z359.4, NFPA 1983 Technical Use" }]

A safety gate on the moving side plate allows the rope to be installed easily while the device remains connected to the anchor.
An anti-error catch reduces the risk of an accident due to incorrect installation of the device on the rope.
The anti-panic function automatically stops the descent if the user pulls too hard on the handle.
Once locked, the rope can be taken up without having to manipulate the handle, allowing the user to make a reversible haul system.
The moving side-plate can be locked shut with a screw, allowing the I’D EVAC to be integrated into evacuation kits.
Open auxiliary brake allows the user to increase the friction in accordance with the weight of the load and the rope diameter, and to install or release a rope at any time.

Petzl I'D Evac

A self braking descender to lower personnel from an anchor point.

{ "colour": "#000000" }

[{ "Product Name": "Harken CMC Clutch", "Product Code": "HRIN401", "Weight": "836g / 1.84lbs ", "Dimensions": "208 x 112 x 47mm / 8.2 x 4.4 x 1.9in", "Rope Diameter": "10.5–11mm / 7-16in", "Maximum Load": "272kg / 600lbs", "Colour": "Graphite", "Certification": " EN 12841:2006/C, EN 341:2001/2A, EN 15151-1: 2012/8" }]

Features a faceted ratcheting sheave of stainless steel.
Combines the attributes of more expensive multipurpose devices with those of less sophisticated wearable personal descenders.
The double latched side-plate is independant of the devices attachment point.
Patented mechanical geometry inside the device and an ergonomic handle.

Harken CMC Clutch

Personal descender and traditional raise/lower system.

{ "colour": "#6d6f71 " }

[{ "Product Name": "Skylotec Mark 1 Tactical", "Product Code": "SKA-039", "Weight": "450G", "Dimensions": "205 x 34 x 85mm", "Rope Compatibility": "10-12mm", "Maximum Load": "200kg", "Anti-Panic Feature": "Yes", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "EN 12841-C:2006, EN 341-2A:2011" }]

Extremely robust construction: two moving parts only, very high breaking loads, no exposed parts that could be easily broken.
Extremely high braking forces (> 10 kN with 11 mm rope).
Gentle transition between stop to go.
Braking by pressing is a more intuitive operation.
No creep on the rope once the handle is released. You stay where you stopped.
Single handed operation: allows one hand to stay free to operate equipment.
Rubber covered handle and side plates reduces noise and allows covert movement.
Possibility of installing a quick release device for window entry.

Skylotec Mark 1 Tactical

Gives very strong grip on the rope and offers a smooth transition between stop and go.

{ "colour": "#1f2323 " }

[{ "Product Name ": "Petzl Neox", "Product Code": "PZD016AA02", "Colour": "Black", "Weight": "235g", "Rope Compatibility": "8.5 to 11 mm single rope", "Certification": "CE EN 15151-1, UKCA, UIAA" }]

Belay device with cam-assisted blocking, optimised for lead climbing.
Creates a more comfortable belay.
Compatible with 8.5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes and optimized for those 8.9 to 10.5 mm.
3:1 mechanical advantage from the handle and camming mechanism.

Petzl Neox

Belay device with cam-assisted blocking, optimised for belaying both lead and and top rope climbers.

[{ "Product Name ": "Mad Rock Safeguard", "Product Code": "-", "Colour": "Black", "Rope Diameter": "8.9-11mm", "Weight": "154g", "Certification": "CE EN 15151-1" }]

Mad Rock Safeguard

Compact and lightweight autoblock device suitable for rescue and rigging work.

{ "colour": "#6d6f71 " }

[{ "Product Name": "Petzl GRIGRI", "Product Code": "PZD014BA00", "Weight": "175g", "Dimensions": "125 x 210 x 50mm", "Rope Compatability": "8.5-11mm Single Rope", "Assisted Locking": "Yes", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Certification": "CE EN 15151-1, UKCA, UIAA", "Colour": "Grey" }]

Cam assisted blocking for a more comfortable belay.
Cam assisted blocking offers leeway for the brake-side hand position.
Intended for all users and is simple to use for belaying both lead and top rope climbers.
Comfortable and convenient when lowering.

Petzl GRIGRI

Belay device with assisted braking, for a broad range of single rope diameters.

{ "colour": "#FFA500" }

[{ "Product Name": "CT Click Up Plus", "Product Code": "AD2K670BWNSYF", "Weight": "110g", "Dimensions": "74 x 95mm", "Rope Compatibility ": "8.5-11mm Single", "Assisted Locking": "No", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Colour": "Blue", "Certification": "EN 15151-2:2012 type 2" },{ "Product Name": "CT Click Up Plus", "Product Code": "AD2K645BSISYH", "Weight": "110g", "Dimensions": "74 x 95mm", "Rope Compatibility ": "8.5-11mm Single", "Assisted Locking": "No", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Colour": "Yellow", "Certification": "EN 15151-2:2012 type 2" }]

Effective in paying out rope.
Comfortable for top-rope belayers.
V-Proof System makes the device even safer.

CT Click Up Plus

An effective and ergonomic manual braking belay device.

{ "colour": "#6d6f71 " }

{ "colour": "#1f2323 " }

[{ "Product Name": "Anka", "Product Code": "A1100MG", "EAN": "5031290220002", "Colour": "Matt Grey", "Weight": "169g", "Rope Diameter": "-", "Meets Requirements of": "EN15151-2:2013" },{ "Product Name": "Anka", "Product Code": "A1100BLK", "EAN": "5031290101059", "Colour": "Black", "Weight": "169g", "Rope Diameter": "-", "Meets Requirements of": "EN15151-2:2013" }]

Abseil specific device for increased control when abseiling
Robust design for intensive use
Large surface area gives effective heat dissipation.
90 degree offset ensures correct loading

Anka

An abseil device that is purpose built for extended abseiling and heavy use.

{ "colour": "#6d6f71 " }

[{ "Product Name": "Figure of Eight", "Product Code": "A1150MG", "EAN": "5031290213493", "Colour": "Matt Grey", "Weight": "116g", "Rope Diameter": "Half/Twin: 7.3mm-9.2mm | Single: 8.5mm-11mm", "Meets Requirements of": "EN15151-2:2013" }]

Abseil specific device for increased control when abseiling
Robust design for intensive use

Figure 8

The classic abseil device, ideal for walls and training centres running group abseil sessions.

{ "colour": "#1f2323 " }

[{ "Product Name": "MiniEight", "Product Code": "R3F1", "Weight": "60g", "Dimensions": "92mm (h) x 82mm (w)", "Assisted Locking": "No", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Colour": "Black", "Certification": "NFPA Type G - 14kN" }]

MiniEight

Descender which accomodates a wide range of rope sizes.

{ "colour": "#000000" }

{ "colour": "#C0C0C0" }

[{ "Product Name ": "Kong Big 8 Aluminium", "Product Code": "KN80506N400KK", "Weight": "260g / 9.17oz", "Dimensions": "172mm / 6.77in Length", "Rope Compatibility": "9-16mm", "Rope Compatibility": "No", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Colour": "Black" },{ "Product Name ": "Kong Big 8 Stainless Steel", "Product Code": "KN805050000KK ", "Weight": "750g / 26.45oz", "Dimensions": "172mm / 6.77in Length", "Rope Compatibility": "9-16mm", "Rope Compatibility": "No", "Anti-Panic Feature": "No", "Colour": "Silver" }]

Large Figure 8 device that is best on thicker ropes, although skinnier ropes can be connected through the small middle slot for increased friction.
A stainless-steel version is available in black as a bespoke item (MOQs apply) and provides a virtually indestructible abseil/rappel device.
Wings/ears to stop the rope from being pushed back over the top of the Figure 8 when going over edges.
A large central hole that increases the probability of the device to be able to pass knots in the system.
Tested to meet the requirements of EN15151-2 for ropes 9 to 16 mm thick.

Kong Big 8

Figure 8 descender for abseiling and rappelling best suited to thicker ropes.

{ "colour": "#6d6f71 " }

[{ "Product Name": "Pivot", "Product Code": "A1160MG", "EAN": "5031290211567", "Colour": "Matt Grey", "Weight": "72g", "Rope Diameter": "Half/Twin: 7.3mm-9.2mm | Single: 8.7mm-11mm", "Meets Requirements of": "EN15151-2:2013", "NSN Code": "8465-99-753-3903" },{ "Product Name": "Pivot/Rhino Set", "Product Code": "A1160MG/542MG", "EAN": "5031290220019", "Colour": "Matt Grey", "Weight": "145g", "Rope Diameter": "Half/Twin: 7.3mm-9.2mm | Single: 8.7mm-11mm", "Meets Requirements of": "EN15151-2:2013, EN 362:2004 B, EN 12275:2013 B & H", "NSN Code": "" }]

Belay device gives controlled belaying, lowering and abseiling
Pivot enables guide mode and gives easily controlled lowering of two seconds
High performance internal geometry gives greater rope control
Two friction modes for varying applications

Pivot

A versatile, high performance belay device which allows you to easily control lowering one or two seconds in guide mode.

{ "colour": "#6d6f71 " }

[{ "Product Name": "Mantis", "Product Code": "A1165MG", "EAN": "5031290220026", "Colour": "Matt Grey", "Weight": "45g", "Rope Diameter": "Half/Twin: 7.3mm-9.2mm | Single: 8.5mm-11mm", "Meets Requirements of": "EN15151-2:2012" }]

High performance internal geometry gives greater rope control
Two friction modes for varying applications

Mantis

A lightweight belay device that is suitable for all round climbing with single, half, or twin ropes.

[{ "Product Name": "Highnovate Quick Release Abseil Device", "Product Code": "HNQRAB", "Weight": "150g", "Dimensions": "12cm x 5cm x 4cm", "Maximum Load": "140kg", "Colour": "Black" }]

Quick Rappel
Immediate Detachment
Released only under no load and auto blocks when hands let go
Lightweight

Highnovate Quick Release Abseil Device

A quick release auto-block abseil device for when every second counts.

{ "colour": "#000000" }

[{ "Product Name": "Fast Rope Descender", "Product Code": "-", "Weight": "980g", "Working Load Limit": "250kg", "Dimensions": "330mm x 105mm x 45mm", "Material": "Type 316 Stainless Steel" },{ "Product Name": "Fast Rope Descender with Lanyard", "Product Code": "MWFAA126", "Weight": "1600g", "Working Load Limit": "250kg", "Dimensions": "330mm x 105mm x 45mm", "Material": "Type 316 Stainless Stee" },{ "Product Name": "Fast Rope Descender with Lanyard and Quick Out", "Product Code": "MWFAA125", "Weight": "1830g", "Working Load Limit": "250kg", "Dimensions": "330mm x 105mm x 45mm", "Material": "Type 316 Stainless Stee" }]

Fast Rope Descender

A device to be used with the Fast Rope to aid rapid insertion of personnel.

[{ "Product Name": "Roco RDX System - Full Kit", "Product Code": "K-RDX", "Weight": "771g", "Dimensions": "304.8 x 330.3 x 76.2mm", "Working Load Limit": "160kg", "Material": "Technora Rope" }]

Simple to operate - standard fast roping techniques will be used on conjunction with the RDX to assist the descent.
It is compact and ultra light, creating a safer way to conduct Fast Rope operations when carrying heavy loads by assisting the users ability to control their descent.
The RDX allows excellent control during the descent while conducting tandom fast roping.

Roco RDX Kit

Provides added descent control for fast rope operations especially during tandem operations with heavy equipment or K-9's.