AWAH Z3

[Maximalist]

 

[Maximalist]

What do you think about this device? Considerations, pros and cons, etc.…

 

[Kaveman]

To my knowledge it's manufactured in China, so there are obvious concerns about quality control. Aside from that. The system is a bit bulky and not exactly elegant, but the same can be said for the Wraptor or most any powered ascent device.

Ryan Jenks of HowNot2 has tested them and seems to like them.

I'd like to actually get to play with one before I pass judgment.

 

[lxskllr]

Speaking very broadly, I like that these type devices use off the shelf power systems. If your motor dies, it only takes as long as a trip to the hardwarestore to fix it. I don't see a lot of applications for trees around here. Tall conifers is where I see powered ascenders really shining.

 

[Maximalist]

Weight -2.3kg, lifting up to 200kg.

 

[SeanKroll]

Hauling heavy rigging and saws adds up, atop climbing.

Save effort where you can, within reason.

 

[Maximalist]

View attachment b50b07b8-b787-4b70-b0b1-57282b9ad5b5.mov
I test and train. I really like this thing.

 

[Maximalist]

I didn't think for a long time, I just went and bought this Z3.

 

[lxskllr]

Nice! I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on it over time.

 

[flushcut]

Sweet! I’d love to hear how it holds to wear and tear.

 

[Maximalist]

View attachment clip170164435_456239198.mp4
I bought the Z3 just a couple of days ago, and in a month sales of the Z3 with a rotary mechanism will begin. I am shocked by the speed of change from this manufacturer!

 

[SeanKroll]

What does the rotary mechanism do?

 

[Maximalist]

 

[SeanKroll]

We call that 'swivel'.

 

[Maximalist]

I installed the DMM Focus swivel on the Z3 -

Compact and convenient.

 

[SeanKroll]

If I didn't have a Wraptor, I'd be all over that.

 

[Bermy]

Hmmm, I see lots of numbers and writing on it, but do the Chinese have an equivalent to CE or UL or ANSI testing mark?

 

[lxskllr]

Would you believe them if they did? Really?? :^D

I could live with sketchy hardware on an ascent device. All it should be doing is getting you up a rope, and your real tie in is elsewhere.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Well, if you follow the instructions, you would have a second line as back up with a rope grab for fall arrest. So even if it failed some where, you'd have a higher then likely chance of not having a issue.

 

[SeanKroll]

A Gibbs ascender above the device, as on a Wraptor, should be enough backup, IMO.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Not sure thats possible to set up in the configuation the rope runs through. I would have to take a closer look in person. But yes it would.

 

[SeanKroll]

The Gibbs could be on a tether directly to the climber. Might have to be manually advanced. Possibly a rigid tether attached in a non-structural way the ascender and a soft life-support tether to the climber. Maybe just a prussic above the ascender.

 

[Maximalist]

Before buying the Z3, I had the opportunity to practically test this device. I rode it back and forth for two hours, sniffed it and even tried it on my teeth I mean, this thing is designed in such a way that, yes, in the event of an unexpected breakdown, everything will be fine.

 

[Kaveman]

I trust @Maximalist. I do not trust China. China is asshole.

 

[Maximalist]

If it were a low-quality thing, then industrial climbers would fall like leaves from trees in autumn. Can you find at least one mention of this?