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AWAH

Z2R - Drill Powered Pulley

Sale price $1,499.95 Regular price
Pre-order. Estimated to be in stock on April 30
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Free US shipping over $69.

Supporters get a discount!

Description & Tech Specs

What is a Z2R ?

The Z2R drill powered pulley is a more convenient and affordable option to battery powered ascenders. Not only can you use it to ascend a rope (with PPE equipment), you can use it to haul equipment or rescue loads. Use the lever to disengage the gears and control your descent with the friction arms…

Who is this for?

The Z2R might have applicable use cases for:

  • Arborists
  • Rope access
  • Search and rescue
  • Sailors
  • Trail workers
  • Off roaders
  • Lifting dummies in drop tower trees
  • Tensioning 2km long highlines
  • Rope swing retrievals
  • People with spending problems

Deep Dive Video

We try to understand the products we sell as better than the manufacturers. With this in mind, we tested the Z2R both in and outside of its specified use to see what could go wrong. We talk about the many applications in can be used for and tested to see how far you can go with one drill battery.

Drill Powered

The Z2R requires a brushless drill to operate as they don't build up heat as quickly. The power required is at least 50 Nm, however AWAH suggests 120 Nm for optimal operation. In our deep dive video and in all the applications Ryan uses it for, this drill has been more than super good enough. We were able to move a 200-300lb load for 400 feet with a 5.0Ah battery but you would get more umph for longer with an 8.0Ah.

Rappelling and Lowering

It does NOT have a camming unit like a Gri-Gri. The gears are either engaged or completely open giving you a freely spinning pulley. Wrap your rope around the friction arms, disengage the teeth and keep the lever fully open, and rappel by maintaining the appropriate amount of friction around the arms. This gives you full control over a wide range of diameters but remember the device does not have an eccentric rope clamping structure to lock the rope. The Z2R is NOT PPE certified. It MUST be used with a backup system. You could use a toothed device such as the Petzl Pro-Traxion, but you won't be able to lower it without disengaging your backup. However, if you use a device such as an ASAP lock you can rappel or lower in a controlled manner and still have to maintain a backup.

User Manual

The most up to date user manual can be downloaded here, and you should read it carefully if you use this device, but these are the biggest takeaways:

  • Z2R is designed to work with rope diameters ranging from 9-11mm. It works best with very stiff and static ropes. Normal EN 1891 ropes do not typically work well, because the ropes are too flexible. EN 1891A ropes work much better.
  • The Z2R input shaft interface uses an 8mm (5/16") hexagonal bit. One is included with the Z2R. The length of the bits should be such that the electric drill and Z2R are as close as possible without making contact. If they are too long it may cause the device to shake under power.
  • During AWAH's tests, the Z2R ran for 300,000 feet with a safe margin, however this was not performed under load. The nominal lifespan of the Z2R is 60,000 feet. Although there is a safety margin in the design, a backup system is still required as the ratchet system located inside the casing cannot be inspected.
  • The maximum load for the Z2R is 440 pounds and it has a gear ratio of 100:12. The Z2R is designed specifically for rescue, with the ability to lift more weight and a becket for easier pulley system rigging.

Z2R vs Ronin Lift

When compared to its closest competitor, the Ronin Lift, the Z2R has some advantages:

  • Z2R does not have integrated batteries, so it's lighter by about 4 pounds and 13 ounces and is way less bulky while you work. It does of course require both a drill, however, these at least serve multiple purposes and are often already owned.
  • Z2R is considerably cheaper at $1499 versus $3823.99 for the Ronin Lift Kit; once again this does not account for the additional drill and battery.
  • Z2R supports a wider variety of rope options. The Ronin must be used with 32 carrier or smoother sheath (KM 3 Max for example). If the rope isn't smooth enough, it binds up in the gear mechanism, damaging the rope you are hanging on AND your unit creating an expensive repair.
  • Z2R allows the rope to be inserted at any point, whereas the Ronin requires the rope to be fed into it.
  • See our Ronin review video here

Z2R vs Skylotech Milan 2.0

Skylotec’s drill powered ascender is similar but here are the the advantages of the Z2R:

  • Z2R has a wider range of rope diameters (9mm-11mm) that it is compatible with. We also demonstrate an 8mm and 12mm can be used and the context you should understand about that. The Milan 2.0 is only made for 9mm ropes which limits which industries can use it
  • Z2R is again, significantly cheaper. Millan 2.0 costs 55% more
  • Z2R can be used like a progress capture with a 3:1 ascending technique, removing the need for a bulky wheel in your face while you work
  • Z2R self-feeds the rope. You don’t have to mind the slack freeing your other hand to manage your backup. The Milan 2.0 requires constant management of the rope slack.
  • We could not find any information online whether or not you can open the unit and insert the rope at any point or if it is pre-installed. The best Milan 2.0 video we could find is here

Certifications

The Z2R is NOT PPE certified and requires PPE backups. It is not intended to be life supporting but just to move things, whether thats you or something else, and therefore needs to be use in junction with backups. The Petzl ASAP Lock with an ASAP'Sorber Axess is one option that allows for ascending/hauling but also for rappelling/lowering as it engages if a descent is too quick. Other similar powered ascenders are also not PPE rated and should always be used with a backup. The CE-Mark required by Europe is pending, the EN 14492-2:2019 certificate, and a TÜV-Sued seal of approval is aspired.

Does This Damage Ropes?

Powered ascenders, or any ascenders for that matter, are notorious for shredding ropes. In our testing, if the pulley wheel spins while the rope does not move, it only makes it slightly fuzzy. It doesn’t desheath it. If you leave it there long enough, you could heat it up enough to lower the strength of your rope as we show in our deep dive video.

Caution: if your rope is too thin and supple then it could go under the divider for another ride around pulley. If this gets jammed inside, you would have to cut it out. This has not caused damage to the Z2R in our tests or in stories we have heard.

1 Year Limited Warranty

Official Warranty: This product is a consumable. The manufacturer provides a ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY for defects in the materials and production process of the product. The warranty does NOT cover damage to the product caused by wear, deformation, corrosion, oxidation, self-modification or repair, incorrect operation, improper storage and transportation, and other usage than for which it was designed. Do NOT use an impact drill. The damage caused by this is not covered by the warranty. The input shaft components are wear parts and are not covered by the warranty, but they are easily replaceable.

Repair Information

We are here to support you! As the US distributor of AWAH products, we have a solution to any problem you may have and we can help you with it.

EASY REPAIRS: We offer repair kits for the input shafts as they have a lifespan of 60,000 feet. This can be replaced by you in 5 minutes and we have an easy to follow video. Don’t attempt to remove the back panel. You only ever need to touch the section where you insert the drill. The back panel is glued on and all the parts inside need special tools to replace anything. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at contact@hownot.com and we’ll be sure to help you.

FULL REBUILDS: We also offer a full rebuild service if your Z2R breaks beyond a simple input shaft replacement. This includes the cost of shipping both ways, sending it to the manufacturer for a full rebuild AND the supply of a loaner unit for the duration of your device's repair to keep you working.

Rebuilds and parts are priced to be super affordable enough to keep your unit working for a long time. For pricing and more information about repair kits or a full rebuild, see the Repair Kit Page

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