The Zipper is designed for long falls with high fall factors. These falls usually occur within the first two or three protection placements that are run out. Ice climbing is an exampl of where a Zipper could be particularly effective if used in the first few placements. With no change in runner strength the Zipper reduces peak loads by almost twice as much as Standard Screamers.
Activation: >2kN
Reduction in peak loading: 6-8kN
Runner strength: 26kN
Multi-functional energy absorbing device. Screamers will provide added protection in climbing and rescue situations. Screamers not only absorb energy directly because of the stitch ripping effect, they also allow your rope to absorb more energy from the fall by increasing the time interval of the fall. Screamers can reduce shock loading in any rescue system. Screamers were originally designed to be used on less than ideal climbing protection such as small nuts, old 1/4" bolts, snow anchors or marginal protection. Yates have determined that the most effective activation for a standard screamer to be >2kN(550lbf.) for climbing related situations.
Screamers and Zippers have proven to be very successful in reducing loads to any anchor when it is stressed in excess of the activation force of the Screamer device. When the Screamer activates, the action of the stitch ripping produces a loud tearing sound, indicating the system has reached the activation point of the Screamer(>2 kN). The activation point of a Screamer is consistently repeatable to +- 5% accuracy. (Screamers are very useful in documenting maximum loads in a given situation, such as their use in Rescue.) Screamers can be combined in series to double or triple the total absorption. Screamers can also be ganged to increase activation force and absorption.
More information can be found on the Yates website. www.yatesgear.com
