AWAH: Artisans Working at Heights

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

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.