AWAH-Z2 and Z3 are both Power Ascender & Manual Descender products that need an electric drill to provide power. But their usage, safety, and rope compatibility differ significantly. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you choose the right equipment.
| Model Specs | Z2-R | Z3 | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Safety | ★Poor | Good |
1. Z2 needs to be equipped with an external backup device. 2. Z3 built-in crash self-locking device. ★Note: It is recommended to use a double protection system to increase security. |
| 2. The risk of rope twisting into the wheel | ★Yes | No |
Using ropes that are too thin or too soft poses a risk of twisting in the wheel of Z2, then the rope must be cut off. ★Note: it will not fall after rope twisting. |
| 3. Rope slip during lifting | No | Maybe | The Z3’s wheel needs to balance descent and has shallow patterns. When the weight does not match the rope performance, it may slip during lifting. |
| 4. Rope slip after locked | No | No | Z2 and Z3 both have sufficient locking ability to ensure that the rope will not slip after being locked. |
| 5. Convenience | Poor | Good |
1. Z2 cannot be used alone and requires an external backup device. 2. Z3 can be used independently, with built-in crash self-locking. |
| 6. Electric energy efficiency | High | Low | The rope clamp structure reduces the efficiency of electricity utilization. |
| 7. Locking mechanism | Ratchet teeth | Ratchet teeth + Flail Block |
1. Teeth will gradually wear down, and their lifespan is not permanent. 2. Z3 has a dual locking mechanism, which quickly activates the built-in backup locking device when the ratchet accidentally collapses. |
| 8. Unlocking mechanism | Ratchet decoupling | Rope wheel opening and closing |
1. When the Z2 ratchet is disengaged, there is a sense of impact, and there are only two states: stop and unlock. 2. When pulling the handle of Z3, the opening and closing angle determines the descent speed, which is linear, smooth, and has no impact. |
| 9. Gear ratio | 8.33:1 | 8.00:1 |
1. The lifting speed of Z3 is faster. 2. Z3 needs an electric drill of higher performance. |
| 10.Number of gears | 2 | 4 |
1. The counterclockwise rotation of the electric drill provides power for Z2. 2. The clockwise rotation of the electric drill provides power for Z3. |
| 11. Becket | Yes | Yes | MBS ≥ 22kN |
| 12. Waterproof and dustproof performance | / | IP66 |
1. The gearbox of Z3 has IP66 waterproof performance. ★Note: The small ball bearings (guide rope) of Z2 and Z3 should be kept dry to prevent rusting. |
| 13. Friction mechanism | Friction hook | Rope wheel clamp |
1. Friction hooks have strong heat dissipation capabilities, but they can twist rope. 2. The rope wheel clamp structure descends smoothly like traditional descenders. |
| 14. Rope compatibility | Mechanical static rope | EN 1891 |
1. The inner core of the mechanical static rope is tightly woven, more resistant to compression, and has a longer lifespan. 2. EN 1891 semi static ropes have better versatility. |
| 15. Maintenance cost | Low | High |
1. Z2’s wheel has a long lifespan and usually only requires replacement of other parts. 2. The Z3’s wheel needs to balance descent, with shallow patterns and slightly shorter lifespan. ★Note: Z2 and Z3 both require factory repair. |
| 16. Comprehensive evaluation |
1. Suitable for long-distance lifting 2. Better for lifting on dirty ropes with grease, ice, silicone etc. |
1. Suitable for frequent switching between lifting and lowering scenario 2. May slip on dirty ropes with grease, ice, silicone, etc. |
★Note: The above performance differences are only compared between Z2 and Z3, and their advantages and disadvantages do not have universal significance. |