AHS Rescue AZTEK ELITE KIT – ASSEMBLED – RED

The Aztek system was developed in Arizona based Ropes that Rescue Ltd rigging programs around the world. These, configured as “set-of-fours” (double blocks) will enable the rescue practitioner greater versatility in a personal mechanical advantage (PMA) for rescue and general rigging. The swivel Omni pulleys (blocks) are hewn from a solid block of high strength aluminum and are engineered with great pride to withstand over 8,000 lbs (36 kN) of tensile force end to end. Sterling Rope Company has also designed sewn products for these pulleys including the 8 mm restraint cord, rated at 4,270 lbs (19 kN) and both ratchets in two colors, and shock absorber/restraint cords. The set of two blocks are different colors for ease of identification. Turn the set-of-fours one way, and you have a 5:1 mechanical advantage. Turn it around and a 4:1 w/change of direction is the result, making this PMA extremely versatile. Also, the progress capture ratchet prusik can be attached at either end (orange to orange, or blue to blue). The progress capture prusiks are laced onto the restraint cord and then formed into a directional prusik hitch (3 on 2), which prevents the inadvertent loss of the prusik once assembled. One quick pin is sold with each set of blocks. Additional pins may be purchased if needed or if one wished to hold a spare in the opposite block.

The new AZTEK bag, developed by Reed Thorne of Ropes that Rescue and Dale Stewart of AHS Rescue is packed with features to ensure safety and functionality:

• Reflective tracer for increased visibility during night operations
• Adjustable drop-leg strap to allow for higher or lower attachment from a harness
• Mesh bottom to allow for faster draining and drying during and after water usage
• Larger zipper tabs that are easily pulled with a gloved hand
• “Garage” pocket on both ends of the bag to protect the exposed cord from the sun’s harmful UV rays and sharp objects

Remember, simplicity and efficiency is the name of the game. Always, when possible, use gear that provides multiple uses. The AZTEK’s double end exemplifies that theme. Out of one side of the double zippered pouch, the rescuer is provided immediate edge protection and from the other side of the same pouch, the rescuer/rigger can deploy this mini MA (SOFs) in a multitude of rigging applications, including hauling systems, tensioned back-ties, tensioned guying for artificial high directionals, dynamic brake racks, and dynamic directionals (approximately 8 feet when using the full 50′ of cord (15M).

Specification

General Technical Information (not official – results may vary)

• Slippage on ratchet prusik at approx 17-18 kN
• Slipped again @ 20 kN and did not slip anymore
• System failed at 40.42 kN
• 4″ slippage of prusik

The pulley failed at the “becket” where the 8 mm sewn eye attaches and also broke the pin. Ratchet was fused to 8 mm Edge Restraint cord. The MBS on the 6 mm ratchet is 12.9 kN, so we were getting close to the ratchet limit. It was great to see the system go to 40 kN.

AES AZTEK Elite Kit – Assembled Contents Include:

• 1 ea. Rock Exotica Omni AZTEK Elite blue pulley (includes 1 quick release pin)
• 1 ea. Rock Exotica Omni AZTEK Elite orange pulley (includes rope cover plate)
• 1 Sterling 8 mm AZTEK yellow cord with sewn eye (50 ft) (75 ft option available upon request)
• 1 Sterling AZTEK ratchets (one blue, one orange)
• 1 Sterling AZTEK travel restrict Purcell (44 “)
• 1 Maillon Rapide screw link 7 mm
• 1 AZTEK Elite Bag AHS
• 1 Kong Tango