S-Tec - Duck R Backup Device

The Petzl Shunt has been the rope access backup device of choice for years, however following Petzl's January 2012 statement regarding the use of the Shunt as a backup device it is becoming hard to justify their continued use.

Is the Duck R the new Shunt?

Well it certainly looks like one, however unlike the Shunt the Duck R is certified to EN 12841 Type A, making it suitable for use as a backup device in a rope access environment.

Also the Duck R is made from stainless steel, making it much tougher than an aluminium Shunt. After all the Shunt was designed as a sport device and was never intended for work use.

While there is no European standard for the use of backup devices in rescue situations the Duck R has been tested for use with a 200kg load, and S-Tech approve them for use in this manner.

Please see the Safe Tec Duck R Data Sheet for more details.

Please note, as the Duck uses as aluminium cam some users have found that they wear faster than they would like. If you can planning high intensity usage it is recommend that you try the S-Tec ENforcer, which uses a stainless steel cam.

Video showing the Duck R being tested with a 200kg fall factor 2. (Sorry about the music!)