Review: The ISC Reflex tested by ambassador Joost Branderhorst
As a tree surgeon, you’re always on the lookout for equipment that makes your work more efficient, safer and more comfortable. Our ambassador, Joost Branderhorst, regularly takes new gear up into the trees to test it in practice. This time, he put the brand-new ISC Reflex through its paces. A descent device that promises to seamlessly combine the best of both worlds (SRT and DRT), without any extra parts. Is this the device that will dethrone the iconic ZigZag? Read Joost’s honest verdict here.
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Photo: © ISC
Sometimes you see a piece of kit and you just know straight away: this is the one. That’s how I felt about the ISC Reflex. The makers of ISC drew inspiration from one of the best-known descent devices in tree care, the Petzl ZigZag, and have taken the concept to the next level. Everything that makes the ZigZag so great has been retained, whilst the areas where there was room for improvement have been enhanced.
The big advantage? You don’t need any extra parts. The Reflex is ready for immediate use with both SRT and DRT. Are you looking for a single device that really can do it all? Then this is a serious contender.
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Photo: Joost Branderhorst
The ISC Reflex is suitable for both single rope (SRT) and double rope (DRT) systems, without the need for additional Accessories. This makes it easy to switch systems whilst working in the tree. For example, you can climb up using SRT and then switch to DRT to prune comfortably.
Thanks to the advanced friction mechanism, you have optimum control over your descent. You decide for yourself how smoothly or, conversely, how controlled you want to descend. Even with a wet rope, it continues to operate reliably and smoothly.
When using the DRT mode, you also have two options for tying in, allowing you to adjust the amount of friction yourself. The integrated pulley ensures that you can take in the rope effortlessly, without any noticeable resistance.
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Photo: Joost Branderhorst
- Midline attachable
- Suitable for both SRT and DRT
- Removable swivel
- No additional parts required
- Precise friction control
- User-friendly
- Must first be lightly ‘run in’ for optimum performance
- Risk of the rope being fed incorrectly into the friction section
In short, the ISC Reflex more than lives up to its promises. It is an extremely well-designed device that takes the tried-and-tested ZigZag concept and adds clever, practical improvements. The biggest advantage is undoubtedly the seamless transition between SRT and DRT, without the hassle of separate components. Yes, the device does take a little time to bed in, and you’ll need to pay close attention when feeding the rope through at first. But if you’re willing to put in that effort, you’ll have an absolute all-rounder that makes your climbing much more efficient.
Wondering whether the ISC Reflex is right for your climbing setup? Check it out now in our online shop for more specifications or get in touch at info@safetypro.nl.