Review: The ISC Reflex tested by ambassador Joost Branderhorst
As an arborist, 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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Sometimes you see a piece of kit and you just know straight away: this is the one. That’s exactly how I felt about the ISC Reflex. The makers at ISC drew inspiration from one of the most famous descent devices in the tree care industry, the Petzl ZigZag, and have taken the concept to the next level. Everything that makes the ZigZag so strong has been retained, and 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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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 for comfortable pruning.
Thanks to the advanced friction mechanism, you have optimal control over your descent. You decide for yourself how smoothly or precisely controlled you want to descend. Even with a wet rope, it remains reliable and smooth.
When using DRT, you also have two options for tying in, allowing you to set the amount of friction yourself. The integrated pulley ensures that you can take in rope effortlessly, without any noticeable resistance.
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- Midline attachable
- Suitable for both SRT and DRT
- Removable swivel
- No additional parts required
- Precise friction control
- User-friendly
- The rope must first be ‘broken in’ for optimal 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 a brilliantly designed machine 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 loose parts. Yes, the device takes a little time to break 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.
Curious to know if the ISC Reflex is right for your climbing setup? Check it out now in our webshop for more specifications or get in touch via info@safetypro.nl.