Petzl ZigZag Shift Mechanical Prusik

The Petzl ZigZag Shift is an openable mechanical prusik for tree care that handles like a classic Prusik with a friction chain, so it feels familiar from the first climb. It works in a stationary rope system without an auxiliary brake and can also be used in a moving rope system.

Designed for demanding conditions in the canopy, it helps limit wear and is repairable with a repair kit, sold separately.

Key Features

• Openable design for easy midline attachment, even while connected to your harness
• Stationary rope use without additional friction, plus moving rope use
• Smooth, precise rope feed from a release lever and a wide pulley on sealed ball bearings
• Repairable: the upper part of the friction chain can be replaced

Easy Midline Attachment

You can attach the ZigZag Shift mid-rope while it is connected to your harness, which gives you freedom and ease of movement in the canopy. The opening side plate and friction chain design lets you install the rope in a spiral motion, and the upper link with its two-piece lever keeps the rope inside the chain.

Intuitive Handling

The Shift uses the same technique as a Prusik with a friction chain like the ZigZag, so it feels familiar quickly. The friction chain gives smooth, precise movement between branches.

• The release lever gives smooth, precise rope feed as you move along the rope.
• The wide pulley on sealed ball bearings makes it easy to take up slack.
• You control your speed by adjusting the pressure on the lever.
• The device blocks on the rope when the friction chain extends.
• A fixed lower attachment point aligns the system and suits left- or right-handed use.

Versatile Rope Systems

In a stationary rope system the Shift needs no additional friction, giving a simple, compact progress system. The upper attachment point for the end of the rope lets you use it in a doubled rope system. For long descents or heavy loads, you can add the Chicane auxiliary brake for more control and comfort. The auxiliary attachment point connects a second system, shoulder straps, or an SRS chest harness for ascending.

Durable and Repairable

The components that see the most wear are made from steel, and the separated, curved side plates resist wear better. When the friction chain wears, you can replace its upper part with a repair kit, sold separately, to extend the usable life of the device.

Specifications in Brief

The ZigZag Shift takes ropes from 11 mm to 12 mm in diameter and has a working load limit of 140 kg. It is made from aluminium, plastic, stainless steel and steel, and is tested to ANSI Z133 (the American safety standard for arboricultural operations) and CE (conformity with the applicable European safety requirements).

Complete your kit: Petzl Chicane and Zigzag Climbing Kit. Compare with: Petzl Zigzag Plus and Petzl Zigzag.

Also Known As

Petzl ZigZag Shift, ZigZag Shift, Shift mechanical prusik, Petzl Shift friction device

FAQs

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