Gear Demo: Harken Wingman

A brief demonstration on the Harken Wingman, the next era in personal mechanical advantage systems.

Harken’s new Wingman applies new design and technology to achieve more from a compact personal mechanical advantage system. Wingman’s innovative design means it’s among the first offerings in this category that achieve internal progress capture mechanically within the unit rather than relying on prusiks to achieve that externally. Wingman combines a ratcheting sheave to stop the rope with a composite handle or wing the operator can open and close under load for a well-modulated ‘fine-tuned’ release. Under full load even with the sheaves pulled completely together, the system may be released quite easily--with full control using one hand on the wing and the other tending the line. These revolutionary features combined with ball bearings within the sheaves and the maximizes efficiency for raising and lowering loads of up to 681lbs. It may be configured as a 4:1 or 5:1 purchase system. Wingman is ideal for pick- offs, adjustable directionals, work positioning, and much more. The unmatched ease of use and the industry leading compact form factor makes Wingman a simple tool you will always want at your side.

[Rescue-mtfl]

To those commenting on edge restraint, there is nothing saying you can’t utilize the wingman for edge restraint. We use it regularly for that.
You are simply attaching the two swivels, one to your anchor and one to your worker. You extent out by pulling the lowering lever.
What we utilize far more however is the petzyl ASAP lock. The Aztec we found extremely cumbersome. Human error factors in not attaching the prusik cords or having difficulty in managing the prusik cords in the cold and rain made the wingman an absolutely simple no brainer. We have found zero differences in capability with the wingman over the Aztec other than the wingman collapses tighter and there is zero learning curve or human error factors in safety.

[spaceaholic]

Only downside to this - unlike the Aztek which has prusiks on both ends to allow for close access by the operator for progress capture and release in both 4:1 and 5:1 modes, the Sterling ratchet is only available on one end (so your options are a little more limited on how one may chose to deploy this system during a pickoff). Would like to see ratchets on both ends combined with the option to lock one open (for free spool) while the opposing end is engaged in progress capture. Also why is this kit not being offered with an edge restraint option on the opposite end of the 50 foot line...is that forthcoming? If the target market is for those of us currently using Azteks then edge restraint capability must be incorporated.