Zipline Pulleys
Petzl Tandem Speed is the standard. Two steel wheels for speed, steel sheaves for cable. Don't use a rescue pulley on a zipline.
What to look for
A rescue pulley and a zipline pulley are not the same thing. Use the wrong one and you'll wreck it. Here's the rule: you can use a zipline pulley for rescue if you know what you're doing, but you cannot use a rescue pulley as a zipline pulley. It won't work and you'll destroy it.
The gold standard is a Petzl Tandem Speed. It has two pulley wheels, which you need for actual speed on a zipline. Single-wheel pulleys don't move fast enough.
The wheels need to be steel. Lots of places with ziplines use steel cables. An aluminium pulley on a steel cable will disintegrate while you're on it. Aluminium is soft, steel is hard, and they do not mix.
You can use a Tandem Speed for rescue too, but nobody does because it's heavier than a Fixe. It's a specialist bit of kit.
Most cavers never need a zipline pulley. This advice is for people who go to places with lots of ziplines and want their own gear. If you're not sure whether you need one, you don't need one yet.
What to get first
Know how to use a zipline before you buy one. This is a specialist tool, not a first purchase. You should be comfortable on SRT and understand zipline-specific risks like cable whip and speed control.
Buying Guide
- Price (New): ££
- Price (Used): ££
- Buy online? Yes. The Petzl Tandem Speed is widely available from climbing and caving retailers. Check you're getting the steel version, not an aluminium one.
Buying Second Hand
Possible, but check the sheaves carefully. If they've been used on the right cable they should be fine. If they're scored or pitted, the pulley is damaged. Don't buy a damaged one.
Where you can buy it
Starless River, Inglesport, Up & Under.
Q & A
Learn More
The Petzl Tandem Speed has sealed ball bearings and runs at about 95% efficiency. That's why it's faster than a standard pulley. It can take up to three carabiners, which matters for some zipline setups. If you're using it on rope (not cable), you still want the steel version because you never know when you'll hit a cable section.