Fast Rope Device-FRD or the new Blacktail

Welcome to our newest product The Fast Rope Device FRD or Blacktail.

We’ve taken inspiration from the classic original goldtail, a device used by many for a wide range of applications where rapid controlled descent on rope is required. This device has become the “go to” piece of rigging to complete a rigging system for rapid deceleration stunts.

We built several prototype devices and tested them to destruction, 61.5 kN to be exact that's over 6 tonne of force we applied to each unit to validate our calculations. This type of work has become a regular part of our business in establishing and validating safe work loads and design improvements for our products and our customers products that require compliance and engineering analysis.

The first batch of 50 units are ready and we only have the layout of the laser engraved artwork to finalise and the very important batch destruction test.

Each device has been CNC machined from 26mm plate 6061 aluminium with material conformance certification and full trace-ability meaning we take product safety very seriously. We also regard our design improvements significant enough to protect them with an Australian Innovation Patent. And we will have full engineering approvals and certification to reinforce our commitment to safety and quality Australian made rigging products.

So far we have invested considerable time and money into the research, development and product design improvement features of the FRD’s and some of these include a dedicated rope travel direction through the device, improved and larger radius on each of the points of rope contact, increased width (26mm), finished in hard black anodising, laser engraved with serial numbers, specifications and a personalised ID feature.

With over 25 years of experience in the stunt industry we have invested and contributed heavily to some major productions in Australia, NZ, North America and across Asia. Our products are built to serve the industry for many years to come and we look forward to supporting your projects and crews who rely heavily on getting the shot right, first time.

We will announce the sale date of the FRD’s and details of how to get hold of your very soon, please email us with any questions you may have.

Thanks for the support over the years and we hope to bring you many more exciting developments such as this one.