Yates Tactical Escape Kit- good to go?

[Iraq Ninja]

I am looking for feedback from users of the Yates TEK. Basically, I would like something to allow us to evac from a 1st or 2nd floor. The Yates seems good to go, but can the same rig be used for say, a 5 man team? I assume it is best to have one per person. What is the "fall" rating for this rope, and can it be used for training or is it a one shot deal.

http://www.yatesgear.com/rescue/tactical/rappelSpec/index.htm

http://www.yatesgear.com/rescue/tactical/images/lg/1931-RIT-Lg.jpg

[RFB]

I.N.

You might also look into firefighter self-rescue (sometimes called R.I.T. systems) kits.

They have been using similar systems for years, and looking at the linked product, it looks similar to the genre.

[rjacobs]

Well, I had something written about building your own system, but then I deleted it because it really had no feedback on the kit in question since I have never used that particular rappel kit. I can put my 2 cents in about that if your interested.

[NinjaMedic]

I prefer something with a hook rather than a carabiner for an escape line. This (http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_4330_sterling_crosby_hook_rescue_system_and_firetech32_escape_rope_7_5_mm/) is the type of rope in my bunker gear. The problem with a rope terminated with a carabiner is that not all structures have a suitable anchor point within. The hook can be used on any anchor point that the carabiner can and if you want added security when anchoring to a large column or something you can place a butterfly knot near the hook with a carabiner placed in the resulting bight. The other difficulty of using escape systems like this is due to the small diameter rope you usually need a smaller figure 8 or proprietary setup like the one above which can be difficult for subsequent team members to rig quickly. They generally shouldnt be used for heavy training either.

[bkb0000]

looks good to me.. 3200 is a little limp- but for a descent-only setup, i'd probably trust it to let two guys down at once. i don't care much for the wire gate carabiner, i might consider upgrading to a pole gate carabiner or even a screw-lock. 75' is enough to clear 5, maybe 6 stories- assuming you can find a suitable anchor close to your exit. also keep in mind you'll need additional descent devices for every man going down- i've never tried fastroping a 6.6mm line, but i doubt it works very well.

also consider construction in Iraq- it's basically all concrete and block over there. you're probably gonna have a hard time finding a good anchor. dont have any suggestions off the top of my head, but it's something to think about. if you're really thinking you might need to use this, you might consider packing your own anchor point, masonry nails, and nail pounding device along with the kit.

[bkb0000]

I prefer something with a hook rather than a carabiner for an escape line. This (http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_4330_sterling_crosby_hook_rescue_system_and_firetech32_escape_rope_7_5_mm/) is the type of rope in my bunker gear. The problem with a rope terminated with a carabiner is that not all structures have a suitable anchor point within. The hook can be used on any anchor point that the carabiner can and if you want added security when anchoring to a large column or something you can place a butterfly knot near the hook with a carabiner placed in the resulting bight.

the problem with hooks is you gotta pack 'em pretty damn big.. a gated carabiner weighs and takes up a fraction of the weight. even a carabiner and portable anchor weighs less and takes up less space, but then you need a hatchet, hammer, or other nail pounder.

the nice thing about stick-framed structures is you almost always have a good anchor, in the form of framing. just kick out the sheetrock and wrap around a doorjam/ corner/etc- the framework on either side of a window is excellent, as it's load-bearing and so reinforced with king-studs and trimmers. but ninja ain't gonna have that luxury in the 'box.

[rjacobs]

Well since others have commented on their alternative type setups I guess I will comment on what I would think might work for less money and get all your guys covered.

Get each guy a locking carabiner for like 15-20 bucks. Then get each guy a simpe belay/rappel device such as this one(http://www.rei.com/product/471034) for 20 bucks(I have used this simply belay/rappel device alot and its GTG and extremely simple). Then get what ever rope you want in what ever length you want. Lastly get another locking carabiner to attach to the end of said rope to lock the rope together around an anchor point or to clip onto one guys rig so he can act as the anchor. If you would like a hook setup as well, you could find one that would clip onto the carabiner on the end of the rope in a pinch and just leave it in the bottom of the rope pouch. Lastly pick up a large dump pouch to hold the rope. If all you need is 2-3 stories I would say 40-50 foot of rope would be fine. I think you could outfit your 5 guys with carabiners and belay devices as well as get your rope setup for like $300 and you would have a rig you could trust and use more than once and if the rope needs replacing you just order some more standard climbing rope instead of having to get their proprietary rope. Again, just my two cents.

[DANGER CLOSE]

another option for a kit.

http://www.neropes.com/product.aspx?mid=4B6A3094468D3DB4355B5DBAEA28F6FB&lid=8&pid=200

sold one to a friend of mine who used his to rappel off a warehouse roof to chase a burglary suspect in the bay area. he is a gear head and has all kinds of toys though.

[bkb0000]

another option for a kit.

http://www.neropes.com/product.aspx?mid=4B6A3094468D3DB4355B5DBAEA28F6FB&lid=8&pid=200

sold one to a friend of mine who used his to rappel off a warehouse roof to chase a burglary suspect in the bay area. he is a gear head and has all kinds of toys though.

wow... 5mm line? make sure you let yourself down smoothly

that's a cool concept, though.. i'd like to see one in action.

i don't like that they don't give SWL- they should give the SWL for the rope, THEN give their paragraph long spiel about knowing your shit.

[NinjaMedic]

Obviously the extra weight is a tradeoff, however if the predominate type of building construction prevents you from reliably finding an anchor to wrap a rope around or attach a carabiner to then you better have an alternate plan, otherwise there is no reason for carrying the bailout kit in the first place. Here (http://www.allhandsfire.com/exo.html) is the complete petzl exo system I use although obviously for an application with multiple team members attempting to descend the same line you would need to utilize an alternative decent control device. If you plan on using any system like this though your entire team needs to train with it together and work out the logistics, window roll out etc. The middle of a firefight as we all know is not the time or place to try new tools or procedures.

I would give the bailout kit to the heaviest team member with a carabiner or cowtail attaching the hook end to his harness. When you prepare for bailout he lowers the rope out the exit while the first team member attaches his descender. If there is no suitable anchor the last guy with the attached bailout line drops to the floor and braces against the wall becoming the anchor. The team members bailout, then the anchor man detaches the rope from his harness and utilizing the hook end and his pre-attached descender bailout using the technique illustrated above. I think this setup would be ideal for the building construction in Iraq and give you the quickest, safest, least problematic bailout method.

And the hook doesn't weigh you down trust me. Embrace the hook lol.

I highly recommend you watch the first video on this (http://www.allhandsfire.com/exo4.html) page and it might answer a lot of questions or give you new ideas. And the other videos give you a great display of the hooks versatility for anchoring.

[bkb0000]

what kinds of things can you hook a hook to? most window finish sills are literally brad-nailed in place, and a concrete/block building isn't even likely to have a "sill" to speak of. in a stick/rock house/building, you could just stab through the rock and hook to the actual sill- the framework. that's never more than 2x4 or 2x6, perfect for hooking to. otherwise, i can't see having better luck with a hook than a carabiner

ETA: watched the video- i really liked the subfloor trick. well i wouldn't ever give up the carabiner, as they're light and can pack anywhere- but i must concede that the hook definately has it's uses. pack both.

[NinjaMedic]

Yep your not relying on it to hook around objects rather the design of it transfers the force to the tip allowing you to anchor to a flat rock, cinder block, or adobe wall, punch through sheetrock, hell you can punch it through sheet-metal.