The Full Skylotec Spark Review - Is this the best descender?

This is the long term review of the SKYLOTEC SPARK.
After 8 months of solid use it is time I bring you this long term review of the SKYLOTEC Spark. The Spark is very similar to the Sirius and only lacks the anti panic function. Personally, for my own kit I don’t like those functions so the Spark suits me perfectly. The Spark has very quickly become one of my favorite descenders out there. It is supersmooth on the rope and for rescues you do not need an extra friction carabiner. The rope path through the Spark is also much more straight than in other devices and doesn’t twist the rope as much.

Watch the full video where I share all the ins and outs of the device. It is such a great descender. Some of the things I explain are:

- The Specifications of the Spark
- How to use a Spark in a rescue
- How to use the Spark remotely from a distance
- How to haul and lower using the Spark
- Why the Spark is good in a dual descender setup
- And of course some of my dislikes of the device

From the Skylotec website:
SPARK is designed for permanent use in the toughest conditions. The product combines the advantages of the best descenders for industrial and rescue use. SPARK is characterised in particular by its design without anti-panic function, which enables fast, precise and uninterrupted abseiling. Intuitive and simple rope handling, while the carabiner on the harness can remain connected to the device, the well thought-out ergonomics and the precise operation of the lever allow for the best handling. Thanks to the sophisticated rope guide inside the device, the rope is protected against twisting and kinking aswell as heavy wear. - Fast, precise, uninterrupted abseiling without anti-panic-function - Outstanding handling thanks to compact, ergonomic design and intuitive rope guide - Durable and robust: 100% metal without vulnerable plastic parts

Standards:
EN 12841-C:2006
EN 15151-1:2012
EN 341-2A:2011

NET WEIGHT 0.51 kg
MATERIAL Aluminium, Steel

MAXIMUM LOAD 250.00 kg
MAXIMUM LOAD 1 PERSON 141.00 kg
MAXIMUM LOAD 2 PERSONS 250.00 kg
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS 2

MAX. ABSEIL SPEED 2.00 m/s

MINIMUM COMPATIBLE ROPE DIAMETER 9.00 mm
MAXIMUM COMPATIBLE ROPE DIAMETER 12.00 mm

MAXIMUM LIFETIME 30 years

Video's mentioned in this video:
The SKYLOTEC SPARK introduction:
   • Spark - A first look at the Skylotec ...  

The FRICTION video exploring how much friction our devices create:
   • How much friction does rope access ge...  

The Pulley system playlist explaining SIMPLE, COMPOUND and COMPLEX pulley systems:
   • Pulley Systems  

RADS. Rapid Ascent Descent System:
   • Rapid Ascent Descent System - RADS - ...  

The full GRIMPDAY by SKYLOTEC Playlist:
   • Grimpday 2023 by Skylotec  

Welcome video where I explain the philosophy behind The Rope Access Channel
   • Welcome to THE ROPE ACCESS CHANNEL - ...  

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 Introduction
0:15 What’s in de box
4:20 How to put the rope in the Spark
8:48 A very easy rescue with the spark
13:31 How to lower a load or casualty remotely
15:42 The disadvantages of the SKYLOTEC SPARK
18:40 Dual Spark Descent
21:43 How to SUPPORT the channel
23:18 How to lift a load with the Skylotec Spark
29:15 Conclusion of the Skylotec Spark Review
33:18 Bonus points for the Spark