ISC Reflex

[parkertrees]

Had mine for 6 weeks now, been running it since early jan-ish.

 

I've gone back to my spiderjack3 for double rope work. The one handed self tending of the SJ3 is unmatched. I used to climb on a zig-zag (non srt original one) and the Reflex reminds me of that in the way it handles, albeit slightly bulkier.

 

SRT its nice to use, i just don't find I'm anywhere near as quick around most standard trees with it as I am with the SJ3. I'm sure with some practice that would improve, but for now its going to be my "Big ass tree i want to access easily" device rather than my day to day climbing device.

[Fredward]

On 13/02/2026 at 01:57, kram said:

 

 

I'd have thought that those running the climbing comp would have a better understanding on equipment.

 

The 12kN rating is no suprise, a device like this will slip long before it breaks. 

 

Thanks for reply, I guess it early days, often these things aren't accepted at the comps for a while (at least here). Not that I expect it to be particularly popular for competition climbing, I feel like it's more of a 'jack of all trades' kind of device, but I love it for everyday work. 

 

After my previous post I actually stumbled upon that zigzag certification document. It's interesting that the reflex manual states to be used in conjunction with a class A descender. How does that work with the legal frameworks in the UK, and does the same apply to other devices like the zigzag? 

 

I remember looking into the ratings of other devices, the akimbo is 23kn MBS, but interestingly I think the reflex had a higher WLL than the others, I guess the 12kn MBS is all that is required for the Class C EN certification so that's where they stop? Like you say in a real world situation the rope is just going to slip. I'm not sure that the zigzag has a MBS printed on it?

[Joe Newton]

1 hour ago, Fredward said:

 

Thanks for reply, I guess it early days, often these things aren't accepted at the comps for a while (at least here). Not that I expect it to be particularly popular for competition climbing, I feel like it's more of a 'jack of all trades' kind of device, but I love it for everyday work. 

 

After my previous post I actually stumbled upon that zigzag certification document. It's interesting that the reflex manual states to be used in conjunction with a class A descender. How does that work with the legal frameworks in the UK, and does the same apply to other devices like the zigzag? 

 

I remember looking into the ratings of other devices, the akimbo is 23kn MBS, but interestingly I think the reflex had a higher WLL than the others, I guess the 12kn MBS is all that is required for the Class C EN certification so that's where they stop? Like you say in a real world situation the rope is just going to slip. I'm not sure that the zigzag has a MBS printed on it?

The ZZ has a WLL of 140kg.

 

Like you say the Reflex is 200kg

 

Both WLL are in MRS configuration

[Rupe]

On 12/02/2026 at 11:32, Mark Bolam said:

Sounds good so far Rupe.

Get a vid up if you can.

Welcome 

 

[Fredward]

23 hours ago, Joe Newton said:

The ZZ has a WLL of 140kg.

 

Like you say the Reflex is 200kg

 

Both WLL are in MRS configuration

Does the ZZ have a MBS on it? 

[kram]

I asked ISC, the spare swivels will be launched later in the year as they want to get whole devices out first.

I'd prefer if it had a biner hole like the first zigzags, swivel just adds extra length to it.

 

ISC also say on there website that they are working to get it recognised by ISA for competitions, at the bottom here,

 

REFLEX Mechanical Hitch_EN12841

WWW.ISCWALES.COM

---

REFLEX Mechanical Hitch_EN12841

 

 

[Rupe]

One thing I like about the ISC swivel is that it fits two Karabiners. Just a tidy place to keep a second Karabiner for MRS when you need it. 

[Fredward]

6 hours ago, kram said:

ISC also say on there website that they are working to get it recognised by ISA for competitions, at the bottom here,

 

REFLEX Mechanical Hitch_EN12841

WWW.ISCWALES.COM

---

REFLEX Mechanical Hitch_EN12841

 

 

Thanks for posting this, it basically answers most of my questions!  

Edited 2 hours ago by Fredward

[Joe Newton]

10 hours ago, Fredward said:

Does the ZZ have a MBS on it? 

Not stamped on the device, I'll check the user instructions when i get chance.

 

It's pretty uncommon for friction devices to have an MBS.

 

Generally speaking the safety factor for hardware is 5:1.

 

[Ledburyjosh]

I've had a brief go on a Relfex..

 

Short answer is worth getting if your on the fence, mainly due to the price.

 

 

Easier than a RRP to get on the line, not as easy as an akimbo or BDB.

 

Unsure on the ergonomics or how to hold it, guess that would come with use. Currently I prefer ones that have a bird, RRP, BDB etc

 

It's short enough, would be very short direct onto the bridge but stuck there. I reckon a perfectO to the bridge or small ring would be OK. Otherwise the swivel will need replacing most Lolers.

 

Also the swivel means you can disconnect to pass it around a branch. Not a big deal as its relatively easy to take on off the line instead, but still more of a faff.

 

It tends well ascending and coming in off a limb and feels slick. I don't get the need for a wrench. 

 

I reckon it'll be a pretty good device. Especially for those who go between MRS and SRT.

 

It feels heavy and bulky in the hand which soon becomes irrelevant when it's on the rope.

 

For myself it's of no benefit over the two BDB's I use. With one of them being set up shorter than this can ever go. 

 

If your on the fence, then buy one.