Rope Access Back-Up Device.
The Petzl Shunt has been the rope access backup device of choice for years, however following Petzl's January 2012 statement regarding the use of the Shunt as a backup device it is becoming hard to justify their continued use.
Is the Duck R the new Shunt?
Well it certainly looks like one, however unlike the Shunt the Duck R is certified to EN 12841 Type A, making it suitable for use as a backup device in a rope access environment.
Also the Duck R is made from stainless steel, making it much tougher than an aluminium Shunt. After all the Shunt was designed as a sport device and was never intended for work use.
While there is no European standard for the use of backup devices in rescue situations the Duck R has been tested for use with a 200kg load, and S-Tech approve them for use in this manner.