DMM's steep earth anchor, the Talon, is now available. It is the ideal solution for rigging in situations where the only anchor option is the earth itself.
It was developed with input from mountain rescue teams, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) in particular, for back-roping stretchers on steep ground where the consequences of a failure are not catastrophic.
Although there is no strength rating for this product, mountain rescue teams achieved strength ratings greater than 5 kN from a single set during field trials. Multiple Talon anchors, when equalised, will increase the holding power.
Each of the Talon's five legs are laser cut from sheet aluminium giving an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The flat head of each leg provides an ideal surface for hammering with a 'soft-headed' hammer such as DMM's new Claw steep earth axe while a 11 mm Dynatec sling attachment point is used for strength, flexibility and low-weight.
Servicing from DMM is available in the event that any individual legs become damaged or the Dynatec loop requires replacing. Available from stock in red but phone to discuss if you require production in other colours.
Talon pdf info sheet
The serrated top edges create a standing platform with improved grip underfoot when it is weighted by an individual for added security. This is standard procedure for Cockermouth MRT when skidding a stretcher: working as a two-person team at the belay station, with the individual standing on the anchor relaying communications back from the stretcher party on required back-rope speeds to the rope controller.
The short Instagram video above, from early June, illustrates placing and using a Talon.
Clearly, the holding power of the Talon anchor is dependent on the integrity of the substrate in which it is being used, as well as it being correctly installed and orientated in the first place. When the Talon is not in use, a retaining pin fastens it together, so it can conveniently be carried on a harness or stowed in a kit bag.
To download a pdf info sheet with more details click the 'image icon'.