Petzl ZIGZAG SHIFT Descender

The ZIGZAG SHIFT is the newest member of Petzl’s ZIGZAG family. It is the first model in the range that you can install mid-rope without disconnecting it from your harness. When repositioning in the canopy, switching to a new anchor point or setting a redirect, this saves you steps and gives you more freedom of movement. Simply open a side plate and feed the rope through the specially shaped chain links with a twisting motion. A two-part lever on the top link then keeps the rope securely in the chain.

If you already work with a ZIGZAG or ZIGZAG PLUS, you’ll feel right at home, because it operates the same way. The release lever lets you pay out rope with fine control. The harder you press, the faster you descend, so you can manoeuvre precisely and smoothly in the tree. When the chain straightens, the device locks onto the rope. You can take up slack with little effort using the wide, ball-bearing pulley. The rigid lower attachment point keeps the device aligned with your body’s axis, so it handles equally well with either hand.

Unlike earlier models, the ZIGZAG SHIFT works on a stationary single rope (SRT/SRS) without any additional braking element, keeping your setup streamlined. If you switch to a moving rope system (MRS/DdRT), simply clip the rope end into the upper attachment point. For long descents or heavier loads, you can add the CHICANE as an auxiliary brake for greater control. An additional attachment point can hold a second system, shoulder straps or an SRS chest harness setup for ascending when needed.

The device is built tough for demanding work in trees. The parts subject to the most wear are made of steel, and the curved, spaced side plates wear more slowly. If the chain shows signs of wear after intensive use, you can replace its upper section with the separately available replacement kit and keep using your ZIGZAG SHIFT.