WingMan by Harken, Mechanical Advantage System
Harken Wingman: What's the fuss about?
To kick off, here's a super short demo video of the Harken Wingman in action.
Introducing Harken’s new, long awaited Wingman mechanical advantage system. This system uses new technology to make this the most compact and versatile set of 4s (or jiggers or mini hauler) on the market. The WingMan contains a compact internal mechanism that allows for seamless progress capture within the device itself, rather than using a prusik on one leg of the rope externally (like the commonly used Aztek system). The Harken Wingman uses a ratcheting sheave along with a lightweight composite material handle that the user can use to fine-tune the progress capture and release the load (or themselves) while the WingMan is under tension at whatever rate they need all with one hand. The other hand can be used to tend the rope. There are no "teeth" in this device (like the Petzl Jag) to avoid any potential for de-sheathing the rope and this allows the user to slowly release the load without adding any shock to the system and without having to lift before lowering.
The Harken WingMan comes in at 8 inches long (swivel eye to eye) while in the fully collapsed state. This allows for versatility to be used with a tripod system like the TerrAdaptor, Vortex, or any other high directional without consuming precious space between the tie-off point and the edge. This compact WingMan also allows for more "throw" when being used in a simple pick-off situation making the rescue quicker and simpler. The WingMan comes with 49ft of 8mm Sterling proprietary cord, so when fully extended the WingMan system is about 12 feet long without any rope tail and about 10 feet of working length with a full length of rope tail (see below image).
The device will have an NFPA 2500 G and EN 12278 ratings which will allow for a multitude of uses, whether for creating adjustable directionals and anchors, personal and partner evacuation, work positioning, litter attendant lines, and even tri-bridle set ups for litters. Like many sets of 4s, by flipping the device's orientation, it can be used as either a 4:1 (four to one) or a 5:1 (five to one) mechanical advantage system depending on the desired end use.
The internal components use Harken's proven engineering and technology with durable and efficient ball bearings and sheaves, so that the WingMan can be used to very efficiently raise and lower working loads up to 647 pounds with minimal one-man effort. The ratcheting sheave makes the audible clicking sound, very similar to the Clutch device, that we've all come to love so much.
Every WingMan will come with a compact carrying case made up up ballistic grade nylon and with a locking buckle, so ensure your WingMan is protected for the long haul. The carrying case also has a drawstring and grommets for drainage to keep your Harken WingMan and rope dry.
The machined, lightweight aluminum swivel eyes allow for a tangle free system that is still lightweight and can be used with a variety of carabiners and connectors for your overall system needs.
Load Specifications:
- Breaking Load: 45kN
- Max Working Load (lb): 647 lb
- Max Working Load (lb): 300 kg
- Breaking Load (lb): 10,116 lb
Certifications:
- The WingMan meets the manufactured system requirements of NFPA 1983, incorporated in the 2022 edition of NFPA 2500
- H-86666 is CE certified to EN12278.2007 - Mountaineering Equipment - Pulley
- H-86666 is UKCA certified to EN12278.2007 - Mountaineering Equipment - Pulley
*Please see the manual for additional information regarding these certifications
CE Declaration of Compliance: Click here to download.
UKCA Declaration of Compliance: Click here to download.
Yes, according to Harken Industrial, the Harken Wingman meets the system requirements of NFPA 1983 incorporated in the 2022 edition of NFPA 2500.
Harken Wingman vs Aztek
We get many questions comparing the wingman vs the aztek. In our opinion, yes the Aztek (manufactured by Rock Exotica) and Wingman serve very similar purposes. When looking at other mechanical advantage systems, like the Petzl Jag, the Edelrid Kaa, The Mini Hauler, etc. it's hard to compare these with the Wingman. Although mechanical advantage systems,, their capturing mechanism and method of release is much different, and quite frankly much more difficult (especially when under load). The Aztek, however is really what the folks at Harken aim to replace. Of course, each kit will have its nuances which may serve you and other end users better in certain rescue or technical rope scenarios. But in a nutshell, the Aztek system (also remarketed and sold by Sterlling, CMC, etc.) uses small prusik knot attached to one of the pulleys which serves the purpose of progress capture AND load release. Obviously the Harken has this functionality built into the device itself with a load release handle and progress capture within the pulleys. Pulley efficiency is comparable between the two pieces of kit, they are both compact, and both make use of swivels, and both typically carry 50ft of rope. The Wingman does carry a little bit higher price tag for the conveniences it offers. Again, whether using this device for pickoff, self rescue, litter attendant, edge restraint, directionals, anchors, guylines, etc. they will both work great, one (wingman) just a little more convenient (most would argue).
How long is the Harken Wingman?
With 50ft of rope, the full working length comes out to be a hair over 12feet, which doesn't leave much tail for the user to grab onto. With a tail equal to the other 4 legs of rope, the working length is just under 10ft. When fully sucked up, the end to end length is just 8 inches.
Who makes the Wingman?
Harken Industrial manufactured and designed the Wingman. Although some people might see this device referred to as the CMC Wingman, CMC is simply a reseller/distributor of this device, (like ASK Tower Supply). Typically this confusion is because CMC and Harken did team up in a more coordinated design, engineering, and manufacturing capacity for the Harken CMC Clutch. While there may have been some testing and communication, it was technically informal, making the wingman a product of harken industrial. Sorry the CMC wingman isn't really a thing!
Ratings & Reviews
1 Review
Way easier to use and setup
Swapped out my aztek pro with this. Won't ever go back.
Jonathan R.
9/10/2023 8:26 pm