Not sure if it's for you? Try it! Don't like it? We'll send you a shipping label and you can return it within 30 days of receiving it. *One unit per customer

The Awah Z3-FIRE is designed for safe and efficient lifting and lowering of gear and people. Powered by a hand drill, it offers powered ascent and lever controlled descent, making it ideal for dynamic work environments. The Z3 features an integrated dual self-locking mechanism that automatically engages in case of gearbox failure, preventing accidental falls and ensuring operational safety.

What Rope Works Best?

The Z3 is rated for EN 1891 9.5-11mm ropes, but in real-world use, here’s what we’ve found with 100-200lb loads:

Works with stiff 9mm ropes
Works great with 10mm ropes
Works with supple 11mm ropes
Does NOT work well with stiff 11mm ropes

We’ve developed a 11 mm wheel that handles all types of 11mm ropes better than the 10 mm (OEM) wheel. Awah mass produced our design.

Rope Recommendations

10 mm (OEM) Wheel

Arete Task Line Static 10.5mm
Sterling HTP 3/8" (9.5mm)
Edelrid Performance Static 10mm
Sterling Safety Pro 11mm

11mm Wheel*

*The inside surface of the 11 mm wheels is intentionally textured to provide extra grip on the rope. During the initial break-in period, this texture may cause slightly higher rope wear. Once the surface smooths to its baseline, rope wear will return to normal levels.

See bottom of page for test results.

Z3-Fire vs Z2A

Lowering Control:

Z3 uses a handle to gradually move the rope away from the pinch point for smooth lowering
Z2A requires wrapping the rope around friction arms and fully releasing the gears

Gear Ratio:

Same on both devices

Ease of Opening/loading rope:

Z3/Z2A can be opened and the rope loaded while the device is clipped to the user or anchor
Z2R must be unclipped to load the rope

Swivel:

Z3-FIRE comes with an integrated swivel which allows ease of device orientation with respect to user or anchor
Z2R has no swivel
Z2A has swivel

Certifications:

Z3 is in the process of getting PPE, ANSI, and NFPA certifications
Z2R/Z2A have no certifications

Availability:

Z3 is not replacing the Z2A. We stock and support both.

Wear Components

The wheel is a wear part which we worked with Awah to make easily replaceable using a 4mm allen wrench (included) and two flat head screwdrivers to evenly pry it up. Wear is expected and replacement wheels are available for purchase. Wheel lifespan is dependent on rope type, environment, and loading characteristics. Working with clean ropes is the best way to extend the longevity of your wheel, find 10mm and 11mm replacement wheels here

Other wear components include the rope edge rollers and bearings, which require the device to be returned to HowNOT2 for service. We are investing in the machinery to service these for our customers. We are currently the ONLY distributor and retailer for the USA. We are the distributor for Australia and Canada and have partners there. If you do NOT purchase these from an authorized dealer, we will NOT service them.

Refurbished Units

Refurbished units have some sort of cosmetic defect or wear. Pictures shown are of the actual unit. Mechanical function remains like new. Refurbished units are not eligible for the 30 day buy it and try it program.

1 Year Limited Warranty

Official Warranty: This product is a consumable. The manufacturer provides a ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY for defects in the materials and production process of the product. The warranty does NOT cover damage to the product caused by wear, incorrect operation, self-modification or repair, deformation, corrosion, oxidation, improper storage and transportation, and other usage than for which it was designed. Do NOT use an impact drill. The damage caused by this is not covered by the warranty.

NOTES:

Anodization colors may change between batches.

Check our AWAH dealer certification on their site.

What to buy the Z3 in Mexico check out our partner Rope Access Sonora

See the User Manual

Test Results: