The DMM Revolver has a lot to answer for! Since it's introduction it has brought a completely new take on the way carabiners work, but its construction set the standard and style of all their carabiners for the future.
The whole I Beam construction of DMM's latest range stems from this one design. DMM wanted to lighten this carabiner substantially so that the benefits from the roller weren't compromised by being too heavy. By hot forging the back, creating lightening panels (I Beam) they were able to achieve this, and also create a very unique and stylish look which has become the hallmark of DMM carabiners and has also been used on the ice tools, the Rebel and Anarchist.
So what does it do?
In simple terms the carabiner uses rolling friction rather than sliding friction as in a normal carabiner when the rope runs over the carabiner bar. In this case the rope rolls over the pulley wheel which means much less friction is created.
Less friction means less force holding the climber back which makes upward progress a lot easier.
The Revolver also offers you options in terms of rigging hauling systems or improvised rescue, as it works just like a small pulley, making this carabiner a very versatile piece of kit.
The roller itself is made of 7075 and blends smoothly into the back of the carabiner to encourage the rope to run correctly. Inside the roller is a dry tube Igus bearing which in turn is supported by a high tensile stainless sleeve over a high tensile stainless spindle. The whole assembly runs very smoothly and the sealed bearing tubes as it wears. It is also very strong, and the spindle will not deform until a force approaching 10 to 12 kN is generated.
Specification:
- Weight- 51g
- Strength (gate closed)- 24kn
- Strength (gate open)- 9kn
- Strength (minor-axis)-7kn
- Gate opening - 24mm
- Rope bearing surface width- 10mm