Conterra Scarab | Descender and Belay Device | Ideal for Search and Rescue or Fire Rope Rescue

This is a great product, it is easy to use and is very versatile. From anchor based lowering to rappelling and litter attending this is the device if you can only carry one. I have been using it now for a few months as a rope rescue technician and rope access work in construction and I am very impressed. It's easier to use then a brake bar rack and unlike a figure right it doesn't impart any twist into the rope system. Adding and removing friction is fast and easy and I have used the scarab on ropes from 3/8" to 5/8" with no problems at all. This device is also unaffected by dirt, sand, and water, unlike many other popular pieces like the petzl id. I feel that the variety of rope that it will accept, and the ease of use make this a great option for back country rescue or any activity requiring no fail gear where different conditions are encountered. It has a permanent place in my cache for sure.

I studied the Scarab intensely before purchase and found fellow Firefighters and Rescuers were amazed at their positive and enthusiastic reviews. I bought the Contreras Scarab and first tried the device out. My first repel was impressive and each repel afterwards were even more enjoyable. The device became second nature and easy to employ even with a double rope repel. The construction is incredible and durable. The design is unique. It was tested with a mile of rope pulled through the device and the temperature of the device was less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is a great device. I’ve used it for years on a Search and Rescue Team. I finally decided to used it for canyoneering. Works well even for small diameter ropes. Only drawbacks are the price and weight. I think the durability and abrasion resistance of the Scarab compared to aluminum devices justifies the price.

It takes some getting used to this lowering device. Read the instructions, then watch the videos, then before you use it have someone who really has used the device go over proper operation and safety considerations. Then after a couple times on rope you’ll find the Scarab to be easy to use. It doesn’t have quite the variability of friction that a bar rack does but for nearly all lowering tasks it’s very acceptable. The tie off and untie can be done very smoothly.

This scarab is some amazing engineering. I only wish I got it last year when it was only $200. The rope in the picture is 8mm prusik cord. Fast shipping!

Great descender! I only had one chance to try it, but got in love with this device from the first touch. On short pitches I prefer to use my gri-gris instead, but on relatively long descents this guy will be much better. It's not so bulky as any of racks and works fine with heavy loads.

This is a great product, we are on our local search and rescue and this is a great item to have.

Solid.