reliable Evacuation when lives are on the line

When standard evacuation isn't an option, BrakeHawk puts your crew in control. Engineered for oil rigs and heavy industrial installations, it attaches to existing ziplines in seconds and delivers smooth, rider-controlled descent with a weight-based safety setting that limits descent speed.

BrakeHawk has been providing safe and controlled zipline descents around the world for over 15 years.
How it works

Three Steps to safety on the Ground

BrakeHawk is built for speed and simplicity. No specialized tools, no modifications to your infrastructure — just a fast, reliable path to safety.

Watch example run
0
0
1
2

Attach to the Line

Clip BrakeHawk directly onto any compatible existing zipline cable. The tool-free attachment secures in seconds, connecting to infrastructure that's already in place — no retrofitting required.

0
1
2
3

Mount

The rider connects to the brake unit via integrated harness attachment points according to their body weight. The ergonomic design accommodates a wide range of body types and equipment configurations, ensuring a secure fit even under pressure.

0
2
3
4

Descend

Grip the hand brake and go. The weight-based safety settings ensure a smooth descent. For greater control, pull down to slow, ease off to move. The friction-based system delivers intuitive, responsive control throughout the entire descent.

Benefits

Built to save lives

From its durable materials to its rider-first braking design, every decision behind BrakeHawk was made with one goal in mind: reliable performance when lives are on the line.

Lightweight & Small Footprint

At just 3 lbs 12 oz, BrakeHawk stores easily in emergency kits, rigging bags, and on-platform lockers without adding meaningful load to your safety inventory. Compact enough to keep on standby everywhere — robust enough to perform when it matters.

Quick Attachment to Existing Lines

There's no time for complex setup in an emergency. BrakeHawk is designed to attach to your existing zipline infrastructure in seconds, with no dedicated hardware or pre-rigged anchor systems required. Your escape route is ready when you are.

Reliable, controlled Descent

In an emergency, panic is the enemy of survival. BrakeHawk is intuitive by design — requiring minimal training to operate confidently, even under pressure. Adjustable for a range of body weights, it delivers consistent control for every user. When the difference between a controlled exit and a catastrophic one comes down to seconds, BrakeHawk puts those seconds in your hands.

Adjustable for Different Body Weights

A single BrakeHawk unit accommodates the full range of crew body weights with a simple pre-descent adjustment. Whether it's a 150 lb technician or a 330 lb worker in full gear, the brake delivers consistent, controllable performance.

Built to Last

Machined aluminum construction. Durable powder coat finish. Reinforced leather contact surfaces. BrakeHawk is built to endure harsh industrial environments — water and rain exposure, extreme temperatures, and heavy use included.

Affordable Emergency Preparedness

Full standalone rescue systems can run tens of thousands of dollars per installation. BrakeHawk delivers genuine, reliable emergency descent capability at a fraction of that cost — making it practical to equip every platform, every shift, every crew member who needs it.

Specs

Technical Specifications

BrakeHawk is engineered to precise tolerances for field performance in demanding industrial environments.

Materials
Aluminum, Powder Coating, Stainless Steel, Aerospace-grade adhesive, Leather
Rider Weight Range
150 - 330 lbs (68 kg - 150 kg)
Product Weight
3 lbs 12 oz (1.7 kg)
Product Dimensions
18" x 7" x 1 5/8" (45.7 cm x 17.8 cm x 4.1 cm)
Required Line Angle
42 degrees
Compatible Cable Diameter
1/2" (13mm)

For more details, download our instruction manual

Comparison

Why choose BrakeHawk

Not all emergency descent solutions are created equal. BrakeHawk was designed specifically to close the gaps left by conventional alternatives — delivering speed, practicality, and compatibility without the cost or complexity of a full standalone system.

Product comparison
Vertical rope descent
Legacy hand brakes
Full standalone system
Uses Existing Infrastructure
Deployment Time
Seconds
Minutes
Seconds
Minutes
Training Required
Minimal
Significant
Minimal
Moderate
Adjustable for Body Weight
Lightweight & Portable
Smooth, Controlled Stop
Skill-dependent
Affordable Per Unit
Moderate
High cost
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about BrakeHawk? We've answered the most common ones here. Don't see what you're looking for — reach out to our team directly.

How quickly can it be deployed

With a brief familiarization session, a trained user can attach BrakeHawk to a compatible cable and be ready to descend in mere seconds. No tools, no complex rigging — the design prioritizes speed under pressure.

How much does it cost?

BrakeHawk is competitively priced. Volume pricing is available for multi-unit facility orders. Contact us for a customized quote.

Does it work with my existing zipline cable?

BrakeHawk is compatible with standard steel cable ziplines at 1/2" (13mm) in diameter. If you're unsure about your existing setup, our team is happy to help evaluate compatibility before you order.

Is training required to use it?

BrakeHawk is designed to be intuitive enough for use under stress with minimal prior experience. We recommend a brief orientation for all crew members, and BrakeHawk provides training documentation and resources to support your safety program.

Can one unit serve workers of different sizes?

Yes. BrakeHawk includes a simple adjustment that can be dialed in to match a specific rider's weight — from 150 to 330 lbs — making it practical for shared use across your crew without requiring unique per-person units.

Is it suitable for high-humidity environments?

Yes. The machined aluminum body and powder coat finish are selected for corrosion resistance in demanding conditions, including high-moisture industrial environments.

What is the recommended inspection and maintenance schedule?

Leather brake pads need to be replaced after every use. Inspection and maintenance guidelines, leather pads and replacement parts are available directly from BrakeHawk.

Can it be used for non-emergency training descents?

Yes. Regular familiarization drills using BrakeHawk on your existing zipline are encouraged — and practical, given the low per-unit cost. Frequent use also ensures your crew is confident and ready when it counts.

Contact us

Ready to Protect Your Crew?

Whether you're outfitting a single platform or standardizing across multiple facilities, our team is here to help. Contact us for pricing, compatibility questions, volume orders, and more.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Randy Headings
Inventor and developer of BrakeHawk

Address

405 Darbyton Drive
Plain City, OH 43064