This time around we’re going to take a look at what I believe are the top retractables available today. This is my opinion, and because I don’t represent OSHA or any other official organization, my listing is up for debate. Did your favorite fall protection retractable make the list?
10. Miller Black Rhino – The Black Rhino Retractable is designed with stainless steel wire rope and is great for concrete construction, welding, steel erection, food processing, and warehouse applications. It packs 9 ft. of cable and it’s got the balls of a rh… You get the idea.
9. Guardian Daytona Big Block – The Big Block has a couple of things going for it. One, it’s easy to identify on the job site, so it won’t get lost. It also has a great handle to carry it around. Any retractable that’s easy to get to the job is a friend of mine. (We’re just friends.)
8. DBI/SALA Rebel – The Rebel Retractable is lightweight, affordable, and features a web lifeline. Available in 11 or 20 ft. this is a great entry level retractable for lanyards lovers ready to make a switch to retractable land.
7. Miller Scorpion – The Scorpion is another lanyard alternative. The web lifeline is 9 ft. long and requires no annual re-certification. That is a plus. Talk about bridging the gap between lanyards and retractables.
6. Miller MightyLite – Now we’re talking about the big boys. This bad boy comes with a lifeline choice of web, galvanized steel, or stainless steel cable. Through in the lengths up to 65′ and you’ve got yourself one sturdy bastard.
5. DBI/SALA Ultra-Lok – The Ultra-Lok by DBI/SALA comes with lifelines of web or cable up to 50 ft. The Ultra-Lok stands out because it’s got a twin brake system. And you know what they say about twins… Two is always better than one, unless they’re ugly.
4. Guardian Edge Retractable – The Guardian Edge Retractables are nice mid-range retractables. They offers lengths up to 30 ft. and is affordably priced. Just a great retractable. It is what it is, and that’s not bad.
3. Miller Falcon – Possibly one of the most well known retractables in the world. This thing is a work horse. It comes in all of standard lifelines at all the standard lengths. The Falcon gets the edge because it’s tough as hell. I’ve seen a van drive over this thing, and it didn’t dent the housing. That’s balls.
2. French Creek Retractable – I’d like to call this one ole’ reliable. It is just what you expect at a great price. That goes a long way in my book. It is what it is. A great retractable.
1. Guardian Aardvark – This little guy takes the cake in my book. Why? It’s extremely cost effective, and it comes with all of the options you need. One of the biggest hurdles to becoming a retractable user is the price, and when a product like this comes along and breaks down that barrier. You can’t beat it.
There’s my list. Like it or hate, I don’t care. Actually, I do. Tell me what you think. Did I miss one? What retractables do you use?
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