Via ferratas are becoming more and more popular. Including for families with children. Via ferrata sets have a shock absorber to prevent falls and minimize the risk of injury. Controlled braking (of the person falling) significantly reduces the fall factor and the resulting impact force on the body and anchor point. The current safety standard (EN 958) on via ferrata sets requires that they can withstand a 5 m fall with a weight of 80 kg and a maximum impact force of 6 kN. The maximum braking distance may not exceed 1.2 m.

Research using test dummies has shown that shock absorbers designed in accordance with EN 958 have braking distances of only a few centimetres when used by lighter persons weighing 30 kg. This means that these via ferrata sets provide virtually no dynamic shock absorption, and cause substantial impact forces, which could be particularly dangerous for children or lighter users.

The EDELRID Cable Vario has a solution to this design flaw. The Cable Vario is the first ever via ferrata set with braking resistance that can be adjusted according to the weight of the user. The Cable Vario’s core component is the newly developed and patented Variobrake. It allows braking resistance to be individually adjusted according to the user’s weight, similar to the Z-Value or release setting for ski bindings.

The advantage is clear: a via ferrata set that can be adjusted to suit all users. It ensures a braking distance of 1.2 m and minimizes impact force for children and lighter users. Serious injurious caused by non-triggered energy absorbing systems is avoided. With the Cable Vario, EDELRID is once again setting new standards for via ferrata safety.The Cable Vario naturally includes tried and trusted EDELRID technology, such as our patented OneTouch carabiners.

Together with the elasticated webbing they ensure good handling when clipping or unclipping. The Cable Vario is a compact via ferrata set with “state of the art” safety features.

Weight: 600 g