January 27th 2026
MH285 REFLEX Mechanical Hitch_EN 12841:2024-C
Manufacturer Specifications_January 2026
The REFLEX Mechanical Hitch was designed specifically for tree-climbing applications, with single and twin-line applications in mind.
CE Certification is required in order to place products on the market, within the EU. In the absence of a tree climbing device-specific standard, devices must be certified using the most appropriate EN standard. Where products do not meet the entire criteria of an EN standard, they can be certified using the PPE Regulation, referencing the relevant parts of the EN standard.
The REFLEX is fully certified to the EN12841:2024 standard, as a fully-compliant type C Rope adjustment device. This standard is selected as it is the most (and arguably the only) relevant standard available for this type of device. EN 12841 has stringent criteria for static and dynamic testing, carried out with conditioned rope (hot & humid, wet, wet & cold, very cold and ambient).
The majority of mechanical tree-climbing devices on the market today, are certified to EN 12841, or to the PPE Regulation (using EN 12841). The EN 12841 standard was originally written for industrial rope access devices- an industry in which the use of a secondary back up line is widely accepted as the mandatory ‘norm’. The current (EN 12841:2024) version of the standard has been revised, evolving to take into consideration use of devices in other situations whereby users may reasonably identify conditions when it is determined better for safety, that a secondary type A back up device/safety line is not used. The text shown in red has been added to clause 7k, in the 2024 standard:
[EN 12841:2024, clause 7K]: The Primary function of Type B and Type C Rope Adjustment Devices is progression along the working line, and they shall be used in conjunction with Type A rope adjustment device and a safety line, unless a risk assessment has demonstrated that an alternative configuration would entail less risk to persons.
The above clause 7K text is quoted verbatim in the MH285 REFLEX Mechanical Hitch User Instruction Manual, as it is a mandatory requirement of the EN 12841:2024 standard.
The majority of professional tree climbers (Arborists) typically choose to climb on one rope, based on their assessment of safety and the way that trees are climbed. Tree climbers have been climbing on a single line for many years, whether it be using textile friction hitches, or any of the mechanical friction devices that are available on the market today (the majority of which are currently certified to, or certified referencing the EN 12841:2006 standard). The practice of climbing on a single line is determined based on a climber’s assessment that adding a secondary line creates more risk and complexity, than benefit. EN 12841:2024 clause 7K accommodates this determination. Climbing without a back-up device in these circumstances would therefore be compliant.
Climbers must also take into account legislation/governance/law, which varies by geographical location. In the UK, climbing is governed by the ‘Work at Height Regulations’, which mandate the use of two safety lines. In regions where a second line is not mandated, many climbers elect to climb with a single line, only. Others opt to use a secondary line as and when they judge it necessary for safety reasons, and/or as a climbing preference to open up more options as they traverse the canopy. The requirements of EN 12841:2024-C enable these options for climbers.
We are currently working with the ISA, with the aim of having the REFLEX join the several other EN 12841-certified devices on the list of approved Mechanical Devices for use in competitions. Follow us on Social Media or check back here, for updates.
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