Frequently Asked Questions

• How does it work?
• How much does it weigh?
• How many laps (or how much vertical) can I get from a fully charged battery?
• How steep of a slope will it pull me up?
• Does the battery work in the cold?
• Does it work for snowboarders?
• Does it work in deep snow?
• Does it work in the trees?
• Is the rope attached to you on the ride down?
• Is the rope dangerous to other skiers or snowboarders?
• How long does the battery take to charge?
• Why is it called Zoa Engineering?

 

PL1 Weight: 10.5lbs (4.8kg)

Paracord Weight: 0.071 ounces/foot (6.61 grams/meter)

1000ft (305m) = 4.44lb (2.01kg)

Snow Picket Weight: 12.4oz (352 g)

 

Vertical per charge will vary based on slope, snow, and other conditions. To get the most vertical optimal slopes are between 10-20°.

 

The PL1 can lift most skiers up most skiable slopes, but doing so is not always efficient or safe.

The PL1 is not a climbing or overhead lifting device. The PL1 is designed to use lightweight 550 paracord which is not climbing rope. It is important to never use the PL1 on a slope where a sudden rope or device failure could be dangerous.

The PL1 stalls at roughly 190lbf (86kgf) of tension, which means that in a controlled setting it can lift up to 190lb (86kg) vertically.

10° - 20° slopes are optimal for maximizing vertical from the battery. Setting a considered route can often allow you to access steep and interesting terrain with a mellower approach.

Using the PL1 on any slope requires careful consideration of avalanche risks. Never travel in avalanche terrain without proper training, knowledge and equipment.

 

Yes!

The cells in the battery are rated for -40° C (-40° F).

 

Yes!

Snowboarders can use the PL1 too, but some considerations will make for a better experience.

Snowboarders need to be especially aware of the loose rope that piles up as it is ejected from the pulleys of the PL1. It has a tendency to land in the area of a snowboarders boots and bindings and can be dragged up with ascending rider.

Choosing a climbing harness that allows you to connect the PL1 to your hip can also make for a better riding experience. The use of a harness can free up a hand to address any loose rope that might pile up on your bindings.

 

Yes!

Snow conditions can have an impact on your total vertical, but don't let a powder day prevent you from bringing the PL1 and getting more laps. The PL1 performs well in deep snow.

 

Yes!

The PL1 can be used to navigate tight trees. Any additional wear on the rope caused by rubbing against trees can lower the lifespan of your rope, so it's best to choose as clear a path as possible. Be considerate when choosing a location to set up your rope and do not to set up in an area where the rope could hinder other skiers or snowboarders.

 

No!

The PL1 does not wind up or spool the rope as you ascend. The rope is ejected and left loose behind the rider as they ascend. The PL1 can be attached or detached anywhere along the rope. For the ride down PL1 is stored in the user's backpack and the rope remains in place for their next ascent.

 

When used properly the PL1 Portable Rope Tow System is not a significant risk to other skiers and snowboarders.

The rope comes in a variety of high visibility colours. It is only fixed at the top, and is loose at the bottom. When in use, the rope is not under enough tension to stop descending skiers or snowboarders in their tracks.

We instruct our customers to be considerate when choosing a location to set up. Avoid busy areas and clearly mark their anchor points.

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports. Skiers and snowboarders need to navigate many obstacles and hazards. The PL1 portable rope tow system should be obvious and easily avoidable for other skiers and snowboarders.

 

When using the provided charger, the battery should take approximately 2 hours to fully charge.

 

Zoa Engineering derives it's name from a popular peak for ski touring in the Coquihalla mountains of British Columbia. The peak is where CEO and inventor, Robert Button, did his first backcountry ski touring, and the name stuck. By the time Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson started endorsing an energy drink with a similar name, Zoa Engineering had already launched a successful Kickstarter campaign.