Here is a question I received from Jason Devine in Kentucky, USA
"Hello, I'm currently using a bungee brake on our commercial zip line, but as we are trying to accommodate a wide range of weight (70-250 lb), it is somewhat difficult to manage. While our speeds are only around 25-30mph, we are trying to stop on a platform and it can be difficult. I'm wondering if the Counterweight Progressive Brake would be an option for us? We need to keep it economical so the zip stop is out of our range. I appreciate any help you can provide.
Thanks! Jason"
Well,
Landing on a small platform if your riders do not use an active braking system (glove for example) is always difficult with any type of brake and even with a magnetic brake at $5,000/unit.
What I would recommend is simple. Get rid of your bungee cord and thread an 8 mm rope your operator will use to catch by hand. Ropes goes from platform to brake anchor pulley (on the ground in your case) to your brake block. Operator should be attached to a safety anchor and you may even want to add a pulley on the tower (back of platform) so your operator is pulled towards the back instead of the front when pulling on the brake rope.
This way your brake (operator) will apply more resistance for heavy people and can release almost completely for people coming in slow.
If you could run a third cable between and above the two track cable to use as an overhead brake anchor, that would be even better. Please let me know how it works out.
That is really the best you can do. Please let me know what your decision is and how it works out for you.