Dragnet's energy absorbers use a patented "metal bender" principle for absorbing energy, which provides the means to stop vehicles of varying weights and speeds. The absorbers are primarily comprised of of a chamber, a length of metal tape, and a series of offset pins.

As the metal tape is pulled through the series of offset pins, the tape is bent back and forth beyond its yield point. The process of bending the metal beyond its yield point is the principal mechanism for absorbing the energy of impact.

The absorbers utilize few moving parts, making them virtually maintenance free. Following an arrestment, the system can be quickly returned to service by replacing the metal tapes with minimal time and effort.