Climbing belay device Other Belay Devices. Ideal for lead climbing, it has an integrated wheel that allows you to smoothly and quickly pay out slack to the climber. For more detailed information and instruction, we recommend learning from a certified mountain guide. g. It functions similar to tube-style belay devices but offers superior bite when the leader falls or hangs for a while on the rope. Aug 24, 2018 · The Smart 2. [8] Jul 26, 2018 · The Wild Country Revo belay device. Unlike the other ATC variety which have 2 rope slots, the ATC Sport only has 1 rope slot. Jul 24, 2024 · Mastering Belay Device Usage. They are . 5mm. A good belay device should be reliable, easy to use, and compatible with your climbing style. Hold your hand in the brake position and confirm the device is operating properly to lock the rope. Dec 5, 2024 · The Right Device for the Climb. The Official Auto Belay of IFSC World Cup Climbing and featuring our exclusive Duplex Spring Design™. Simultaneously, your brake hand gripping the rope will be pulled in close to the belay device Aug 13, 2024 · Every assisted belay device has compromises, but the Pinch has the correct alchemy of characteristics for me. 7-10. Not all belay devices are suitable for every type of climb. Clip a rounded or non-rounded biner through the master point and then the large loop, called the anchor attachment point, on the device (A) , which will be oriented with Tubular Belay Devices for Climbing. The GriGri 2 has been a leading device on the market for years, and for good reason. These tubular belay devices are like the all-around champs, fitting into any climbing scene. Dec 22, 2022 · The Black Diamond ATC Belay Device. Tube-style belay devices, also known as manual or tubular belay devices, consist of one or two tubes or elongated holes. You fold that rope, slide it through the device, and lock it up with a carabiner either to the belayer or straight to the anchor. It’s one of the safest assisted-braking devices available, it’s redundant, and it’s great for beginners and big wall climbers alike. May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. But selecting one of the modern tubular or assisted style belay devices is a great place to start. From the gym to the single-pitch crag to the high alpine, the variety of climbing styles is matched only by the variety of belay devices and techniques. When a climber falls, the fall is brought to a quick stop. If you’ve top roped a bit and are jumping into lead climbing we think the Beal Birdie is the best beginner belay device for lead climbers. It’s important to pick the right one for your style. As with all assisted-breaking belay devices you should always keep a hand on the dead rope - they are "assisted breaking" not "auto-lock"! See the Shop for Belay and Rappel Devices at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Lightweight, rugged and auto locking, this thing is build to for anything. It has been developed especially for mountaineering and it can be used with half, twin and single ropes. Its ergonomic handle provides comfortable descent control. Dec 5, 2024 · Every multi-pitch climber needs a device for belaying the leader, a device for belaying the follower, and a device for rappelling. These devices are especially useful when you are belaying someone on a project (a route that is very difficult for the climber) and catching lots of falls. A belay device is small mechanical climbing equipment made out of aluminum or an alloy. Feb 22, 2020 · Nowadays, many climbing gyms have incorporated a useful device to help individuals climb without a belay partner - the auto belay. device acts as a brake on the climbing rope by applying friction to it. Each device undergoes extensive third-party testing by an ISO 17025 accredited lab, ensuring top-tier safety and performance. It can be used with single ropes from 8. However, if you want the versatility of belaying one or two followers, stick with a tube device with guide mode. Slide your brake hand out away from the belay device and grip the rope. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee CLICK UP is a belay device with manual braking, especially designed for crag climbing. Dec 6, 2016 · The lightweight Black Diamond ATC Pilot represents an advance in technology for the world of assisted braking devices. Sep 21, 2023 · However, the climbing world is slowly phasing out this style of belay device, much like figure-8 belay devices. In terms of versatility, the GriGri shows some limitations. Ensure that the rope is correctly positioned and properly fed through the device. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. The Wild Country Revo is a complicated looking belay device that actually performs very simply in the hands of the belayer. Unlike traditional tube-style devices, these gizmos actually help the belayer hold a falling or hanging climber. 7 to 10. Auto-belay devices belay climbers automatically, without needing a second person. Set Up the Belay Device. Still, climbing hardware continues to evolve, from refinements on classic gear like belay devices, to more-ergonomic iterations of staples like quickdraws, to more compact and lighter designs. They either use moving parts (e. with our MEGA JUL or GIGA JUL). The friction created by the device helps the belayer to control the rope when belaying the climber. Admittedly, it also handles most closely to a GRIGRI, and adopted familiarity is a big Dec 5, 2024 · The Edelrid Mega Jul is a passive assisted braking belay device, which means it can be used as both a traditional tube device and an assisted braking device when belaying the leader. For the price, this device is a great value. May 9, 2024 · Versatility. 5. Belay devices are pieces of rock climbing equipment through which the rope is passed. It also works either left or right handed. Belay devices with geometric blocking support can have one or two rope channels and therefore only allow climbing with single ropes (e. This classic tube style has gone from THE STANDARD throughout the 90’s / early 2010’s to uncommon by the 2020’s. These are designed to slow down the rope, and require you to help assist in stopping a climber when they fall by pulling Feb 21, 2020 · The ClickUp+ is a passive assist belay device that is unique and cool, but perhaps a bit more complicated than it needs to be. 5 to 11 mm Ø range. The device is made of quality materials, with one customer noting its reinforced stainless wear plates, and customers appreciate its lightweight design. It’s kind of a funny term simply because there’s nothing passive about climbing. Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why having a good belay device is crucial. belay. Nov 2, 2021 · Before beginning climbing, you should be trained by an experienced professional in belaying and rappelling (Image credit: massimo colombo) There are three types of belay devices: Tubular belay devices are the most common. Jan 4, 2024 · Tubular belay devices are sometimes generically referred to as ATC’s, owing to Black Diamond’s eponymous Air Traffic Control device that became the de facto standard belay device in the early 90s. This Year’s Best Climbing Hardware Don’t hit the wall without these tester-approved climbing tools. 0 is Mammut’s assisted belay device. 4. Gear. Lead Belay Technique. Dec 5, 2024 · By far the most popular belay device in the world is also one of the very best: A versatile assisted-braking device with well-designed safety features: A unique combination of many different belay modes in one device: Simple, durable, and optimal value for multi pitch climbs: Smooth rope handling and a simple design all packed in to a mere two Multiuse belay / abseil device with innovative and compact design (registered design), suitable for use with half, twin and single ropes for mountaineering, multi-pitch sport climbing and trad routes. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. Not much has changed since its original design in the 1990s. The Grigri makes belaying easier and safer thanks to the cam-assisted braking mechanism. Close and secure locking carabiner. CLICK UP+ is an innovative manual braking belay device, evolution of the well-established CLICK UP model, that has been available to the public for seven years now. This belay device has a pinching mechanism between the carabiner and the device to help it stop the rope. Feed rope through the belay device correctly per manufacturer’s guidelines. Apr 29, 2024 · In the last century, the climbing hardware category has come so far technically that groundbreaking innovations—like Friends, in the 1970s—are rare. With its sleek design and compact, reassuring feel in hand—and with the device so close to your body—it may just offer the most ergonomic belay option around. It’s similar to an ATC to use, pays out slack easier than other assisted braking devices, and is easy for most to pick up. Jul 25, 2023 · The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device designed for climbing inside or outdoors. It uses two spring loaded hinges at the bottom of the device to keep the rope in the feeding position, and when enough tension is applied the rope and carabiner will be pulled upward, making a clicking noise, to lock the rope in place. Now 30% lighter than the original thanks to an updated construction and machined windows through the body, the Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device is a durable, versatile belay device that features multiple friction modes to handle nearly any situation or rope diameter. The Black Diamond ATC Sport is another type of tubular aperture belay device. Dec 5, 2024 · The Neox might be the best belay device for lead climbing and single-pitch climbing, but the similar Petzl GriGri is more versatile and remains our favorite overall belay device for its versatility. 6m) per second, Speed Drive™ is ideal for speed climbing and competition, dynamic routes, interval training, and fitness routes and circuits. However, BD’s ATC was so popular that it had the “Kleenex effect. ATC stands for “Air Traffic Controller”, which is a tube-like belay device manufactured by Black Diamond. Feb 12, 2024 · In terms of the best belay device, the Petzl Grigri 2 is a no brainer. BRAKE ASSIST. But the passive in this belay device simply refers to the fact that it doesn’t have any moving parts. Nov 6, 2022 · The ATC by Black Diamond is a contemporary iteration of older tube-style belay devices. Jan 7, 2019 · Climbing Ascender, Climbing Fall Protection Belay Device Ascender, for Rock Climbing Mountaineering Tree Arborist Expedition Caving Rescue Aerial Work(Purple) 1 offer from $5172 $ 51 72 Chewtoyo Aluminum Climbing Fall Protection Ascender, Rope Grab Belay Device for Rock Climbing, Rescue, Tree Work, and Mountaineering, Supports 220 Load Sep 14, 2020 · Best Beginner Belay Device For Lead Climbing. (An earlier version of the Revo was positioned to be released in 2017, but the device was withheld from the market until May 2018 pending some design tweaks and mass-production and certification issues. , Petzl Grigri 2) or the geometry of the device (e. Weighing less than 10oz and holding up to 4KN (4000 kg), the Epic Peak Rescue Figure 8 Descender is your one stop shop multi-functional descender. Jul 29, 2024 · In a lead-belay scenario, he imagines the Neox will also be a better option for left-handed climbers, who can adopt traditional ATC rope-feeding tactics. It's the piece of equipment that controls the rope, allowing you to climb safely. Jul 16, 2014 · To set up the auto-blocking device, she just needs two locking biners and the belay device; at least one of the biners needs to have a smooth and rounded shape with no edges. Conduct a thorough safety check before starting the belaying process. May 10, 2018 · Billed as the most versatile belay device ever, the Giga Jul is the latest in a long line of belay devices under the Jul label. It provides considerable bite for catching lead falls, and it locks off by itself when your partner needs to rest, just like active-assisted brake devices. What we don’t: Heavy, expensive, and requires a bit of a learning curve; cannot be used for double-rope rappelling. It's not particularly well-suited for multi-pitch climbing, especially when belaying from above, and the bulkier and heavier design compared to other belay devices means it's not a great choice when weight matters. There are many other belay devices apart from those mentioned here. Such devices are also typically much lighter and more compact. An auto-belay device may operate using friction, centrifugal force, hydraulics, or magnetic braking technology. After six months of use we give the verdict here, especially with a view to how it suits UK trad climbing. Fully sealed for indoor and outdoor use. Clip the free locking carabiner to your belay loop. Apr 24, 2020 · AOKWIT Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay Device Aluminum V-grooved Rock Climbing Belay Device Rappelling Descender Safety Equipment ATC climbing rope protector. Belay devices come in two main types: Tubular Devices: The Black Diamond ATC and Petzl Reverso are popular. Take your belay game to the next level. Jan 2, 2019 · Customers find the belay device works well, is easy to use, and offers good value for money. The winner is a trusted classic: the Petzl GriGri 2. Extremely advantageous, it allows self-locking abseiling and it can be used in three different belay modes, depending on the terrain. Perform the Safety Check. Thread the climbing rope through the belay device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Shop our ATC Guide, ATC XP & more belaying & rappelling gear. Passive Assisted Braking Belay Devices. They also help an abseiler to control a descent. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber and ensure that they do not Dec 28, 2024 · Why a Good Belay Device Matters. Apr 24, 2023 · An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. Dec 5, 2024 · The Giga Jul is the most versatile belay device on the market, by far. It secures a climber as they are going up or down the wall. Double-check that: – The climbing Explore durable climbing belay & rappel devices from Black Diamond to gear up for your next descent. The device, plus the belayer's quick "braking hand" (which locks off the free end of the rope), helps keep tension on the rope and helps protect the climber at the other end. with our belay device for sport climbing JUL²) or also with half or twin ropes (e. Jul 11, 2024 · Best Overall Belay Device Petzl Grigri ($110) Style: Assisted-braking What we like: Assisted braking allows for a more secure belay. It is compact and lightweight and allows for belaying a leader and belaying a top-roping climber with both hands handling the rope, or for lowering the climber. In the 1970s, the first patented belay device was the For an overview of basic climbing gear, see Getting Started Rock Climbing. While many assisted braking devices work to help you catch a fall and lock off the brake strand, the Revo works differently, with an emergency backup that locks up the device should the belay fail. 5 mm single ropes. When the rope is weighted the angle of the device changes, locking the rope down, though, as we mentioned above, you still need to keep your brake hand on the rope. While used by solo climbers outdoors, such devices are most commonly found hanging on or fixed to an artificially made climbing wall. The Petzl GriGri+ adds security for beginner climbers with an “ anti-panic ” lever that stops the lowering mechanism if the lever is pulled too GRIGRI® Compact and versatile belay device with cam-assisted blocking for lead and top rope climbing REVERSO® Versatile, lightweight belay/rappel device, for use with one or two rope strands and ability to belay a second climber from the anchor Mar 16, 2011 · For long-suffering belay slaves, the assisted-braking belay device has been one of the most welcome gear innovations of the last two decades. Friction kicks in as the bent rope meets the belay device, putting the brakes on and Jul 8, 2021 · The ATC is one of the most common belay devices used in rock climbing. More . Retracting at a lightning fast 15ft (4. 5 mm range. Pull on both ends of rope to ensure smooth feeding. , Wild Country SRC) to apply braking force to a rope Feb 21, 2020 · The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “geometry assisted” belay device for ropes in the 8. Check the crab is locked and then unclip the other carabiner from the ground anchor, now climb. It is mainly used for sports climbing. ALPINE UP Most complete and versatile belay / rappel device ever produced. My final note would be, if you’re a pre-2009 Grigri user, to not go back and forth between the two devices, to avoid the belay confusion described above. Designed specifically for indoor and crag climbing, it can be used with all dynamic single ropes in the 8. Whether you are belaying a leader in assisted-brake mode, rappelling down long routes with two ropes, or belaying a follower from above, this device performs every task that a belay device is ever asked to do. It can be used with Ø 8. 6 ÷ 10. We found the Jan 22, 2025 · The Pinch is an ideal device for single-pitch cragging on skinny lines and for beginner topropers who’ll appreciate the anti-panic function. The ATC Guide does all three, and it comes at a low weight and low price. The climbing rope is threaded into one or both of the tubes of the belay device. Innovative belay device developed for sport climbing, easy to use, intuitive, safe, extremely lightweight and compact. Grip the rope directly above the belay device with your guide hand. NEOX is an assisted blocking belay device for the gym and the crag. Each device is made for certain climbing needs. May 28, 2024 · When it comes to investing in a belay device that fits seamlessly into multiple climbing environments, the GriGri+ is our go-to belay device. Since the inception of the original Grigri 1, the Grigri has continued to set the standard for belay devices with cam-assisted blocking (braking). This article covers belay with a tubular device. The two main belay device types are tubular and brake assist. Here is a good overview of the different belay An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. ” Mar 22, 2024 · Belay Devices. Matt Samet. Belay devices are one of the central tools of climbing, so we took our six favorites to the cliffs for a showdown. First things first: The Revo is not a Grigri-style belay device, despite any misconceptions. Belay techniques vary for many Mar 16, 2022 · Clip a locking carabiner and belay device to the the belayer’s harness belay loop. Apr 11, 2013 · In usage the device works smoothly and you belay with a similar action to a standard simple bucket/tube type belay device making it an easy transition. The Black Diamond Air Traffic Controller, or ATC for short, is Black Diamond’s flagship belay device. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. This results in an extended device lifespan and higher cycle capacity, making TRUBLUE the safest, most durable auto belay on the market. Sep 20, 2021 · HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BELAY DEVICES BELAY DEVICE STYLE . Types of Belay Devices Available. Providing an added level of security to your belay, the ATC Pilot threads similarly to other tubular belay devices and accommodates ropes from 8. The result is a comprehensive comparison-t A. For this reason, almost every serious climber owns this device or one of its closest competitors. Dec 16, 2022 · The best belay device for multi-pitch climbing is an auto-blocking belay device when the device is set up in guide mode, such as the Black Diamond ATC Guide or the Petzl Grigri. Types of belay devices: Your belay device is used to manage rope slack/tension, catch a fall and lower your climbing partner. Let’s quickly look at the key specs, variations, and pros and cons of climbing’s most classic tube-style belay device. Knowing the different belay devices is key for safe climbing. The primary function of a belay device is to act as a friction brake mechanism for rock climbing. ) ALPINE UP is the most complete and versatile belay / rappel device ever produced. 5 to 11 mm. Give slack by feeding the rope up with your guide hand. Apr 27, 2021 · The six belay devices we tested. A belay device is your lifeline, literally. Many climbing gyms now require that all belayers use an assisted-braking device Feb 22, 2020 · Knowing which belay device to use for every occasion and how to operate the device properly is key for safety and success when it comes to climbing ropes. Brake assist belay devices offer a mechanical advantage to help the belayer to brake effectively. It is definitely required equipment to rock climb safely. wkfwkf arrzff fiwx fpvwop agqjux lcj djhgl odmxs uljlu hmjr