Belay device.

Belay device Belayers of all ages can look forward to a more enjoyable experience with the aid of BelaySAFE. Learn the pros and cons of each model, from tube-style to assisted braking devices, and find the best one for your needs. Petzl offers a wide selection of descenders and innovative belay devices designed for all vertical activities. What we don’t: Heavy, expensive, and requires a bit of a learning curve; cannot be used for double-rope rappelling. , Wild Country SRC) to apply braking force to a rope Dec 13, 2023 · I was in the South the first time a fellow climber told me that they didn’t want to learn how to use a Petzl GriGri. It is designed for the gym or crag and is intended for all users. Jan 7, 2019 · Customers find the belay device reliable and safe, with built-in safety features and flawless performance. Apr 27, 2021 · We bought and field tested 6 of the best belay devices in 2025 from top brands like Petzl and Black Diamond. Dec 5, 2024 · Compare and choose from 17 different types of belay devices for climbing, based on expert testing and reviews. Dec 16, 2022 · Learn about the history, types, and functions of belay devices for climbing. Dec 5, 2024 · Tubes. g. Find out how they work, what they look like and how to use them safely. Belaying with an ATC involves knowing how to: Set up the ATC belay device Belay … Dec 22, 2023 · Eventually, sometime in the 1970s, the first belay plate became popular. The device was invented by Fritz Sticht and Hermann Huber as a “braking device for a rope, especially for mountaineers. Also known as auto-blocking, auto-locking, self-braking, or self-locking devices, assisted braking belay devices lock down on the rope to help a belayer catch and hold a fallen climber. With an oval-ized anchor-hole, the belay device now feeds rope and allows you to pull rope more easily. This is one reason for the popularity of the active assisted devices, or passive assisted devices that use much the same motion to belay, but remove much of the effort of holding a hanging climber in place. Feb 22, 2020 · Learn about different types of belay devices, how to use them, and when to choose them for various climbing disciplines. The GriGri is one of the most reliable catchers among all belay devices. Belay devices are pieces of rock climbing equipment through which the rope is passed. Compare features, pros, cons, and prices of the top five belay devices on the market in 2024. Whether 5a or 9b, this belay assistant makes life on the verticals much easier for everyone from beginners through experienced climbers to pros and rope parties with and without weight differences. See why TRUBLUE is the world's best auto belay for gym climbing, climbing training, speed climbing, challenge courses, or any form of partnerless climbing. This article covers how to belay with an ATC. Our auto-tube belay devices (JUL2, MICRO JUL, and MEGA JUL) are also tested according to the suggestion in EN standard 15151-2, i. Jul 23, 2020 · Exceptional Ergonomics: Experience unparalleled comfort and control with the Vergo's ergonomic design. But they can be really quirky; some devices are super intuitive, making it really easy to understand where to thread the rope and how to operate all of the parts. The Verso is tied for the most affordable device you can buy, and is a solid recommendation for people new to climbing. Sep 20, 2021 · There is nothing quite like the bond formed between climber and belayer. Gearing Up to Belay. Belay device with cam-assisted blocking, optimized for lead climbing: - For belaying both lead and top rope climbers - Optimized for lead climbing, it has an integrated wheel that allows you to smoothly and quickly pay out slack to the climber Feb 22, 2020 · Friction braking systems like the one used in the Perfect Descent auto belay rely on centrifugal force to slow the climber as they descend. Trango Vergo Belay Device is an assisted-braking belay device designed to bring new levels of safety and ergonomics to rock climbing belaying. Nov 6, 2022 · One of the climbing market’s most famous and trusted belay devices is the Black Diamond Air Traffic Controller or ATC. Whether you’re an active first ascensionist or just want to do some laps after work without a partner, solo toproping is a handy Dec 22, 2022 · The Petzl GriGri Belay Device. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. This review is based on months of testing with 17 of today's most popular belay devices, but it rests on a 12-year foundation that goes back to when we first started examining the product category. Part of the new wave of rappel devices that allow chang Mar 23, 2022 · Belay devices have come a long way since the old days of belaying using your hips! (Image credit: Getty) Whether you are heading to the local crag or grabbing your hiking backpack and setting off on a mountaineering expedition, the chances are you will be equipped with some form of belay device. Lots of options allow careful adjustment of friction while on rappel. It functions similar to tube-style belay devices but offers superior bite when the leader falls or hangs for a while on the rope. I have gotten in the habit of carrying locking carabiners (like the Mad Rock Ultra Tech HMS Triple Lock Carabiner (Amazon link) for extra security) with me at all times thanks to a horror story I heard at the gym when I was first starting out. 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. While old-school devices such as the figure eight and ATC still have their place in the climbing world, the Long days at the crag can mean belaying fatigue. After a climber ties in to the rope and the belayer fixes the rope in his device, both partners first perform visual safety checks. 00:00 Intro02:07 Tube Style Devices06:00 Assi Dec 5, 2024 · Catch and Bite. Compare different belay devices and find the best one for your style and experience level. When upward tension is placed on the rope, the friction rotates the cam that pinches the rope. CRITR3 !!! An innovative rappel device from Todd and Desi at Climbing Sutra, now an Imlay Canyon Gear product. Dec 18, 2009 · No, this isn't a GriGri. Learn about the different kinds of belay devices used in climbing to control a rope during belaying. as manual braking devices. 7 to 10. Find out how to choose the best device for your type of climbing and practice proper techniques and safety guidelines. Mar 17, 2022 · The basics behind the Petzl GriGri, one of climbing’s most popular belay devices. The belayer must move the rope to the right position to “brake” and stop the rope from sliding though. Feb 21, 2020 · The Petzl Verso is one of the lightest and smallest of all and features the same smooth rope handling as its more popular cousin, the Petzl Reverso. Jul 11, 2024 · Best Overall Belay Device Petzl Grigri ($110) Style: Assisted-braking What we like: Assisted braking allows for a more secure belay. Black Diamond's always been a good brand in my eyes and this item's no different. They either use moving parts (e. e. Belaying is a critical skill that every climber has to learn early on. 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. As a belayer, your partner trusts you to catch them when they fall and get them back to the ground safely once they’ve finished a route. Tubular belay device. 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. I go indoor rock climbing every weekend and I noticed my old ATC was getting worn slightly so decided to invest in a new one. Crafted to fit seamlessly into your grip, it ensures fatigue-free belaying even during extended climbing sessions. Whether you are a gym climber, trad climber, sport climber, alpine climber or Nov 9, 2021 · A belay device is like a little pulley made of aluminium or alloy that allows your partner to add quick, sudden tension to the rope by locking off the rope so that if you fall, you won’t go far (Image credit: Cavan Images) BLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay Device for Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Black Mar 16, 2022 · Safety checks. Dec 5, 2024 · The Giga Jul takes a standard autoblocking tube-style belay device and adds a slider that provides an assisted brake function. . Dec 5, 2024 · Catch and Bite. The first catch-and-hold auto belay and the most tested and most used auto belay in the world. It is most well known for its assisted-braking cam feature that adds security when the climber falls. 0 Belay Device’s assisted braking will give you a hand. The original fast-retracting auto belay sets the standard for quality and performance. There are different types of belay devices and the belay technique may be slightly different for each one. The Munter Hitch. I was an early convert and have used every other assisted braking device since. The most basic type of belay device on the market is the tube. Most lightweight and compact belay device with cam-assisted blocking in the Petzl range: - For belaying both lead and top rope climbers - Optimally balanced design: lightweight (175 g), compact, and durable Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl GriGri+ is the best active assisted-braking belay device for newer climbers and feels very familiar to anybody who has used a GriGri before. When the climber falls, the upward force of the rope pivots the camming wheel, pinching the rope and arresting the fall. Jan 4, 2024 · Learn about the 5 main styles of belay devices for climbing, from tube to assisted braking, and their pros and cons. Even today, when devices such as the Petzl GriGri are all but ubiquitous, the easy-to-use, fuss-free simplicity and versatility of “tubers” means they’re still a firm favorite with crag climbers, trad climbers, and mountaineers everywhere. 7mm and 10. It is designed so the rope runs over a spring-loaded cam inside the device. The Petzl Grigri is a legendary belay device. Unlike traditional tube-style devices, these gizmos actually help the belayer hold a falling or hanging climber. Centrifugal force is “a type of inertia that creates an outward push when an object spins in a circle. Apr 26, 2022 · Understand the differences between all Belaying Devices and Learn how to use any of them Safely and Efficiently. It combines a standard tube-style design with the ability to belay following climbers directly off the anchor on multi-pitch climbs, conveniently “auto-blocking” to catch their falls. , Petzl Grigri 2) or the geometry of the device (e. Symmetry allows flipping that extends the life of the device. Without ever using the device, several people were quick to write it off, and I started to wonder why. When you take a belay class, typically a rope, harness, helmet (if climbing outdoors), locking carabiner, belay device and rock shoes are either provided or available for rent. 3 ounces, making it one of the lightest belay devices on the market right now. They appreciate its ease of use, particularly for top rope belaying, and consider it good value for money. The device weighs in at only 2. Retracting at a lightning fast 15ft (4. While all functions work well, the slider is a bit confusing to learn and isn't intuitive, making this device less suitable for handing to a partner without teaching them to use it first. Prior to the invention of the assisted-braking belay device, the tubular belay device reigned supreme. Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Aug 24, 2018 · The Smart 2. Jan 20, 2014 · When Tommy Caldwell or Mayan Smith-Gobat work a free climb high on El Capitan, the crux may be finding a belayer willing to put in days of duty in an isolated and exposed location. ” Alright, so check it out—this thing called a belay device is like your sidekick in climbing. Characterized by its cam-assisted blocking system, the GRIGRI offers an unmatched level of comfort when belaying. For alpine climbers in search of an ultralight and highly versatile belay device, I recommend the Edelrid Mega Jul. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Ok, this isn’t exactly a belay device, but this knot is an essential as an added safety measure. May 28, 2024 · The belay device’s job is to keep the climber and the rappeler safe by minimizing fall potential. While correct belay technique is essential, having the best belay device for your needs definitely helps. The Petzl Neox provides a secure catch using the same camming device that other popular active assisted-braking devices use. When loaded in “assist” mode, a clever slot in the side of the tube body causes the rope to tightly pinch between the device and belay carabiner to provide extra braking strength. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… Dec 5, 2024 · Catch and Bite. Most lightweight and compact belay device with cam-assisted blocking in the Petzl range: - For belaying both lead and top rope climbers - Optimally balanced design: lightweight (175 g), compact, and durable Aug 13, 2024 · Since its inception over 30 years ago, the Petzl GRIGRI has been the undisputed champ of assisted belay devices. At the time, the Salewa Sticht Plate was at the cutting edge of belay device technology. Nov 27, 2024 · The OHMEGA is specially designed for use in climbing gyms, at the crag, and on alpine sport climbing routes (with a single rope). Sep 14, 2020 · A tube-style device is a simple device that relies on friction and always requires one hand to be on the rope. Feb 22, 2020 · Tube style devices require a great deal of hand strength to hold the weight of the climber, which can be fatiguing. Learn the differences and advantages of tubular, assisted-braking and figure 8 belay devices for climbing and rappelling. Optimized for lead climbing and top roping, its timeless design makes it lightweight, compact, and versa You should also note that due to the auto-tuber’s huge braking effect on the rope, dynamic belaying is only possible through body dynamics. 6m) per second, Speed Drive™ is ideal for speed climbing and competition, dynamic routes, interval training, and fitness routes and circuits. Picture it as the ultimate rope brake; it adds some sweet friction to that climbing rope. Black Diamond’s most tried and true belay device was named the ATC to facetiously draw the connection between a falling climber and an aircraft trying to land at the airport. Sep 21, 2023 · Learn about different types of belay devices and how to choose the best one for your climbing needs. It's built for ropes between 8. Assisted Braking Belay Devices. The friction created by the device helps the belayer to control the rope when belaying the climber. Thankfully, the Mammut Smart 2. 5mm, pairs well with any HMS locking carabiner, and lowers smoothly and securely even when it’s the 20th lowering of the day. Feb 21, 2020 · The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “geometry assisted” belay device for ropes in the 8. Often, the solution is to go alone, rehearsing the key pitches by solo toproping. The Kong GiGi was the first auto blocking belay device on the market (auto blocking means catching automatically when belaying directly off the anchor from above). Lightweight, rugged and auto locking, this thing is build to for anything. The device disperses the climber’s weight at the anchor point, thereby allowing a relatively lighter belayer to belay a heavier climber without the use of weight bags. Dec 15, 2021 · In situations where you would like to minimize rope stretch when top rope belaying, you might choose to belay from above. Modern versions of these devices continue to look less and less like an actual tube, but they're all based on the concept of a tube-shaped slot, through which a bight of rope passes. It offers several features that many will see as improvements over the standard GriGri, including an anti-panic handle and two different modes for top-rope and lead belaying. Feb 12, 2024 · In terms of the best belay device, the Petzl Grigri 2 is a no brainer. Sep 19, 2023 · GRIGRI: The most recognized belay device in climbing. By belaying from above, you halve the length of rope between the climber and the belayer when compared with a standard top rope belay, therefore halving the potential rope stretch. We found the Belay Devices And Descenders. Shop for Belay and Rappel Devices at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Compare tubular, assisted, and passive devices, and their advantages and disadvantages. Nov 28, 2018 · Our most versatile belay and rappel device, the Black Diamond ATC-Guide is now 10% lighter and features improved handling in guide mode. The Black Diamond ATC Guide provides the best value for multi-pitch climbing. 5 mm range. 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. Caving, mountaineering, multi-pitch, cragging, canyoning, each activity has its device. ” Mar 12, 2025 · The Petzl NEOX assisted-braking belay device cleverly uses a rotating wheel inside the cam to relieve a universal problem: unwanted activation when feeding out slack to a lead climber. Here are our in-depth reviews. The Mega Jul is a passive assisted braking device. 0 is Mammut’s assisted belay device. Compare different models, features, and prices of belay devices for various scenarios and climbs. mqved iulkc mypxljm meczg enw ukj pcwewg gfhv fngidzp vzuxup czu ifpnd lhri myyn pived