Belay climbing device. Best for gym, sport and multipitch trad climbing.


  1. Belay climbing device. Apr 29, 2024 · Don’t hit the wall without these tester-approved climbing tools, including belay devices, stick clips, cams, screwlocks, and more. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. May 5, 2025 · We tested 17 belay devices from Petzl, Black Diamond, Camp, and more to find the best model for your adventures. ) Instead, it functions pretty much like a standard tube-style Auto belay devices have revolutionized indoor and outdoor climbing, providing safety and independence for climbers of all skill levels. All of these scenarios would be way more sketchy if it weren’t for a belayer on the other side of the rope operating a belay device. 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. Trango Vergo Belay Device is an assisted-braking belay device designed to bring new levels of safety and ergonomics to rock climbing belaying. Belay Devices for Climbing & Mountaineering The belay device has to fit your skills and plans. Belay techniques are an essential component of rock climbing and other vertical activities, serving as a critical safety measure for both climbers and belayers. Heavier and not compatible with certain rope diameters or icy/wet ropes. Apr 24, 2019 · The Climbing Technology ClickUp + is a passive assisted braking device that is an update to their popular ClickUp. Apr 27, 2021 · We bought and field tested 6 of the best belay devices in 2025 from top brands like Petzl and Black Diamond. Direct belay – this is the recommended method by climbing schools today Redirected belay – this is the method used for many years and is still common today Indirect belay These 3 methods differ in how the belay devices are being set up and how the belaying is done. But which one is the best? Learn how to choose a belay device for rock climbing. Fortunately nowadays, climbers don’t like decking and belay devices Belay devices use friction created by a bend in the rope to catch falls and lower climbers. 7 to 10. When the climber reaches the top, or if they fall, the device automatically catches the climber and slowly lowers them to the ground. com : BLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay Device for Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Blue : Sports & OutdoorsBased in Salt Lake City, Utah, Black Diamond is committed to designing and engineering the most innovative mountain equipment in the world. Follow along with Gearheads Alex Quitiquit and Nils Mindnich as they dive into three of their favorite Overall Pick PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device - Belay Device with Cam-Assisted Blocking for Sport, Trad, and Top-Rope Climbing 200+ bought in past month Add to cart I have been climbing for about 2 years, but only bouldering and top roping indoors, and I have only ever used a typical ATC belay device, which I am very comfortable with. Sounds pretty simple right? But how does it take up the slack, you ask? Aug 24, 2018 · Belay devices are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with more innovative options on the market than ever. It’s one of the most important Jun 1, 2021 · We’ll discuss whether rock climbing solo is safe or not, some common solo climbing activities, and how to find climbing partners. They also help an abseiler to control a descent. With the right belay device, a small, weak climber can easily arrest the fall of a much heavier partner. With so many options on the market, choosing the best belay device can be overwhelming. Dec 21, 2015 · Amazon. One of the first skills you need to master once you start climbing is how to belay. Jul 29, 2024 · Petzl's new Neox is a sleek assisted-braking belay device. Explore durable climbing belay & rappel devices from Black Diamond to gear up for your next descent. But before learning about each method, let’s Aug 15, 2025 · Find the perfect assisted braking belay device. The DynoEdge range offers an excellent range of leisure products for climbing wall gyms, adventure parks, high ropes courses, home uses and much more. In this REI Expert Advice video, we show you how to prepare to belay, per PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device - Belay Device with Cam-Assisted Blocking for Sport, Trad, and Top-Rope Climbing 100+ bought in past month Add to cart Stoked for climbing season? Let’s chat belay devices. The advantage of auto-locking devices is that they compensate for human errors (i. Belay devices are only used while top-rope climbing or lead climbing, indoors and outdoors, and are not used while bouldering. Intuitive and easy to use, the BE UP has a modular braking system to optimise braking with all types of rope and allow the auto-locking and independent belaying of two seconds. However, it does have drawbacks like Sep 21, 2023 · After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure safe and effective rope management, allowing climbers to support their partners while minimizing risks. There are three main types of belay devices, the tubular ATC, the auto-locking belay device and the semi-assisted belay devices. In its simplest form, a belay consists of a rope that runs from a climber to another person (the belayer) who can stop the climber's fall. Weighing in at 2. An internal rotating wheel reduces friction between the rope and the rope-pinching mechanism, making it easy to feed out slack to a leader without activating the assisted braking function. But with so many available, how do you decide which one is right for you? This article breaks down the most common types of belay devices, the best belay devices for different disciplines of climbing, and, of course, when to choose a Grigri over an ATC (and vice versa). There are different types of belay devices and the belay technique may be slightly different for each one. This article covers how to belay with an ATC. Feb 2, 2024 · Among some of the best belay devices for climbing and last but not least, the Black Diamond Belay Device works with ropes 7. It's a vital piece of safety gear and all belay devices must be used correctly, whether you are climbing indoors or outdoors and when abseiling. Jan 4, 2024 · We break down every type of belay device and talk about where belaying started, and talk about which devices work best for your style of climbing. Simple and effective, it's changed climbing. com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases The Best Belay Device for Beginners How to Choose a Belay or Rappel Device Belay Device Types The most common belay devicesBeB fall into one of two categories: Assisted-braking devices, which arrest climbing falls by “grabbing” the rope like a locking seatbelt, and tube-style devices, which use friction alone to catch a fall. Our Belay Devices cater to a variety of climbing adventures and techniques, featuring innovative designs that deliver smooth, efficient rope handling and precise control. A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. The climbing rope is threaded into the belay device and secured to the belay loop of the belayer’s harness with a carabiner. com: climbing belay device50KN Rescue Figure, 8 Descender Large Bent-Ear Belaying and Rappelling Gear Belay Device Climbing for Rock Climbing Peak Rescue 7075 Aluminum Alloy What is a climbing belay device? A climbing belay device is a tool used by climbers to control the rope holding a climber in case the climber falls and/or when the climber needs to be lowered. In a standard top rope setting, the belayer stands below the climber as they ascend, controlling Feb 22, 2020 · An automatic belay device (AKA auto belay) takes up slack as you climb, thereby negating the need for a belayer on the ground. Here are our in-depth reviews. Figure 8 Belay Mar 16, 2022 · Modern Belay Techniques Modern rock climbers, ice/mixed climbers, and mountaineers universally depend on an item of gear called a belay device because they offer a considerable improvement in safety and reliability over these earlier techniques. 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. Belay devices are pieces of rock climbing equipment through which the rope is passed. A belay device is a metal tube that you feed a climbing rope through, used with a screwgate carabiner, in order to belay a rock climber. It feeds slack with ease, securely catches lead falls, and securely auto-blocks when belaying a follower from above on multi-pitch routes. Amazon. To attach your belay device to your harness, you need a locking carabiner, and some are better for the job of belaying than others. These techniques involve the proper use of ropes, harnesses, and belay devices to ensure that a falling climber can be safely caught and lowered to the ground. It also helps you catch them if they should fall, and you can easily lower them down from the crag or climbing wall when they’re finished. Here are our best belay device picks! Feb 22, 2020 · The belay device you choose to use will depend on personal preference and the type of climbing you do. Belaying your follower (or followers) with an auto-blocking device set up directly on the anchor allows Feb 21, 2020 · The Wild Country Revo is a complicated looking belay device that actually performs very simply in the hands of the belayer. Belaying is a critical skill that every climber has to learn early on. In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. (Caldwell drapes a headlamp strap around his neck and clips this to his device. In the modern day, most climbers use a variety of gear to belay, notably 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. Jan 22, 2025 · Our review of the Edelrid Pinch gave high marks for its light weight, fluency with skinny ropes, and a reliably safe orientation. Oct 1, 2020 · Belaying is a crucial skill in climbing, as your climbing partner is literally putting their life in your hands. TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight and height ranges of any modern auto belay system. Correct belaying methods allow a belayer to hold the entire weight of the climber with relatively little force and easily arrest falls. The belay device; an essential item for sport climbing, trad climbing, alpine climbing and mountaineering. A belay device functions like a brake on the climbing rope. Also, it is much heavier than other autoblocking devices, making it less suitable Jun 26, 2023 · Belaying, in essence, is a sophisticated method of controlling a rope to ensure a climber's safety. Petzl offers a wide selection of descenders and innovative belay devices designed for all vertical activities. [1] It is designed to improve belay safety for the climber by allowing the belayer to manage their duties with minimal physical effort. We break down key differences among the Grigri, Neox, Edelrid Pinch, and more top picks. Feb 22, 2020 · Belaying is an often overlooked, but essential skill to safe climbing, we share how to belay when climbing safely for top roping and lead climbing. The rope is passed through this device so that the climber has more control over the rope when belaying. A device used by belayers to pull a lifeline through as a climber climbs, and to stop it from moving when a climber falls. Aug 5, 2025 · See our guide to the best climbing belay devices of 2025, including our top picks and details on belaying with two ropes, rope diameters, belaying a follower, and more. 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. Oct 9, 2021 · Buy SOB Climbing Fall Protection Belay Device Ascender Protect Aluminum Magnesium Alloy Climbing Ascent Rope Grip Clamp for Mountaineering Rock Climbing Downhill Operations and Rescue: Belay & Rappel Equipment - Amazon. An Italian hitch CLICK UP is a innovative belay device developed for sport climbing, easy to use, intuitive, safe, extremely lightweight and compact. This technique is the cornerstone of secure climbing, whether indoors on a climbing wall or outdoors on a natural rock face. e 3 Methods Of Belaying From Above There are 3 methods of belaying from the top. Best for gym, sport and multipitch trad climbing. However, I am looking to get into lead climbing and potentially start going outside once I'm comfortable with the basics of lead (and when New England winter allows it lol). After all, as a belayer, the rope, and therefore your partner’s life will be in your hands. Each device undergoes extensive third-party testing by an ISO 17025 accredited lab, ensuring top-tier safety and performance. Jul 26, 2018 · The Wild Country Revo belay device. Jul 11, 2025 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. Tubular belay device: Compact, light and easy to use. A belay device is a mechanical piece of climbing equipment used to control a rope during belaying. Dec 22, 2022 · When climbers imagine belay devices, they are bound to think of the Petzl Grigri and Black Diamond ATC. If you’re learning to top rope now and are thinking about lead climbing or trad climbing in the future they are all suitable. Nov 27, 2024 · New Climbing Device Could Redefine Standards: Edelrid OHMEGA Makes Leading Safer While it doesn't replace a belayer, the Edelrid OHMEGA could fundamentally change the way belayers look at lead falls. The Grigri makes belaying easier and safer thanks to the cam-assisted braking mechanism. (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. . If you were to visit your local crag or gym right now to see which belay devices were most commonly hanging NEOX is an assisted blocking belay device for the gym and the crag. Proper understanding and selection of these devices can significantly enhance safety and climbing efficiency Dec 22, 2023 · A falling climber is an inevitability of rock climbing– messing up beta, holds breaking off outside, endless pump, and practice falls in climbing gyms are all catalysts for taking the whip. This results in an extended device lifespan and higher cycle capacity, making TRUBLUE the safest, most durable auto belay on the market. These innovative systems allow individuals to climb without a partner by automatically managing the slack and safely controlling descents. Lightweight climbers may find them slow for rappelling. In this article you’ll find a no-nonsense summary of the different types of belay device out there. Read our review to see why it's our climbing editor's first choice. It’s inevitable because the Grigri and ATC are tried and true powerhouses in every style of climbing, from sport climbing indoors to traditional multi-pitch rock climbing outside. In this case the belayer must work a lot more with their body to ensure the climber falls softly. Here, we review and recommend the best assisted-braking belay devices for rock climbing. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. 5 mm range. 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. It costs very little and last a long time. Belay devices are an important piece of rock climbing equipment as they act as a brake. Check out this short 1-minute video on using the proper top-rope belaying method: Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl Neox easily feeds slack while lead belaying, and also provides a secure catch, making it our favorite belay device for belaying a leader and single-pitch climbing. Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl GriGri is an active assisted-braking device that performs well in every belaying and lowering task, earning our highest honor as the best belay device on the market. The most tested and trusted auto belay in the world. It is equipped with an ergonomic handle that provides a smooth and comfortable descent for the climber. You can’t climb with a partner without a belay device, which will help you control the rope for the climber as they ascend. Caving, mountaineering, multi-pitch, cragging, canyoning, each activity has its device. Pinch - a new belaying experience with the PINCH, a new, versatile assisted braking belay device for use in sport climbing, multi-pitch climbing and rope access techniques. 3 ounces, it's also light and affordable Feb 21, 2020 · The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “ geometry assisted ” belay device for ropes in the 8. Belay device, a full history Vertical caving terminology and methods > Ladders, climbs and older techniques Belay device, belaying device, belay, belay plate, Sticht plate, stitch plate, ATC, ABD A very basic ATC belay device, and an auto-locking GriGri. Aug 7, 2025 · Belaying is a technique of managing slack in a climbing system to safeguard a climber and prevent the climber from taking a dangerous fall. Belay devices come in various designs but generally serve the same purpose: to control Mar 22, 2024 · 2017 Belay Device Review: Edelrid Mega Jul Sport Belay Device Check out James Lucas's author page. May 9, 2024 · Based on our research and testing, we think the Petzl Grigri is the best Climbing Belay Device available in 2025. How does it stack up to the Grigri? We put it to the test. Belay devices play a critical role in rock climbing, acting as a system that controls the rope during a climber’s ascent and descent. Under load, the rope is completely blocked and dynamic rope output is no longer possible. Aug 13, 2024 · The Edelrid Pinch is a much-anticipated assisted braking belay device. As the demand for more efficient and reliable climbing experiences grows, selecting the best auto belay device becomes ALPINE UP is a complete and versatile belay / rappel device, extremely advantageous and it can be used with half, twin and single ropes. To keep it in the ideal position for braking (and separate it from the other device), connect the top device to a chest harness, a pair of slings draped over each shoulder so they cross in the middle, or a single sling. Mar 17, 2022 · The basics behind the Petzl GriGri, one of climbing's most popular belay devices. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for a rappel device for your next climb, be sure to consult this list. Speaking of your brake hand, it's not right-hand dominant like most other assisted belay devices, so left-handed Dynamic belaying is not possible with auto-locking belay devices, as auto-locking devices have a blocking support. Apr 28, 2025 · Belaying a climber on toprope—where the rope runs from the belay device up through an anchor at the top of the climb and back down to the climber’s harness—is as straightforward as it gets. Does it need an introduction? Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. 7 to 11 mm and won’t cost you your wallet. If you rock climb with a rope, you need a belay device. This means that belayers are much Apr 24, 2024 · A belay device is a piece of equipment used in rock climbing to manage the rope while belaying, a technique where one climber ensures the safety of another by controlling the rope. It's an ideal device for belaying both leaders and top-ropers, either sport or CLICK UP Innovative belay device developed for sport climbing, easy to use, intuitive, safe, extremely lightweight and compact. Learn how to choose the best belay devices for climbing, including key factors for selecting belay equipment and climbing belay devices to ensure safety and performance. Dec 15, 2021 · Any standard belay device can be used to belay from above by placing a redirect on the climbing anchor. A belay device is a generic term for any gear that performs the belay function. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, including gear, setup, safety checks and procedures, plus the PBUS method and how to lower a climber. Nov 2, 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. Mar 20, 2025 · Introduction to Belay Devices Yes, there are several types of belay devices, each designed to cater to different climbing styles and safety needs. Since the inception of the original Grigri 1, the Grigri has continued to set the standard for belay devices with cam-assisted blocking (braking). Whatever your plans—a climbing gym, sport climbing, or a multi-pitch route—you need a belay device that you know how to use. 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. Mar 12, 2025 · The Petzl NEOX solves the critical issue with most assisted braking belay devices — unwanted rope locking when feeding slack. While other devices require lifting a handle into a position that allows one to smoothly feed slack without locking up the device, the ClickUp + instead uses What is the Best ATC Belaying Device in 2024? Here's a list of the Top 9 ATC devices for belaying based on our experiences and expertise. They vary in price, ease of use, safety features, and level of assistance with braking. However, three main types of devices exist: tubular belay devices, assisted braking belay devices, and the figure 8. Learn the essential techniques and steps for belaying in rock climbing. Includes the pros and cons of tubular, assisted braking and Figure 8 devices. Durable, light and upgrade-ready! Self regulating magnetic braking system Designed for indoor or outdoor use Trusted worldwide with high-quality parts If selecting TRU-CLIP Connector, additional Key Links may be needed for optimal coverage. Belay devices Jan 20, 2014 · The top device is your primary self-belay. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… Belaying is a critical part of climbing safety. With this method, the belayer keeps the belay device attached to their harness as if it were a standard top rope belay. The friction created by the device helps the belayer to control the rope when belaying the climber. Shop our ATC Guide, ATC XP & more belaying & rappelling gear. First things first: The Revo is not a Grigri-style belay device, despite any misconceptions. ) Jul 25, 2023 · The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device designed for climbing inside or outdoors. Belay devices are also used for rappelling down a cliff, something you may do from time to time. 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. Exchanging gear, restacking the rope, eating, drinking, and whatever else you might need to handle at the belay stance can really burn away those precious daylight hours, so it’s crucial to be as efficient as possible. Ideal for lead climbing, it has an integrated wheel that allows you to smoothly and quickly pay out slack to the climber. Dec 2, 2024 · Belaying is an essential aspect of rock climbing, and a reliable belay device can make all the difference in ensuring a safe climb. Much like other similar devices, the assisted braking action comes by pinching the rope between the device and a carabiner. Belaying with an ATC involves knowing how to: Set up the ATC belay device Belay … Dec 5, 2024 · The Giga Jul takes a standard autoblocking tube-style belay device and adds a slider that provides an assisted brake function. Arrestyd Ltd have worked very hard through their knowledge and experience in the market to manufacture the products with what the target markets are looking for. PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device - Belay Device with Cam-Assisted Blocking for Sport, Trad, and Top-Rope Climbing #1 Top Rated 2,585 100+ bought in past month Sep 14, 2020 · Best Beginner Belay Device For Top Roping Or Lead Climbing Every device we recommend works well for both lead climbing and top roping. Assisted-braking belay device: Easy to control, feed rope smoothly and aid in stopping falls. The belay device takes most of the load so your partner doesn’t have to. While many assisted braking 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. The secret is our friction-free, magnetic braking technology, which gives the softest, safest, most consistent catch available on the market today. Extreme Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. Dec 5, 2024 · The Black Diamond ATC Guide is a tube-style belay device with an extra clip-in loop for belaying a second directly off of an anchor. Nov 6, 2022 · The ATC belay device is ubiquitous at gyms and crags. 2024 Climb Guide Harnesses, Ropes, Pro, Pads, Shoes & More Explore Auto belay "TruBlue Speed" auto-belay fixed at the top of an indoor climbing route An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. Jul 16, 2014 · Belay transitions can be the real time-suck of multi-pitch climbing. How to choose? Dec 16, 2022 · What’s a Belay Device? A belay device is climbing equipment that gives a belay to a climber. cdr7g yoreni zpkk65t zvxbht fzzx to 6nzl fc7 5zs 9ctixv