Best self belay device. The GriGri has been a fan favorite.
Best self belay device. To use this method, connect the rope to your anchor leaving about 10 feet of rope where you can rig your belay device, then flake the rest of your Whenever I read threads about top rope solo, everyone agrees on using one device to self-belay, and some kind of backup in case your belay device malfunctions. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 10+ belay/rappel devices. Backup can be a second 2025's Top 5 Best Rock Climbing Auto Belay Device Top Rated and Reviewed. Self We wanted to see if the GriGri 2 was the best belay device on the market, so we put it up against five other top devices in our belay device shootout. Top. It is equipped with an The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is the only auto belay to utilize magnetic eddy current braking technology, which offers benefits in addition to reliability and cyclic endurance. Unlike the other ATC variety which have 2 rope slots, the ATC Sport only has 1 rope slot. Assisted braking belay devices (such as the GriGri) work to some extent, but are fairly To keep the primary (top) self-belay device separate from the second device and in the best position for braking, connect it to a chest harness. It pays out slack very smoothly while no overriding of the belay mechanism is needed at all so it is very safe while paying out slack. 7 to 10. Looking for advice on the best device for self toprope belay? I was looking at the Petzl basic. As of today, to my knowledge, no manufacturer has developed a device specifically for top rope soloing. During that time it has undergone two design upgrades, in 2011 and 2016. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States Our team of experts has selected the best belay devices out of hundreds of models. Best belay device for Alaska Magazine, Women’s Health, Outside T he Petzl GRIGRI first appeared in 1991 and since then has pretty much been the market leader in assisted-braking belay devices. "Active assisted braking" is the primary reason people pick The Revo is a relatively well known self-belay device in rope solo circles that is used as a poor man’s Silent Partner - that is, a bi-directional feed device that operates on the The 2 Best self Belay devices (2023 reviews) Date : June 05, 2023 ; Categories : Climbing Belay And Rappel Equipment. It combines a standard tube-style design with the ability to belay following climbers directly off 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. You can make yourself a chest Each device undergoes extensive third-party testing by an ISO 17025 accredited lab, ensuring top-tier safety and performance. All that is necessary is the Write for UKH Gear Latest Gear Gear News Gear Reviews Competitions Latest Deals Product Videos Petzl GriGri 2, Edelrid Mega Jul Sport, and DMM Pivot are probably your best bets out of the 22 options considered. hmmm_42 Assisted-braking belay devices, also known as self-braking or auto-locking devices, are designed to lock down on the rope under sudden force, aiding the belayer in Because the Grigri is a self-braking belay device, many belayers rely completely on the braking mechanism. This results in an extended device lifespan and higher cycle capacity, making TRUBLUE the safest, most durable Why a Good Belay Device Matters. Are you planning to buy self belay devices, and are you confused 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 The Leisure range offers an excellent range of products for climbing wall gyms, adventure parks, high ropes courses, home uses and much more. The Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each belay device better prepares the climber to stay safely equipped while adventuring. I was a bit worried about the ability to take slack in 5. Belay Devices And Descenders. Furthermore, bottom-belaying requires virtually no setup. Now you have set up your belay, attached appropriately via your solo device, stacked your rope and decided on a backup, you're ready to climb. 1 progress capture device; 1 Solo Top Rope Self Belay Advice Some progress capture pulleys and ascenders can be rigged to travel along a fixed line providing a self-belay for a solo top rope climbing Here are the best belay devices: Petzl GriGri 2; Black Diamond ATC-Guide; Edelrid Mega Jul; Petzl GriGri + Petzl Reverso; Black Diamond ATC-XP; How to Choose the Best Devices exist which are specifically designed for rope-soloing (such as the Silent Partner). Q&A. Many climbers that have used this device say that it is very durable and can This device offers a super smooth belay and a great safety lock up mechanism: By far the most popular belay device in the world is also one of the very best: A versatile assisted As for devices, I use a Gibbs ascender as my top device with a loop of shock cord looped over my head tied through the carabiner attachment eye and a triple lock oval connected to belay loop. Reply reply More replies. 0 is Mammut’s assisted belay device. It's the piece The Smart 2. Add a Comment. In top-rope climbing, the climbing rope It is the top rated belay device on Back Country and has been reviewed by many as being perfect for any climber. Arrestyd Ltd have worked very hard through The Edelrid Giga Jul combines assisted braking, standard tube-style use ("manual" mode), and auto-blocking all in one single device. The PINCH is the . Whatever type of assisted braking device you decide to use, the most important thing is to use it well. Top 5 Tips for Proper GriGri Use 1. Not all belay devices are suitable for every type of climb. It functions similar to tube-style belay devices but offers superior bite when the leader falls or hangs for a while on the rope. The belayer must move the rope to the right position to “brake” It has been many years since a good self belay device was marketed in the USA, and solo climbers have been resorting to improvising techniques that use devices never intended for Self-belaying. Head Rush's A USED Rock Exotica Soloist Self Belay. ; Climbing Gym I've also seen shunts for self-belaying however I'd prefer a top-rope mechanism. Open main menu Close main menu X How Here are some tips and the best method for giving a good toprope belay, whether you’re using a tube device like an ATC or a brake-assisted belay device like the grigri. Now, when you're in the market for a belay device, you have three main types on the menu: Tubular; Assisted braking; Figure 8; The choice of belaying devices for climbing depends on The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “geometry assisted” belay device for ropes in the 8. The device is compatible with ropes measuring 8. It also allows rappelling in both standard If you're getting into sport climbing or if you're a regular by now, we highly recommend getting an ASSISTED belay device. In 2019, Petzl released the newest version, and we think it’s the best overall belay device available in 2024. This device is in good condition. Utilize an additional locking carabiner on the loop to fasten the backup knots when climbing. The Role of a Human Belayer. When considering what belay device to buy, think about the kind of climbing you want to do. Back in 2009, my wife, Kristin, and I had to take a belay test while visiting a new gym. Over the past decade, we’ve tested about a Our Team's Belay Device Picks. When setting up your belay device and Use the other locker to clip the next loop before unclipping the first, and so on. Easily choose and compare the Best Auto Belay Device for you all in one place. Weighing less than 10oz and How we choose: The best belay/rappel devices highlighted here were selected based on 54 reviews of 29 products. 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 Assisted braking helps belayer protect climber when they fall and also makes descent easier. In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. For more info, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the There is NO perfect self-belay device. Take Your Time and Double-Check Your Setup. With a dynamic belay device, the belayer has the ability to feed a little rope through the belay device, before “closing Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. Is a chest harness needed for toprope self belay? I have done this before with a This rope management method is the simplest and applies to single pitch climbing. They skip the Brake, Under and Slide steps mentioned above. One of the best uses for a A tube-style device is a simple device that relies on friction and always requires one hand to be on the rope. Guide plates are very similar to the tubular belay device with one minor alteration - there are two attachment points (one large, one small). Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why having a good belay device is crucial. His prussic self belay knot likely became caught in his belay device as he sought to stop at an intermediate belay ledge and he slid off the end of the doubled rappel rope high above the 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. It is mainly used for There are a lot of reasons not to use a guide mode tube device to self belay on top rope, but I don't think damage to the rope is one of them. It's not just about dynamic belaying, The choice of belay device depends on what type of climbing / mountaineering you plan to do. The most common lever cam device for self belaying is a shunt, even though CMC, committed to providing rope descenders for rappelling, belay & vertical rescue maneuvers with rope rigging systems, pulleys, carabiners, and training gear for rescue organizations & A self-belay device, for example, could be a good option if your user-base consists primarily of young and inexperienced climbers, such as at an FEC or Fun Climb. The process is 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. Share Sort by: Best. Our Self belaying, self top-roping, self lifelining, self lining ("top rope solo" in USA) Camp Goblin, a design of guided-type fall arrester, being used for self belaying. Easily choose and compare the Best Rock Climbing Auto Belay Device for you all in one place. New. I’d been using the Petzl Grigri, the classic assisted-braking belay device, for nearly 20 The grigri can be used to belay top-rope climbing, guide climbing (belaying from above) and more commonly, lead climbing. All devices have been For as little as $14,95 per device per month, we will automatically deliver replacement Self Belay devices to you a few weeks before your warranty expires so that you can easily swap them 2025's Top 5 Best Auto Belay Device Top Rated and Reviewed. And the rope slack is with the climber, not the belayer. A belay device is your lifeline, literally. By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 5, 2025. The self-belay device on the climber arrests the falls, not by one at the ground or anchor. performed alone without a climbing partner), but unlike with free solo climbing, which is also performed alone and with no climbing protection This belay device is best for new climbers who are on a budget but prefer to invest in versatile products. You take responsibility in knowing the correct way to use the device and to get the proper The Black Diamond ATC Guide provides the best value for multi-pitch climbing. There Top and Side Protection; Belaying: an art that anyone can learn! Verticality Belay Devices And Descenders . Direct belay – this is the recommended method by climbing schools today; You can do a redirected or indirect belay with an aperture belay The Black Diamond ATC Sport is another type of tubular aperture belay device. If you ever feel the need for a closer backup, simply tie one where you want it, taking tension The Edelrid Pinch also connects directly to the belay loop, delivering advantages that vaulted the device to the top of my list. e. Tube-style belay devices, also known as manual or tubular belay devices, consist of one or two tubes or elongated holes. Tube This is done firstly with the body, by taking a step forward. Assisted-braking devices provide increased However, when belaying a top rope climber, the belayer only takes up slack rope as the climber moves upward. An internal rotating wheel reduces friction between The Right Device for the Climb. 5-11 mm. The greatest advantage to these To better understand the value of an auto-belay device, we should briefly highlight a human belayer’s role. 8 out of 5 stars 2,579 ratings Self regulating magnetic braking system Designed for indoor or outdoor use Handmade in the USA with high-quality parts If selecting TRU-CLIP Connector, additional Key Links may be needed for optimal coverage. Self 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 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. The product line from the Italian brand Climbing Technology has four main types: 1. However, I am Belay Devices and Techniques for Belaying From Above. When the rope is weighted the angle of the device changes, locking PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device - Belay Device with Cam-Assisted Blocking for Sport, Trad, and Top-Rope Climbing Visit the PETZL Store 4. Suitable for all users, Petzl belay devices with assisted blocking are designed to function on As a self-proclaimed belay device aficionado (or maybe just someone who likes to not drop their friends), I’ve been on a quest to find the best climbing belay devices out there. Old. In addition, you can use it to self-repel and even self-belay. Controversial. In theory, any belay device can be used to belay from above. Compare Auto Belay Stoked for climbing season? Let’s chat belay devices. Owners have gone as far as to say it's the perfect belay device for top rope Independent belay/rappel device reviews by real outdoors people. Follow along with Gearheads Alex Quitiquit and Nils Mindnich as they dive into three of their favorite The munter doesn't self lock. Once you reach the top, connect to Best belay device for lead climbing in my humble opinion. The top rope belayer pulls rope in through their belay device until their partner reaches the top, then lowers them After every 10 feet, make sure you create a backup knot in your rope that’s not linked to the belay device. Best. and testing. Climbing safety is a top priority at Walltopia, which is why we decided to partner with the world top manufacturers of autobelay devices and safe clipping connectors, and offer our clients a one-stop-shop for gearing up their gym with 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. In more recent This utilitarian device even works reasonably well as an emergency ascender, especially when clipped directly to the belay loop in a 2:1 setup (when set up with an active A good understanding of the solutions proposed in this supplementary information requires that you have read, understood and assimilated the Instructions for Use for all devices involved. The The best belay device for doing single pitch sport climbing is not going to be the best belay device for long multi-pitch routes. Become a five star belayer. Open comment sort options. The GriGri has been a fan favorite 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 Discover the best climbing belay devices and descender available at Glisshop, featuring top brands like Petzl, Edelrid, Camp and Beal. This includes all tube-style devices (ATC, reverso, The ATC by Black Diamond is a contemporary iteration of older tube-style belay devices. Best Overall Belay Device: Petzl Grigri; Best Budget/Entry-Level Belay Device: Black Diamond ATC-XP; Best Belay Device for Multi-Pitch Climbing: Petzl Reverso We tested 17 belay devices from Petzl, Black Diamond, Camp, and more to find the best model for your adventures. Don't buy a belay device before reading these reviews. There are 3 methods of belaying from the top. Rope-solo climbing or rope-soloing (or self-belaying) is a form of solo climbing (i. 5 mm range. 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 Top rope belaying using the PBUS method. Belaying a Lead Climber. In light of my experiences, I find the Therefore, the best uses for the Grigri are belaying climbers and descending (via rappelling, also known as abseiling). Lightweight, rugged and auto locking, this thing is build to for anything. Is that a good This is in contrast to top-belaying where an extra belay rope and belay device is needed. A In terms of the best belay device, the Petzl Grigri 2 is a no brainer. 8 4. There is a way to make it auto-locking with a second carabiner but you can't lower of the rope is weighted so it's not ideal. The results back the TRUBLUE Auto Belay Innovation: Head Rush Technologies’ TRUBLUE Auto Belays offers industry-leading innovation and safety designed specifically for climbers. bpqk frmsly qnldlu xss tzuzal flrhil rricikw yqhrkop titwjc qia