Belay Devices

The use of Belay Devices has made climbing much safer. There are many devices, each with strengths and features that are advantageous for different types of climbing environments.

Below are descriptions, specs and pictures of popular rock climbing belay devices:

Petzl Grigri Belay Device operates when the rope is pulled slowly it travels freely. When sudden tension is put on the rope such as in a fall, the braking cam initiates and stops the rope.

Petzl Grigri Belay Device. This belay device uses a cam to apply friction when tension comes on the rope. The Grigri works best on 10 to 11 mm diameter ropes. It is excellent for sport climbing and indoor climbing walls. When the rope is pulled slowly through a Grigri the rope runs freely. When sudden tension is put on the rope such as in a fall, the braking cam initiates and stops the rope. When the rope is under tension, move the handle on the side of the Grigri to raise the cam slightly, letting the rope travel through the Grigri smoothly. It is made of aluminum, weighing 225g.

Petzl Grigri and William Ball Locking Carabineer Package This belay package contains: 1 Petzl Grigri Belay Device and 1 Petzl William Ball Locking Carabiner. The Petzl Grigri belay device and a locking biner work hand in hand to give a secure belay. Lock the Grigri in and attach to your harness. Grigris perform very well when belaying people heavier than you, for long belays, and increased safety for new climbers. The William Ball locking carabineer has a lot of internal volume for easily removing and locking in the Grigri. This is an excellent package deal to get set up in a sport climbing belay system.

Petzl Reverso Belay Device. For belaying on single or double ropes 8 to 11mm in diameter, the Petzl Reverso Belay Device is a great tool. When attached to an anchor and belaying from above it is auto locking. It handles well with double ropes as small as 8mm and down to 9.5mm for single ropes. It is auto locking: when belaying from above. Recommended for belaying on single & double ropes between 8-11mm dia. It weighs 81g, or 2.8oz and comes with a 1 Year warranty.

Petzl Reversino Belay Device. Auto Locking: When belaying from above. Use the belay device for twin rope belaying (7.5-8.2mm). This belay device weights in at 57g, or 2oz and has a 1 year warranty.

Metolius Belay Glove. The Metolius Belay Glove gives an advantage to the belayer for controlling the rope in the event of a fall. It's got a snug fit and exceptional dexterity. It's made of cowhide on the outer layer so it molds comfortably to your hand. The split-cowhide on the palm and triple stitching reinforce the strength and ensure it lasts. It has a webbing clip-in loop and hook and looped wrist closure.

Wild Country VC Pro Belay Device. Wild Country VC Pro Belay Device has aggressive grooves forming a V-shape locking down tight when needed. Versatile--flip it over and use the smooth side for abseiling down. It is not auto locking. It is recommended as a belay device for sport, trad and alpine climbing. It weighs 2.36oz and has a 1 year warranty.

Trango Cinch. The Trango Cinch is a self-locking belay device. It has a smooth feed with solid camming action that locks off easily. The Trango Cinch works on single ropes from 9 to 11mm. It is auto locking. Great for sport climbing weighing 170g, or 6oz. It comes with a 1 year warranty.

Mammut Belay Sling. The Mammut Belay Sling gives you a safe attachment to the anchor. Each of the Belay Sling's loops are full strength. It's inexpensive and an essential addition to the belay gear. The material is nylon and dimensions are 65cm by 19 mm. This is used as a belay anchor point for attaching in belay devices. Comes with a one year warranty.

Metolius BRD Belay Device. The broad pear shape and large straight gate opening make it easy to use and the wide-radius surface reduces rope wear and dissipates heat. The biner is just 2.9oz / 82g and comes with a 1 year warranty. With this package you get a BRD Belay Device and Metolius locking belay biner.

This is a Metolius Belaying Glove. It's designed to give the belayer better control of the rope if the leader falls. It has all fingers and gives a comfortable fit with flexibility and dexterity of movement. The outer layer is made of cowhide and there is split cowhide reinforcement on the inside with triple stitch. The Metolius Belay Glove has a webbing clip-in loop and a hook and loop wrist closure.

Black Diamond ATC-XP. The Black Diamond ATC-XP is a variable-friction belay device with excellent holding power. A belayer can control how much friction while belaying which gives greater control with multiple rope diameters. The Black Diamond ATC-XP belay device won the Climbing Magazine Editor's Choice Award. It is not auto locking. This is an excellent belay device choice when needing variable tension. It weighs 89g and comes with a 1 year warranty.

Black Diamond ATC. The Black Diamond ATC Belay Device is both durable and lightweight. At only 50 grams it is one of the lightest on the market. It is commonly used by climbers worldwide. It's simplicity of design, ease of use and streamlined shape have made the ATC an excellent all-around belay device for climbers. It is made of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. It is not auto locking and weighs 50g or 1.8oz. It comes with a 1 year warranty.

Black Diamond ATC Guide. The Black Diamond ATC Guide belay device has a unique release point that lets you lower a following climber when it's in self-locking mode. The V-notch works on ropes from 7.7 to 11mm. The Guide is narrower so it grabs skinnier ropes better. The hole for lowering the second person makes lowering from the anchor much easier, plus the additional hole provides a more leverage. This is auto locking when belaying off an anchor from above. Recommend using on belays for multi-pitch trad, ice, and alpine climbing. It weighs 3.6oz and comes with a 1 year warranty. The ATC Guide also won the Climbing Magazine Editor's Choice Award.

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