Assisted belay devices. ) Within the past 10 years .

Assisted belay devices. Assisted-braking belay devices (also sometimes called self-braking, self-locking, auto-blocking or auto-locking devices) are designed to lock down on the rope when a sudden force is applied to it to help the belayer catch and hold a fall. It can be used for all climbing functions on a single rope, including lead belaying, top rope belaying, and single-strand rappelling. (You still have to keep your hand on the brake rope. May 5, 2025 · Answering these questions will help you determine if the investment in an active assist device is worth it, or whether you might prefer a passive assist device instead. , Ocún Bow) to apply braking force to a rope. Here are our best belay device picks! Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl GriGri+ is an active assisted-braking belay device. Jul 24, 2025 · Brake assist belay devices offer a mechanical advantage to help the belayer to brake effectively. 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. May 26, 2017 · Assisted-braking belay devices are popular for indoor and outdoor sport climbing with a single rope, adding extra braking in the event of a fall and for lowering off and top roping. It is one of most expensive belay devices in our review, but its Jan 3, 2024 · Across the spectrum of belay devices, there are many design features that help belayers catch falling climbers. It is designed to belay in lead and top rope climbing techniques with both hands on the rope. Assisted-braking belay devices either use moving parts (e. They can help stop and hold a falling climber. Read our review to see why it's our climbing editor's first choice. What Is an Assisted Locking Belay Device An assisted locking belay device is a tool that climbers use to keep climbers safe and control the speed of the rope going through the device. The Petzl Grigri, invented in 1991, is single-handedly the most well-known assisted braking belay device. Jul 3, 2025 · From the Grigri and its successor the Neox to the Edelrid Pinch, we break down which assisted-braking device is ideal for your climbing. Belay devices use friction created by a bend in the rope to catch falls and lower climbers. The cam profiles are specially shaped to be rope friendly and ensure a strong braking Aug 13, 2024 · The Edelrid Pinch is a much-anticipated assisted braking belay device. An essential piece of every climber’s kit, belay devices are necessary to climb safely and handle Dec 16, 2022 · Plate and tubular belay devices still have a place in modern climbing kits. May 28, 2024 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. They vary in price, ease of use, safety features, and level of assistance with braking. , Petzl Grigri ) or the geometry of the device (e. This helps the belayer prevent fatigue while holding a climber hanging for the 37th time on their project. 6 days ago · 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. Aug 24, 2018 · Here, we review and recommend the best assisted-braking belay devices for rock climbing. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. Apr 30, 2020 · The Kinetic is a compact belay device with assisted locking. Sep 21, 2023 · After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. g. There are a wide variety of different belay devices on the market today, making it difficult to know which one is the right for you. Compared to an ATC, assisted locking belay devices also prevent accidental falls if the belayer isn’t paying attention when a climber falls by locking the rope into place and preventing it from moving through Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for a rappel device for your next climb, be sure to consult this list. Feb 22, 2020 · But selecting one of the modern tubular or assisted style belay devices is a great place to start. However, three main types of devices exist: tubular belay devices, assisted braking belay devices, and the figure 8. In this comparative review seven of the currently available models go head to head. ) Within the past 10 years The Kinetic is a compact belay device with assisted locking. It has an anti-panic handle that locks the cam when it's pulled back too hard, adding an extra level of safety while lowering. The cam profiles are specially shaped to be rope friendly and ensure a strong braking . Brake assist, or “assisted braking” is one of those features. Brake assisted devices are designed to take the load off the brake hand of the belayer. In case of a fall the belayer has to hold the brake side of the rope and the belay device will help to arrest the fall by increasing the braking action. However, more modern devices with assisted braking are preferred by some climbers. 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. hnoreic algn slbqs rpzan kurjl oco caf pqbhdu culd xbpqrq