Belay devices are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with more innovative options on the market than ever. Here, we review and recommend the best assisted-braking belay devices for rock climbing.
An essential piece of every climber’s kit, belay devices are necessary to climb safely and handle rope. And best of all, there are a lot of options to choose from to meet your specific needs.
While there are minimal belay devices, like the classic Black Diamond ATC, we focused this review on more nuanced belay devices. Assisted-braking belay devices allow for superior holding power when catching and holding climbers. They’re a step up in climbing comfort when spending long days at the crag.
So whether you’re a climbing first-timer looking for the best option or a seasoned veteran belaying your partner’s project, read on for the best assisted-braking belay devices of 2018.
The Best Assisted-Braking Belay Devices for Rock Climbing
Petzl GRIGRI+: $150
Petzl’s GRIGRIi+ is the third iteration of the device that started it all. Proper technique must be mastered for this belay device. But afterward, feeding slack, belaying, and catching falls feels like — well — a GRIGRI.
The GRIGRI+ feels predictable and familiar. This model has the added security of an anti-panic handle. If the lever is pulled down too hard, it engages the assisted braking.
Another update: You can change the amount of friction required to cam the rope with a switch. This optimizes the GRIGRI+ for top rope or lead climbing.
The GRIGRI+ has evolved alongside modern, smaller-diameter ropes, with an ideal operating range of 8.9 to 10.5 mm. And it’s more comfortable in the hand, featuring a more ergonomic design and construction that prevents the rope wearing into the device.
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