The 6 Best ATC rappelling devices (2023 reviews)

Black Diamond has been making feature-packed device for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and high-end materials. Among the four ATCs from Black Diamond, this one is the best for new climbers. It works quite well, and has been great for learning how to lead a climb. It offers 3 times greater hold and stopping power than regular friction mode. The ATC Guide is even more versatile, but in ways not of consequence for most climbers.

Unlike the minimalist ATC Sport, it has a second opening for rappelling. It is great for reversible, use teeth or smooth side. The opening is a little small for the rope, but still works. The guide does have somewhat more friction than the atc-xp and will be preferable if your partner outweighs you by a factor of 1.5 or more, or if you plan to use sub-9.5mm ropes.

Why We Like This:

Works great with 9mm or 11mm rope
Simple to use, light weight, and no parts to fail
Very well made and fine quality belay device
Performs its function well, no troubles yet

Best For home: Petzl ATC rappelling Device

Buy on Amazon

The petzl atc rappelling device is capable of outshining several other device featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The GriGri gives a lot of peace of mind over a standard ATC. Compared to the GriGri 2, it's easier to manage lead belays as it feeds smoother, it works with smaller ropes, and is much smoother lowering than the. It functions perfectly but the "red" color is definitely more orange than red. The cam in the device automatically cinches down to arrest the rope. For the belayer, it is very smooth, easy to hold a fallen climber steady, and the handle makes for a very controlled descent.

These are fool proof and they will save your partner's life should something happen to you while belaying. It is perfect to use it for lead climbing and top rope super simple to use. As the climber, it is a much nicer feel on falls and a more controlled descent.

Why We Like This:

Rope, belay device and locking carabiner with isolation feature to prevent shifting or cross-loading
Works great for both lead and top rope belay
Will hold any human weight plus dynamic forces when lead climbing

Best For climber: Black Diamond ATC rappelling Device

Buy on Amazon

The black diamond atc rappelling device is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily usage. The ATC is an essential tool for any climber who likes to defy gravity and/or access the ground with minimal impact. It provides lightweight and durable belaying and rappelling performance anytime, anywhere. It features a large surface area that dissipates heat when lowering or rappelling, and the smooth-handling geometry accommodates rope sizes from 7.7 mm to 11 mm. It is typical black diamond quality, very good.

It is ideal for thinner ropes. It is slightly wider to accommodate 11mm climbing ropes a little better. It is durable in all conditions and cost nothing compared to the rest of the climbing gear.

Why We Like This:

Perfect for gym climbing, teaching, and learning
Good for beginners and long-time climbers alike
Delivers what they promise

Best For lead: Edelrid ATC rappelling Device

Buy on Amazon

A grigri is great all around and so is any tubular style device (atc or similar) this device will get you through just about any situation. It is made from particularly light aluminum. It is used to lead belay with a megajul and carry a tube style device (atc with guide mode) to belay from the top and rappel. It doesn't auto block as well as a grigri, but feeds out slack much easier and can be used for double rope rappels.

This device has normal tube mode ( m ) and assisted ( A ), can take two ropes of a wide range, be used in guide mode atop, and used for normal or assisted rappels / abseils. It is particularly light and simultaneously robust and abrasion resistant. It should wear out slower than those lightweight aluminum devices since the wear parts are reinforced with steel.

Why We Like This:

Compact, but a bit heavy, and a design that's so-so
Would love an extra millimeter of room where the rope slides are
Can be used in guide mode
Paying out rope is so smooth and seamless especially in brake mode

Best For Mountaineering: Triwonder ATC rappelling Device

Buy on Amazon

The triwonder atc rappelling device's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The ATC belay device is easy to store and easy to operate. Design with 0.4cm rubber wire rope, the guide belay device is easy to store and easy to operate. Double-rope holes can be used with one rope or two rope, and the two ropes will not entangle each other when descending. It can be easily used with ropes.

The rappel device is smooth and lightweight, useful for your outdoor sports but not increase any burden, portable enough to carry anywhere. It is showing excessive wear plus it is easy to install anywhere on the rope. It is ideal for outdoor, camping, hiking, setting hammock and tarps or other outdoor activities.

Why We Like This:

Easy to install anywhere on the rope
Very easy to use, hefty carabiner
One of the new comers and featured product

Best With v GROOVE: Dometool ATC rappelling Device

Buy on Amazon

The dometool atc rappelling device is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your regular usage. It is great with the v groove on 8-12mm rope, and in the use of atc, it will be more convenient.

Why We Like This:

Forging magnesium alloy with high strength, light weight, portable and easy to carry
One of the new comers and featured product