The 9 Best Rope Belay devices (2023 reviews)

Petzl line of device come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. If you would like, The Petzl Reverso is compatible with most rope diameters. It comes with assisted braking, for a broad range of single rope diameters (8.5 to 11 mm), designed for the experienced belayer. It functions perfectly but the "red" color is definitely more orange than red. It's perfect to use it for lead climbing and top rope super simple to use.

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. The cam in the device automatically cinches down to arrest the rope. It's a way lighter hue. These are fool proof and they will save your partner's life should something happen to you while belaying.

Why We Like This:

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

Best For climber: Black Diamond Rope Belay Device

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate device. The black diamond rope belay device is exactly that - it's a simple device that hits all the right notes. You'll never encounter that indoors, but if you've any intention of moving outdoors, it's a feature worth having. The ATC Guide is even more versatile, but in ways not of consequence for most climbers. It works quite well, and has been great for learning how to lead climb. It offers 3 times greater hold and stopping power than regular friction mode.

Unlike the minimalist ATC Sport, it has a second opening for rappelling. It works with both the 11+mm gym ropes you are likely to encounter as well as 9mm lead climbing ropes. 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. The Braking performance is consistent and it's very light. It will be great for rec climbing, but rappelling or rescue/recovery work with a thicker or static rope will be difficult.

Why We Like This:

Works great with 9mm or 11mm rope
Very well made and fine quality belay device
Performs its function well, no troubles yet

Best For Mountaineering: AOKWIT Rope Belay Device

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Compared with other device in this category, the aokwit rope belay device has a convenient design. It can be used in aerial dance, especially aerial silk to make a super safe anchor. It is suitable for mountain climbing, rock climbing, ice climbing, rescue, working-at-height, technical rope rescue, climbers, cavers, family emergency reserve, kids rock climbing training and sport rappelers. It is good for stretchy thinner fabric. It is used to descend in the same way as the standard figure.

The principle slot is large enough to double or triple your single rope to increase frictions for slow descent. It is extremely durable, and with a 50kn uiaa rating, it should never break on you, even in the most extreme situations.

Why We Like This:

Lot of satisfied buyers
Good brand reputation

Best For beginner: Ito rocky Rope Belay Device

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate device. The ito rocky rope belay device is exactly that - it's a simple device that hits all the right notes. It is suitable for work at a height and for emergency self evacuation. It has easy diagrams on the device so it’s easy to set up. It will allow for a proper rappel descent by applying more or less pressure to the handle, neither completely depressing nor completely releasing the handle that will only make you immobile.

The Self-breaking function allows you to easily stop and hold your position on rope. It is suitable for ropes of a diameter of 9-12mm/0.35-0.47 inch. It does stop completely, with no creep. This is an extra barrier of safety, recommend.

Why We Like This:

Easy to carry, attach, and safe
Nice quality parts and the design is good
Low cost, mechanically sound, performing well thus far
Good safety item for climbing, solid and functional

Best For rappelling: Mad Rock Rope Belay Device

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The mad rock rope belay device should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. By constructing the Lifeguard without the internal spring, the Safeguard is a great tool for rescue and rigging work. It works great and makes getting down so much quicker and safer. It will lock onto the rope with very little force giving you the confidence that once the position of the rope is set the device will not creep or slide.

It comes with a smaller rope diameter the climber gets lowered a little too fast until you get a hang of it. The cam engages the moment the rope is weighed, even if it's just an ounce. It is 1000% better than using knots. It is perfect for saddle hunting.

Why We Like This:

Hot forged aluminum and stainless steel construction
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best For lead: Edelrid Rope Belay Device

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Agrigri 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 used to lead belay with a megajul and carry a tube style device (atc with guide mode) to belay from the top and rappel. The way it is, the slider only serves to restrict the rope either to the side that has a notch, in which the rope forms a much tighter angle giving the assist, or to the open side just like any ATC. It is particularly light and simultaneously robust and abrasion resistant.

It’s harder to pull slack through than other tube style devices. It is great for lead or sport, indoor or outdoor. 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 atop, and used for normal or assisted rappels / abseils.

Why We Like This:

Easy to use in both modes
Easy repel, works well in guide mode
Best all around multi pitch belay device

Best With ATC: Trango Rope Belay Device

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If you often find yourself confused about appropriate and satisfactory device, trango rope belay device is your end point. The Trango Vergo opens up to attach to a rope, so you dont have to run the rope through the device to engage it. It feeds flawlessly (when used properly of course) and has little to no ways of overriding the auto braking system. It is designed to catch a climber. Physical and visual indicators reaffirm correct usage, while designated places for your thumb and index finger allow comfortable handling without interfering with the device’s breaking action.

The most comfortable way to use the vergo is also the safest way, so you’re never tempted to override the device, even when feeding slack. It's a bit snug with a 10.2mm rope but that's to be expected with a thicker rope. This device is extremely easy to use, even for beginners like myself.

Why We Like This:

Easy feed for lead climbing and also great for top rope
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best For lead Climbing: Wild country Rope Belay Device

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Wild Country has been making great device for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. It's super smooth for both top rope or lead belaying. It works in both directions to minimize accidents that occur from incorrectly loaded belay devices and doesn't require any deviation from the standard belaying technique. It's got those protruding steel clicky things at the top,and it tends to drag on the rock,in a chimney.

The cam in a seatbelt only grabs when it gets pulled really hard and fast,like the Revo. It is bi-directional, the locking function works regardless of the rope orientation. It can play out miles of slack in an instant with no notice.

Why We Like This:

You throw rope as fast as you need to with no resistance
Incredibly smooth paying out slack for lead climbing
You can catch falls and lower using your normal good brake hand movements
Takes a bit of practice to lower heavy people

Best For topside Belay: Conterra Rope Belay Device

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate device. The conterra rope belay device is exactly that - it's a simple device that hits all the right notes. It comes with two models available (scarab ti not discussed here), and the scarab is the perfect choice for both fire/rescue and back country rescue environments. It works well even for small diameter ropes. It's simple to use, smooth as butter, doesn't add twists to the rope like some devices can, and it's very intuitive to add and remove friction from the line as needed. It's super easy to go hands free if you need to.

It's tested with a mile of rope pulled through the device and the temperature of the device was less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It's not so bulky as any of the racks and works fine with heavy loads. It can be used with single or double ropes.

Why We Like This: