The 9 Best Rope Descender devices (2023 reviews)

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Best overall: Buy: Petzl Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best For climber: Buy: Edelrid Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best For beginner: Buy: Trango Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best For rappelling: Buy: Amber Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best For Mountaineering: Buy: Cyberdyer Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best low cost Belay Device: Buy: Mad Rock Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best With ear: Buy: Yapjeb Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best For arborists: Buy: Fusion climb Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best For Rock climber: Buy: OCUN Rope Descender Device READ REVIEW

Best overall: Petzl Rope Descender Device

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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.

• 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: Edelrid Rope Descender Device

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention edelrid rope descender device for daily purpose. It's made possible by a smart hybrid construction of aluminum and steel. It has more functionality than those and it’s way lighter than many other assisted braking devices like a grigri. It doesn't auto block as well as a grigri, but feeds out slack much easier and can be used for double rope rappels. It is great for lead or sport, indoor or outdoor.

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's also quicker and easier to "unlock" after a fall than the grigri or virgo. It is particularly light and simultaneously robust and abrasion resistant. It's a great choice for double rope systems.

• Compact, but a bit heavy, and a design that's so-so
• Best all around multi pitch belay device
• Easy to use, great for lead or sport, indoor or outdoor
• Cheaper and intuitive, great alternative of grigri

Best For beginner: Trango Rope Descender Device

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It is the world’s most ergonomic belay device. It is designed to catch a climber. 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. 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. This device is extremely easy to use, even for beginners like myself. It's a bit snug with a 10.2mm rope but that's to be expected with a thicker rope.

• Easy feed for lead climbing and also great for top rope
• Good brand reputation

Best For rappelling: Amber Rope Descender Device

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The amber rope descender device's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. It is a type 2 braking device used for abseiling (rappelling) and belaying without a function to adjust the friction.

• Suitable for both single and double rope function
• Fabricated from an aluminum alloy used for manufacturing aircraft's wings
• Lot of satisfied buyers

Best For Mountaineering: Cyberdyer Rope Descender Device

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention cyberdyer rope descender device for daily purpose. The CyberDyer 35KN rescue figure 8 descender will let you enjoy the fun of climbing under the premise of ensuring your personal safety. The Bent-ear climbing gear 8 descender works as a much more versatile rappel device for SRT. The Extra large thick ring and belay slot can create sufficient friction between the rope and the climbing gear 8 descender to slow down the descent or brake to keep you safe.

The principle slot is large enough for you to double, even triple your single rope, which can increase frictions for slow descent or better descent control. The very light mass makes the climbing equipment easy to carry outdoors.

• Anodized coloring, beautiful luster, highly recognizable for outdoor use
• Every usage can ensure your safety and bring you a lot of fun
• Good brand reputation

Best low cost Belay Device: Mad Rock Rope Descender Device

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Best part: mad rock rope descender device costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The spring on the wingman belay device prevents the carabiner from locking when feeding the rope out. When loaded and the brake is engaged, the spring collapses and enables the device to lock. It also helps a little bit with the impact when the climber falls. The spring really does keep the rope from locking up, and allows easy feeding.

• Very good, big and does it’s job well
• A nice low cost belay device
• Good investment for long term

Best With ear: Yapjeb Rope Descender Device

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Best part: yapjeb rope descender device costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The bent ear decender maximum can withstand 50KN (about 5000 kg) pulling force. It reduces heat, extending the life of the equipment and rope. It fits 0.31"-0.51" (8-13mm) ropes additionally can achieve the effect of stagnation in mid-air. While making it convenient for you, it also provides protection for your safety. The ropes can be fastened in a very short time.

• Reduce friction and damage to the rope during use
• Thickened protective ring and with ears design, light weight but high strength weight
• Great workmanship, the inner wall of the ring is smooth
• Thickness over 10mm for enhanced wear resistance

Best For arborists: Fusion climb Rope Descender Device

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The fusion climb rope descender device should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. This steel descender has a large inside diameter with ears and belay slots. It provides room for multiple carabiners. It is made with anodized stainless steel. The item has what looks like a sandblasted finish. It is perfect for arborists, mountain climbing, rock climbing, ice climbing, rappelling and many more useful work applications.

It provides an anti-burn grip and prolongs wear and tear. This thing is no joke, it's huge and the weight shows it's heavy duty construction.

• Factory and proof tested for durability and versatility from independent laboratories
• Good investment for long term

Best For Rock climber: OCUN Rope Descender Device

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The ocun rope descender device's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. It is one of the essential tools any rock climber must have. It offers effective braking to half, twin and single ropes. It offers two friction modes and also it is easy to use v-grooved belay and rappelling device. It comes with a v-grooved channel to create more friction in braking and allow the device to work with varying rope sizes. It presents innovative lowering in autoblock mode with no release hole needed, you can simply use your quickdraw.

It is an innovative and versatile belay/rappel device that enables you to belay with single rope as well as with double. Optimized cavity shape prevents forming of sharp edges even after long-term use.

• 2.39 oz, an ultra-light, compact, and easy to use v-grooved belay and rappelling device
• Perfect climber’s choice for lightening their rack
• Autoblock mode for belaying the follower from anchor point