The 5 Best Rope descent devices (2023 reviews)

The aokwit rope descent device should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The bent ear figure 8 has an obvious advantage that by wrapping the rope around its ear, it can help people hang in middle air to appreciate the scenery or work in high level. It feels pretty hefty and the ropes will likely break before the rigging component. It can be used in aerial dance, especially aerial silk to make a super safe anchor. It's bigger than your standard hook for climbing and works way better with lifting materials to the rooftop from the ground.

The principle slot is large enough to double or triple your single rope to increase frictions for slow descent. It is difficult to break or deform unless cut with professional equipment. It is good as a normal two man with the extra carabiner.

Why We Like This:

Great for beginners who are on a budget, seems safe and does the job
Good brand reputation

Best For climber: Petzl Rope descent device

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Petzl makes beautiful and great device with classic and smartly choosen materials. It can be used for both gym and crag climbing. It comes with an anti-panic handle that makes it particularly suited for learning, the grigri + is a cam-assisted blocking device for climbing in the gym or outside. It has a switch to changes from lead climbing to top rope function. The cam in the device automatically cinches down to arrest the rope. It helps you come to a stop after falling.

It is compatible with 8.5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes and optimized for those 8.9 to 10.5 mm. The top rope belay mode makes taking in slack easier and long belay sessions more comfortable. This device is fool proof and good for beginners who are worried they might drop themselves.

Why We Like This:

Compatible with 8.5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes
Good brand reputation

Best rig: Petzl Compatibility Rope

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The petzl compatibility rope is capable of outshining several other device featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The Petzl Rig doesn't have the anti-panic feature. It is a mechanical descender that can be used like any other descender. It is a compact self-braking descender for rope access, designed for experienced users. It is made for 10 to 11.5mm ropes as well. The rope is removed from the device, reducing the risk of accidental snagging when the descender is carried on the harness.

It is great for descending, ascending, lowering, and belay, and many applications. The ergonomic handle allows the rope to be released for a comfortably controlled descent. The rope can be taken up without having to manipulate the handle, allowing for easy short ascents, for example.

Why We Like This:

Holds a nfpa t rating decent control and belay
You can move extremely quickly if you want
Works perfect and super easy for descending

Best For beginner: Ito Rocky Rope descent device

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Ito Rocky is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist device for people on the go, and its line of ito rocky rope descent device definitely falls in line with that reputation. It’s primarily a belay device, and its braking cam design most definitely is not for ascension. It is suitable for ropes of a diameter of 9-12mm/0.35-0.47 inch. It has easy diagrams on the device so it’s easy to set up.

This will allow for a proper rappel style descent,one hand on the lever and one on the down side of the rope. By adjusting the pressure you place on both the handle and the rope being fed to the device it is simple and easy to adjust your speed. The slack can only be taken up while engaging the handle, which takes two hands, and even then it is difficult. It is used for new climbers.

Why We Like This:

Easy to carry, attach, and safe
Works fine for descent and locks off well
Nice quality parts and the design is good
Low cost, mechanically sound, performing well thus far

Best For topside Belay: Conterra Rope descent device

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Compared with other device in this category, the conterra rope descent device has a convenient design. It works well even for small diameter ropes. It's super easy to go hands free if you need to. 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's tested with a mile of rope pulled through the device and the temperature of the device is less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It's best for topside belay.

It's not so bulky as any of racks and works fine with heavy loads. It can be used with single or double ropes.

Why We Like This: