The 8 Best steel Belay devices (2023 reviews)

The petzl belay device is the best feature-rich device on the market today. The PETZL Grigri Plus Belay Device is available in three colors. It has a switch to changes from lead climbing to top rope function. The lockable selector knob allows you to choose either top rope or lead belay mode. It helps you come to a stop after falling. It can be used for both gym and crag climbing.

The cam in the device automatically cinches down to arrest the rope. Unless you get your hand movement down perfectly, the locking mechanism will engage when feeding out the rope rapidly. It is great for newer belayers and partners with large weight differences.

Why We Like This:

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

Best With ATC: Petzl steel Belay Device

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For a low asking price, petzl steel belay device has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. It is essentially an upgraded version of gerigri 2, with some stainless steel parts for improved durability, added safety feature (panic mode) and a switch for top rope / lead climbing belaying. It can be used on all single ropes (8.5 to 11 mm in diameter) and optimized for 8.9 to 10.5 mm diameters. It is used mostly for climbing outdoors or for "bring your own belay device" gyms.

It has a special mode for comfortable top-rope belay and an anti-panic handle. The switch has a sort of locking pin inside of the handle. It allows the user to choose between two belay modes. This product works great but the auto locking mechanism requires you to lower a climber at an extremely slow rate which takes some getting used too.

Why We Like This:

Fantastic belay device when weight is behind it
Adjustable locking force, anti-panic release, steel edge for wear
Easy to use and is very safe

Best For catching lead: Edelrid abseil Device

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The edelrid abseil device gives the top-tier device a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. It's great for belaying hang-dog climbers without needing to apply force to the rope while you wait. It does slip somewhat in a hard fall, enough to soften things up but not enough that it fails to arrest the fall entirely on its own. It features that, when they work, make this a versatile piece of gear, worth the investment.

It works with one rope and it is heavy. There is a little more wear on the carabiner that you use from the device locking down on it. This is counter-balanced by how much safer it is since it's auto-blocking even on rappel, unless you switch it to the ATC side. It is not a fool proof replacement to proper belaying/rappelling/rescue technique.

Why We Like This:

Lot of satisfied buyers
Good brand reputation

Best For Aerial silks With A really Great mbr: Proclimb steel Belay Device

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If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory device, proclimb steel belay device is your solution. It is great for all ropes single or double. The big slot can adjust your ascent speed, and the bottom one can connect to a climbing carabiner or other equipment. It is made of high polished stainless steel. The ears prevent the rope from sliding and locking up, which makes it a much safer and versatile device. It provides a stay-fast finish and also it is suitable for professional use.

The rope loops must be kept under and within bent ears. It is great on the ground but very heavy to carry in the tree when climbing.

Why We Like This:

Very well made does not wear like the aluminum versions
Works great and easy to handle
Excellent anti-corrosion stainless steel important for use on a boat
Very sturdy, well made rescue figure

Best For saddle hunting: Mad Rock steel Belay Device

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The mad rock steel 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 and 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
One of the new comers and featured product

Best For lead: Edelrid steel Belay Device

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If you want nothing less than best desirable device, then edelrid steel belay device is the one you should definitely consider. It is made possible by a smart hybrid construction of aluminum and steel. It's versatile, lightweight, has a lot of different functionalities, and works flawlessly the more you get used to it. It can be used on trad multi pitch, sport multi pitch. It's also quicker and easier to "unlock" after a fall than the grigri or virgo. It is also used for double rope rappels. It has more functionality than those and it’s way lighter than many other assisted braking devices like a grigri. This is nice when your buddy is hangdogging all the way up a project.

Why We Like This:

Easy to use in both modes
Would love an extra millimeter of room where the rope slides are
Can be used in guide mode
Cheaper and intuitive, great alternative of grigri

Best Belay Device: Petzӏ steel 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 petzӏ steel belay device is exactly that - it's a simple device that hits all the right notes. Compact and lightweight, it can be used with single ropes (8.5 to 11 mm in diameter) and optimized for 8.9 to 10.5 mm diameters. It improves comfort while belaying, holding a climber or catching a fall. It is a belay device with assisted braking for indoors and outdoors. The design of the handled camming mechanism enables exceptional descent control.

Why We Like This:

Great durability for intensive use, thanks to the stainless steel wear plate
Good investment for long term

Best For topside Belay: Conterra steel Belay Device

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Not everyone likes to purchase device for their daily usage, but the conterra steel belay device would be an anomoly. It works well even for small diameter ropes. 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 was less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It's not so bulky as any racks and works fine with heavy loads.

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 best for topside belay.

Why We Like This:

Rope can be attached without unclipping
Good brand reputation