Tubular belay device When choosing a belay device, you have three primary types to choose from: • Tubular • Assisted braking • Figure 8 TUBULAR BELAY DEVICES Best for: Multipitch trad climbing, sport climbing, gym climbing Advantages of tubular belay devices: • Compact, light and easy to use The best way to slow things down within the system is to add more friction. Search. ATC or tubular devices. May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. The most common type of belay device used in climbing today is a tubular belay device, aka ATC, which stands for “air traffic controller. Guide Plates – Representing a more advanced version of the conventional tubular device, guide plates include two attachment points, one at each end, and one larger than There are three main types of belay devices, the tubular ATC, the auto-locking belay device and the semi-assisted belay devices. At the time, the Salewa Sticht Plate was at the cutting edge of belay device technology. There are also older devices, like a horned figure-eight, although in modern climbing, these generally have very little upside save for those climbers who have grown up with Dec 5, 2024 · The Edelrid Mega Jul is a passive assisted braking belay device, which means it can be used as both a traditional tube device and an assisted braking device when belaying the leader. It is a passive-assisted braking device that operates like other tubular belay devices but with a brake insert that blocks the rope in the event of a fall. The history of belay devices really came into focus in the 1970s, almost an entire century after climbing was considered a sport (1880’s in England). 【#1】 V-grooved Tubular Belay Device: light and compact, smooth rope control, EN 15151-2 and UIAA certified; 【#2】 HMS screw locking carabiner: 25kN breaking strength, large gate opening, both CE and UIAA certified. Advantages: Compact, lightweight, versatile with various rope diameters,suitable for rappelling on two strands. The break-assist Edelrid Jul 2 is a single tubular belay device designed for beginners, gym climbers and single-pitch climbers. 4. Oct 1, 2021 · What Are Manual / Tube Style / Tubular Belay Devices? Any belay device that uses one or two tubes or elongated holes is a tube style or tubular device. Advantages of tubular belay devices: Compact, light and easy to use; Work with many rope diameters and can accommodate single or double ropes Jan 4, 2024 · Tubular belay devices are sometimes generically referred to as ATC’s, owing to Black Diamond’s eponymous Air Traffic Control device that became the de facto standard belay device in the early 90s. Sep 20, 2021 · Auto-block tubular belay devices have an additional metal loop on the side. It applies friction to the climbing rope, allowing the belayer to control the climber’s descent and arrest falls. 1111-1111 1111. Shop for Belay and Rappel Devices at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. You simply insert the bight of your rope through one open slot, then clip a locking carabiner through the loop and attach it to the belay loop on your harness. The classic tubular belay device. Other Belay Devices. The carabiner hole allows the device to be used in guide’s mode, clipped to a high anchor. jane. May 27, 2024 · Tubular belay devices are versatile and commonly used across various climbing styles. Honestly I wouldn’t climb with someone who refuses to use one. Tube-style belay devices are often used for multi-pitch trad climbing because they’re light, simple, and reliable. Here is a good overview of the different belay According to the German Alpine Club (DAV), standard tubers are now by far the most used belay devices. Oct 8, 2018 · With all the different styles of belay devices on the market, knowing the unique uses and characteristics and limitations of each will help you select the right device for your specific adventure. Dec 16, 2022 · The Mammut Smart 2. Sep 26, 2019 · It is an essential device for climbing safety. Modern belay devices offer a range of features, from simplicity to advanced assisted-braking mechanisms Nov 3, 2020 · Tubular ATC Belay Devices Black Diamond ATC Belay Device. Feb 12, 2024 · Tubular Belay/Rappel Device. A folded rope pushes through the device and clips onto a carabiner, and the dual slots accept two strands of rope for standard rappelling technique. All climbers appreciate tubular belay devices because they are compact and effective. Our most recommended belay device: Petzl Reverso The Black Diamond ATC-XP and the Petzl Verso are nice lightweight options for a tubular belay device. Nov 17, 2023 · The three main categories of belay devices are tube-style (or tubular) devices like an ATC, passive assisted braking devices (PABDs), and active assisted devices (AABDs). Jun 2, 2025 · What is the safest rappel device?, TengTeng. Tubular Belay Devices. The classic. – Function: It is designed to help in belaying and controlling the rope during climbing. These tubular belay devices are like the all-around champs, fitting into any climbing scene. The rope slots are deeply grooved on one side to grab thin ropes. This style of device is most commonly referred to as the “ATC”, which is Black Diamond’s version of the mechanism. Jun 30, 2023 · As a belayer, your belay device is your main tool. These are the types of belay devices that you're most like to see around the crag. In the 1970s, the first patented belay device was the Jun 23, 2024 · Skip to content. Search… Tubular Belay Devices for Climbing. These belay devices feature 2 slots for your rope, allowing you to belay, rappel, or climb using a two-rope system. The device was invented by Fritz Sticht and Hermann Huber as a “braking device for a rope, especially for mountaineers. It is an evolution of the Sticht plate's concept by creating more surface area to dissipate heat and the ability to create sharper angles which creates a stronger degree of friction which has greater stopping power. Petzl offers a wide selection of descenders and innovative belay devices designed for all vertical activities. Mar 13, 2025 · A belay device is a crucial safety tool used in challenge courses, climbing towers, and indoor climbing. e. This means that the rope is deflected twice: once around the carabiner and once downwards on the device . Rappelling with double 7. Unlike the other ATC variety which have 2 rope slots, the ATC Sport only has 1 rope slot. Feb 16, 2024 · Tubular Belay Devices: Dual-Purpose Convenience. Jul 14, 2024 · Tubular Belay Devices: Best for: Multipitch trad climbing, sport climbing, gym climbing. Tubular belay devices are one of the most common types of devices. Tubular and Plaquette Belay Devices. Black Diamond ATC, Petzl Verso, etc), but they require the same belay technique. The device, along with the belayer's braking hand, ensures that tension is maintained on the rope, protecting the climber. Grab both strands of the rope and push them through both sides of the tubular belay device. May 30, 2025 · Climbers prefer tubular belay devices as they are practical and compact. Tubular belay device. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Tubular belay devices are the perfect companions for the belayer who needs a simple yet super effective device. A Tubular Belay device. Tube-style belay devices, also known as manual or tubular belay devices, consist of one or two tubes or elongated holes. – Design: The Tubular ATC is a tubular-shaped device with a large central opening and two smaller holes on the sides. Even today, standard tubers basically correspond to the original Sticht plate. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon. The loop of rope passes through the holes and is then clipped with a carabiner to the harness. Among the essential tools they carry is the belay device, a small but crucial piece of equipment that plays a vital role in ensuring their safety and success. ” An ATC is actually one specific model created by Black Diamond, but it has become the mainstream term for tubular, just like a bandage is known as a Band-Aid and tissues are often called Kleenex. Inspecting the belay device: Verifying that the belay device is correctly rigged with the brake position clearly identified. ” Tubular belay devices Assisted braking belay devices As the name suggests, devices in this category assist with braking, helping to increase safety when belaying. There are many other belay devices apart from those mentioned here. When the device is attached directly to an anchor point with the use of a second carabiner through the larger of the two loops it performs a similar stopping function to that created with the guide plate. The non-assisted devices we discuss in this article are the Tubular and Plaquette Devices. Feb 1, 2017 · The Ederid Mega Jul is one of the smallest, most compact and versatile belay devices available for rock climbers. Pro tip: Most devices fit most ropes, but if you’re thinking about using a very specialized rope, with a diameter that’s extra fat (over 10mm) or extra thin (under 8mm), make sure everyone on your climbing team is using a device that’s compatible with the rope. 0 is a modern rendition of the original Smart that was launched in 2009. To set up this kind of device in guide mode, secure it to the anchor using the second attachment point on the back of the device. Testing knots: Confirming that the figure-eight follow-through knot on the climber’s end and the knot attaching the belay device to the belayer’s harness are tied correctly and securely. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. REI Accessibility Statement Some belay devices assist the belayer into an assisted braking mechanism while others for DIY (do it yourself) personality requires locking or braking the rope manually. Nov 6, 2022 · The ATC by Black Diamond is a contemporary iteration of older tube-style belay devices. Many tubular belay devices have two different sides- one with ridges and one without. The climbing rope is threaded into one or both of the tubes of the belay device. But they can be used for all types of climbing, too. It has no moving parts, but some people find it easier to control than a simple figure 8 device due to its angle and the greater distance that the loop allows it to sit from your harness without other special extending gear. They’re still a popular option today because they’re budget-friendly and adaptable to different situations across climbing. Tubular belay devices are the perfect companions for the belayer who needs a simple yet super effective device. The tubular devices are the most common and have also become synonymous with the name ATC (Air Traffic Controller). com. Prior to the invention of the assisted-braking belay device, the tubular belay device reigned supreme. This is likely what you started with your first time at the climbing gym, and they’re incredibly versatile, just like the guide plates, the only major difference being that guide plates can help you belay more than one person. Efficient, simple and designed for all scenarios, from winter mountaineering to summer single pitch, they are incredibly useful. These devices offer excellent control but rely heavily on user technique, as . I much prefer if my partner has an assisted braking device. English. This classic tube style has gone from THE STANDARD throughout the 90’s / early 2010’s to uncommon by the 2020’s. By attaching your third-hand first, you can use it to hold up the weight of the ro pe making attaching your tubular belay device easier. Feb 22, 2020 · There are a variety of tubular belay device designs on the market today (i. Most tube style devices also have teeth for added grip on the rope. Different Types Of Belay Devices. info@qqqqq. The two main belay device types are tubular, or “tube-style,” and mechanically assisted devices. Clip a large locking carabiner through both sides of the rope and the belay device's wire. . All EDELRID tubular belay devices comply with the suggested values in European standard 15151-2. Guide Plates. Tubular belay devices are non-assisted braking tools suitable for any kind of climbing. Feb 22, 2020 · We’ll just briefly introduce the two most popular types of modern belay devices - tubular and assisted braking, if you want more info, do checkout our full guide to belay devices. Since then, the development of belay devices has continued to evolve. Jul 15, 2010 · Trey M wrote:Is there any benefit to using a figure 8 as opposed to tubular belay devices or a locking assist belay device? IF (and it is a big if) you know what you are doing, there is a massive benefit to using a fig-8 - they allow you to give super-soft catches. May 28, 2024 · Types of belay devices Tubular Devices. 2 Cordelettes – 7mm x 5m (ideally 3mm smaller in diameter than your rope). 00:00 Intro02:07 Tube Style Devices06:00 Assi Tubular Style Belay Device. To learn more, see the section in this article on assisted-braking belay devices. Top-belaying with the device is called guide or reverso mode and offers an auto-blocking advantage on the rope if the climber were to fall. Belay Devices And Descenders. 2 Classic Tubular Belay Devices – Preferably with an auto-blocking guide mode. The ATC is a belay tubular device created by Black Diamond. A popular example of the former is the Black Diamond ATC, the latter the Petzl GriGri. With proper safety training and attentiveness, non-assisted braking devices can provide a very smooth belaying experience. Understanding Fall Dynamics A belay partner can use this device to pay out slack, pull in excess rope, or catch a climber’s fall. They are intended to be used with the ridged side on the right (downhill); however, you can flip it over which will decrease the friction and increase the speed of descent. All EDELRID tubular belay devices confrom to the stipulated values in the EN 15151-2 standard. Some tubular devices can be set up as an assisted-braking device for belaying one or two followers on a multipitch climb. You fold that rope, slide it through the device, and lock it up with a carabiner either to the belayer or straight to the anchor. They emerged as the go-to belay device in the early 90s. The shape is generally tubular or rectangular. The rope is folded, threaded through the device, and clipped to the belayer or anchor with a locking carabiner. The braking effect is based on the double-kink principle . To belay with a tube-style, or tubular device, simply pinch a small section of rope, feed the bend of it through one of the holes, and clip a locking carabiner through the loop that appears on the other side. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. You’ve generally got two main types of belay device to choose from: non-assisted braking and assisted braking. By that I mean, I’m fine with someone who uses an ATC(they have their valid use cases such as twin ropes/ rappels etc- even then there is the mega jul and smart alpine), but if they get all Nov 14, 2024 · By using a belay device, even a smaller, less muscular belayer can easily catch the fall of a much heavier climber. The friction generated by the bent rope against the device helps control the climber’s descent. 8 Locking Carabiners – 2 HMS (round stock) and 6 D-shaped. A standard and assisted-braking tubular belay device in one, the versatile Edelrid Giga Jul belay device offers assisted braking that can be activated or disabled with a sliding mechanism. The device operates by creating tight bends and friction on the rope, slowing it down and absorbing the force of a fall. GM CLIMBING Belay Package. It operates in two modes—as a standard “tubular” device and as an Oct 5, 2020 · The aluminum-bodied Pro guide Lite combines the features of a standard tubular belay device with a guide’s plate. 【#3】2-Pack 6mm Prusik Loop 12-inch. It’s used to give slack (or take it out) of the rope system, catch falls, and lower your climber. 7 mm lines felt totally secure. com +86-18717880521. When selecting a belay device for these environments Sep 18, 2023 · – Type: The Tubular ATC is a specific type of belay device. 3 days ago · Optional: dry-treated and with a middle marker. Tubular belay devices Understand the differences between all Belaying Devices and Learn how to use any of them Safely and Efficiently. It provides considerable bite for catching lead falls, and it locks off by itself when your partner needs to rest, just like active-assisted brake devices. Their compact size and compatibility with various rope diameters make them a favorite among rock climbers and mountaineers. How They Work: To use a tubular belay device, the rope is folded and inserted into the device, then clipped Tubular belay devices are the perfect companions for the belayer who needs a simple yet super effective device. Also called a "tube", this type of device generally has a tubular or rectangular shape. Tubulars are often called ATCs, a specific tube-style device made by Black Diamond. Considerations: Some may find them slower for rappelling, especially lightweight climbers. Mar 23, 2022 · Manual belay devices, such as these two tubular models, connect to carabiners via a wire loop (Image credit: Getty) Manual braking devices are the workhorses of the belaying device world. The advantage of a guide-mode device over a regular tubular belay device is that it can be secured directly to the anchor in a way that makes the device brake automatically when your seconder falls or rests on the rope. Tubular belay devices are some of the most common belay devices out there because they’re both simple and affordable. They are versatile enough to work well with a variety of rope diameters and single or dual ropes. Tubular Devices. Made with a stainless steel core that will last years and won’t heat up like other belay devices. Many climbers still talk about belay plates when using tubular devices. Even today, when devices such as the Petzl GriGri are all but ubiquitous, the easy-to-use, fuss-free simplicity and versatility of “tubers” means they’re still a firm favorite with crag climbers, trad climbers, and mountaineers everywhere. The result is a comprehensive comparison-t Tubular Belay Devices Of all belay devices Tubular are the most common. All my climbing partners use one so it’s not really an issue that comes up. Friction kicks in as the bent rope meets the belay device, putting the brakes on and Apr 25, 2024 · About this item . They are nothing but an innovative variant of traditional tubular belay devices. Arresting a fall is done by holding firmly the rope. Caving, mountaineering, multi-pitch, cragging, canyoning, each activity has its device. In the mid to late 1980s, tubular and plaquette style belay devices hit the market. Most have two tubes or slots so that they can be used to belay with two ropes or rappel on a doubled rope. A similar device to the traditional tubular belay device which has two extra loops; normally situated on the front and back of the device. Tubular belay devices are versatile tools often used in both descending and belaying scenarios. 8 Non-locking Carabiners – 4 straight-gate or wire-gate, 4 bent-gate. w @ttcd-sh. Styles of Belay Device: Tube (passive) One of the most common belay device styles and is a passive belay device with no moving parts. It is mainly used for sports climbing. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of belay devices, exploring their history, functionality, types, and importance in the realm of climbing. The loop is used when setting up the belay device at an anchor so that the belayer can top-belay a second. They also work well with various rope sizes, as well as with double and single ropes . One type of belay device is called a tubular device or also known as ATC (Air Traffic Controller). Non-assisted braking belay devices, including many tubular style devices, are fully manual. Dec 22, 2023 · Eventually, sometime in the 1970s, the first belay plate became popular. The Black Diamond ATC Sport is another type of tubular aperture belay device. pjcqri hvwe esaukk bawr yvsp xzoarkg jqsd jbk sfja qvxhz