Types of belay devices

Assisted-braking belay devices

• Concept: when the climber falls, the device pivots on the carabiner, the rope tightens and the cam pinches and blocks the rope. Holding the brake side of the rope helps engage the cam; therefore, it is important to always hold the brake side of the rope. To lower the climber on a top-rope, the belayer gradually pulls the release handle, without letting go of the brake-side rope. The handle helps adjust the friction, but the descent is controlled by the hand gripping the brake-side rope
  

  Assisted braking

  

  Progressive friction control

• Benefits:
  
  - assisted braking in the event the climber falls
  
  - especially useful for working a route: trying a move over and over, holding the climber...
  
  - easily controlled, progressive rope feed provides a smooth and comfortable descent
• Petzl assisted-braking belay devices
  

  GRIGRI^® +

  Belay device with assisted braking and anti-panic handle, for a broad range of single rope diameters (8.5 to 11 mm)

  

  GRIGRI^®

  Belay device with assisted braking for a broad range of single rope diameters (8.5 to 11 mm)

Belay/rappel devices

• Concept: if the climber falls, the brake hand grips the rope and pulls it downward, the rope gets pressed into the grooved V-shaped channels, thus increasing the friction until the rope stops. To lower, the belayer uses both hands on the brake-side rope to control the descent
  

  Grooved V-shaped friction channels

  
• Benefits:
  
  - simple, compact and lightweight device
  
  - compatible with single, half, and twin dynamic ropes
  
  - comfortable rappelling, thanks to the effective friction grooves
• Petzl belay/rappel devices
  

  REVERSO^®

  Multipurpose belay/rappel device for lead or top-rope belaying, belaying one or two seconds in multi-pitch climbing (Reverso mode) and rappelling.

  

  VERSO

  For lead or top-rope belaying, and rappelling.