[The RV Way]

Hey fellow climbers! As a self-proclaimed belay device aficionado (or maybe just someone who likes to not drop their friends), I’ve been on a quest to find the best climbing belay devices out there. With so many options swirling around, it can feel a bit like trying to find a good Wi-Fi signal at the base of El Capitan—frustrating and full of surprises! So, grab a snack, settle in, and let me share my top three picks along with a little buyers’ guide to help you make the right choice for your climbing adventures.

Get ready for some mini reviews that hopefully won’t put you to sleep. Here are my favorite belay devices that I think every climber should consider:

• Petzl GriGri 2
• Black Diamond ATC Guide
• Mammut Smart 2.0

Stay tuned as I dive into what makes each of these devices a must-have for your climbing gear!

[The RV Way]

Petzl GriGri 2

Alright, folks, gather around for a moment. I want to chat about my recent head-over-heels (thankfully, not literally) experience with the Petzl GriGri 2. Just to give you a bit of background, if a belay device were to become my new BFF, the GriGri 2 would definitely be it. This little gadget has made my climbing life both easier and—dare I say—more enjoyable!

First off, let’s talk about weight. The GriGri 2 is like the perfect climbing partner who eats pizza and never seems to gain an ounce. It’s compact and lightweight, which means I don’t feel like I’m carrying a Darth Vader mask on my harness. Perfect for those prolonged routes where every little bit counts.

• Smooth Operator: Lowering my climbing buddies has never been smoother. The amount of control you get is like the dial on a volume knob—easy to adjust and satisfying to use.
• Rope Compatibility: The GriGri 2 works with ropes from 8.9 to 11 mm, so it’s not a prima donna about what it wants to work with. Love the flexibility, although my current favorite is a slick 9.4 mm line.
• Durability: This device is built like a tank. I’ve put it through the wringer with no complaints—it’s still ready for more adventures, and I daresay it looks forward to them.

I remember this epic day at Joe’s Valley where the rock formations called my name louder than the pizza at camp. Trusting the GriGri 2 on those sandstone masterpieces was like knowing you have an ace up your sleeve during poker night. The auto-locking feature saved me a few grey hairs when I got distracted by, well, the breathtaking views.

Word of advice: Always keep one hand on the braking side of the rope. The GriGri 2 is like your GPS—it’s amazing, but don’t ignore the road signs.

And let’s not forget—the color options! Mine’s a snazzy blue. If this device were a pair of shoes, it’s the sort that gets compliments from strangers on the street—or in this case, fellow climbers at the crag.

Granted, no product is without its quirks. It’s a bit pricier than other devices, but honestly, what’s money when you’re holding onto the difference between hanging out and, well, hanging out *literally*?

If you’re still belaying with those older devices, first off, kudos for the commitment, but second, it might be time for a upgrade. Just a thought. Until next time, keep climbing and stay roped in!

[The RV Way]

Black Diamond ATC Guide

So, I finally got my hands on the Black Diamond ATC Guide, and I must say, this gizmo has become my new climbing BFF. If it had a social media profile, I’d mark myself as being “in a relationship.” Seriously, climbers, this device is like the Swiss Army knife of belaying, minus the corkscrew (but who needs that on a cliff anyway?).

First off, let’s talk about versatility. With its multiple friction modes, this thing handles ropes like a pro DJ mixing beats. Need even more control? Just flip it around to change the friction settings when you’re rappelling or belaying from an anchor. But don’t be like Bob, my climbing buddy, who learned the hard way that trying to switch friction modes mid-air is a bad idea. Sorry, Bob!

Here’s a rundown of what I think are the best features:

• Lightweight but Strong: Weighing just a smidge more than a granola bar, the ATC Guide is perfect for folks like me who pretend to be weight-conscious outdoorsy types.
• Guide Mode: Perfect for those multi-pitch climbs where you’re like, “Sure, I’ll belay you, but don’t make me panic-pee myself.”
• Durability: This thing is burly. It’s survived being tossed in my pack, bounced off rocks, and even a curious raccoon attack. (Don’t ask.)

Pro Tip: If you’re planning on using the guide mode, make sure your anchor is legit. Otherwise, you might inadvertently create an extreme urban zip-line experience instead of a controlled belay. True story from that one time my buddy insisted on using an old coat hanger as part of our anchor. Live and learn, folks!

Lastly, if you want to take a closer look at this miraculous tool, or perhaps order one for yourself, check out the official product page here.

In a nutshell, the Black Diamond ATC Guide is pure genius wrapped in an aluminum package. It’s become a staple in my climbing kit, and is highly recommended—unless, of course, you enjoy less control over your descent, in which case, keep experimenting with coat hangers.

[The RV Way]

Mammut Smart 2.0

Well, folks, gather around your screens because I’ve got a tale to tell about my recent dance with the Mammut Smart 2.0. Ah yes, climbing gear—because why wouldn’t I trust my life to a hunk of equipment I’ve just met, right? Spoiler alert: this one’s a keeper.

First off, let’s talk about its quirky design. The Smart 2.0 looks less like a traditional belay device and more like something that should be guarding the crown jewels. It’s sleek, lightweight, and has just enough mystery to make your climbing partner go, “Is that thing really gonna catch me?”—which, let’s face it, is half the fun.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Honestly, using this belay device feels like talking to your favorite barista who just knows your order by heart. The handling is intuitive and smooth, even if you’re a caffeine-starved zombie like I usually am before a morning climb.
• Safety: This gadget has an assisted braking mechanism. Picture this: you’re gawking at the view when a climber’s fall yanks you back to reality. The Smart 2.0 kicks in like a vigilant guardian angel, making those moments far less panic-inducing.
• Durability: It eats chalk dust for breakfast and sneers at rough handling. After several climbs, it looks as unperturbed as a cat in a sunny spot.

Cons:

• Rope Compatibility: Now, I must mention, she prefers a narrow playmate—9.5-10.5mm ropes fit like a glove. Anything beyond, and you’ll hear it grumbling like my stomach after missing a post-climb pizza. And who could blame it?
• Learning Curve: While not rocket science, you might need a couple of moments to figure out the sweet spots for rope positioning. But hey, that’s half the adventure, right?

Experiential Gouda: A cheese pun, really? Yes, because I couldn’t brie more grateful for its seamless use in both lead and top rope settings. I even tested it during an impromptu rain (Mother Nature and her surprise waterworks!), and voilà, it performed like a champ.

And there we have it, my climbing comrades. If you’re pondering over a new belay device and are tired of questioning your gear’s sanity rather than your own, I suggest giving Mammut Smart 2.0 a whirl. You know where to direct the thank-you pizza. 🍕

[The RV Way]

Best Climbing Belay Devices Buyer’s Guide

So, you’re on the hunt for the best climbing belay device? I’m glad you’re here because, honestly, selecting the right device can be just as critical as having a good belayer you trust with your life (literally!).

What’s a Belay Device?
Well, let’s break it down: a belay device is that trusty gadget that helps you ensure your climbing buddy doesn’t, well, go splat. It controls the rope to keep your partner safely suspended—almost like it has a superhero cape on.

Types of Belay Devices
There are a few contenders in the belay device arena. Here’s a quick rundown to get you started:

• Assisted-Braking Devices (ABDs): These are the crowd favorites! They help you output less effort to catch a fall—less work and less worry when your buddy makes those ambitious moves. I once had a friend go salamander-mode up an overhang, and my trusty ABD caught him when gravity inevitably won the match.
• Tubular Devices: Classic and reliable, these little champs are generally lighter and cheaper. If you’re like me and packing your weight in snacks while climbing, the lighter gear matters!
• Figure 8: Most commonly used for rappelling, the figure 8 can also be convincing if you’re a fan of simplicity. I’d say these have some aesthetic value too—they make me think of miniature infinity signs every time I hold one.

Top Choices
So, which devices make the cut in 2023? With personal stories and accidental falls in mind, here are a few stars worth checking out:

• Petzl GriGri: The rock star in the ABD category. Legendary for a reason! It might cost a bit more, but when have luminaries ever come cheap?
• Black Diamond ATC-Guide: The versatile model for tubular devices—great for those who appreciate simplicity and versatility. Once used it to belay and in a pinch, as a paperweight on a windy mountain picnic.
• Mammut Smart 2.0: A personal favorite! This clever little thing combines the ease of use of an ABD but also feels like catching falls with artificial intelligence.

Final Words of Wisdom
Choosing a belay device often boils down to your comfort level and the type of climbing you plan to conquer. If you’re primarily gym climbing like myself (a snack in one hand, chalk in the other), an assisted-braking device could serve you best. But if you’re venturing into the windswept crags, a tubular might be your lightweight hero.

Remember: No matter how fancy your device is, always focus on belaying technique. Devices are there to help—not to be the sole heroes of the climb. Happy clinging and clicking, friends!

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