Auto belay device rock climbing. We first responded by removing our Perfect Descent auto belays (Perfect Descent was a defendant in Learn how to choose the best belay devices for climbing, including key factors for selecting belay equipment and climbing belay devices to ensure safety and performance. I have only gone bouldering and today I tried auto belay for the first time. Learn how to choose a belay device for rock climbing. This lawsuit really amped up the conversation. Apr 24, 2023 路 An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. As the climber descends, the auto belay will automatically feed rope back, allowing for a smooth and safe descent. This lanyard is what you clip into, instead of tying into a traditional climbing rope. Also consider ways to utilize auto belays to maximize the programming at your gym or climbing wall. Exchanging gear, restacking the rope, eating, drinking, and whatever else you might need to handle at the belay stance can really burn away those precious daylight hours, so it’s crucial to be as efficient as possible. Introduction to Auto Belay Systems for Rock Climbing 馃鈾傦笍Auto belay systems are devices used in rock climbing that automatically control the rope tension. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. Here are our in-depth reviews. Equipped with an ergonomic handle, providing easy Jun 1, 2021 路 We’ll discuss whether rock climbing solo is safe or not, some common solo climbing activities, and how to find climbing partners. Auto Belay makes climbing simple and approachable, turning first-time users into return customers. Belaying your follower (or followers) with an auto-blocking device set up directly on the anchor allows Aug 7, 2019 路 Amazon. From creating the Friend, the first modern spring-loaded camming device, to the Revo, the first automatically locking belay device, we’re dedicated to crafting gear that lets climbers pursue the art of pure climbing in their Head Rush Technologies adventure products for climbing, free fall, and zip lines. A couple of months just before I started rope climbing (had only been bouldering for a few years prior) there was an incident in another gym where the auto belay failed and the person fell to their death. Jun 26, 2023 路 1. Are there any cheaper alternatives to an auto-belay which would let me practice climb when I'm by myself? Those things cost thousands. Auto Belay The automatic support device is an important part in the world of rock climbing and indoor gyms. An automatic belay (aka auto belay) makes climbing more accessible. TRUBLUE Auto Belays are engineered to minimize maintenance and are built to last. The most crucial factor is that you must reach the top of the route to set up your rope. Bouldering, while offering the same experience of working out the “problem” of the arrangement of the holds on the wall, allows the climber to remain low – only climbing to a height within his comfort zone. Belay System Staffing If your organization is going to staff your climbing wall, as is often done at fitness centers, you will need more staff to manage a traditional belay system than an auto belay system. Climber’s clip into the auto belay, which goes up the wall with them as they ascend, and then slowly lowers them back to the ground when they let go. Safety is always a priority in every climb, and an automating belaying device can give you that. An auto belay is an automatic belay device that takes up slack as a climber ascends the climbing wall. Apr 1, 2019 路 “This is the future of rock climbing” says visiting French climber and guide Guillaume Vales. The Auto-Belay session Our Auto-Belay systems will make getting up the 40 foot wall hassle-free! Designed to lower children and adults at a slow, controlled rate, these devices are safe and easy to use. I’m sure it takes some getting used to but I felt like the rope was pulling/holding me up some, so it wasn’t as good of a work out as bouldering. Designed for the climbing industry, thousands of TRUBLUEs are in use around the world in climbing gyms, ropes courses, family entertainment centers and more. The TRUBLUE™ Auto Belay is the next generation of indoor and outdoor climbing wall auto belays. In late 2022, a commissioned study conducted by Prof. Most auto belays use the same mechanism for ascension, but the mode of descent varies among different types of automatic belay devices. May 28, 2021 路 Grasp auto-belays' benefits in climbing: no belayer needed, ensuring safety, independence, and accessibility for climbers of all levels. Whether you are a gym climber, trad climber, sport climber, alpine climber or all of the above, our goal here at The Adventure Junkies is to help you pick the best belay device and get you one step closer to your next adventure. Sep 21, 2023 路 After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. The belay line is the cable, cord, webbing, or rope that is directly attached to the climber's harness. The Self Belay is an innovative climbing connector, which increases safety in climbing and adventure centers. We can teach you how to safely use an Auto-Belay in a couple of minutes. TRUBLUE’s self-regulating magnetic braking system is the result of years of research, development, and testing. Here are our best belay device picks! Belay devices on the average costs from $17. Heavier climbers do need to be careful to not hurt themselves and to make sure that they are using the right equipment. Jul 16, 2014 路 Belay transitions can be the real time-suck of multi-pitch climbing. Our Zip Line and Free Fall products for the amusement and adventure industries are used in the most epic builds around the globe. Jul 3, 2025 路 From the Grigri and its successor the Neox to the Edelrid Pinch, we break down which assisted-braking device is ideal for your climbing. de/38335 Jan 22, 2025 路 Our review of the Edelrid Pinch gave high marks for its light weight, fluency with skinny ropes, and a reliably safe orientation. Auto-belays are arguably the easiest way for most new climbers, especially older adults and young children, to start rock climbing. Apr 14, 2017 路 Another option is to occasionally move the location of your auto belays so solo climbers enjoy a variety of terrain. New climbers can learn to love the movement of climbing before they learn the technical skills of belaying. Instead the climber clips into the auto belay device, which connects to the top of the wall. Oct 12, 2020 路 An auto belay device for a climbing wall offers a variety of pros, especially for someone who doesn’t have a regular climbing partner to belay them. Does it need an introduction? GRIGRI sets the standard for belay devices. But, are they safe and why are they so darn EXPENSIVE! Alternative to auto-belay devices for at-home climbing wall? Building an outdoor climbing wall. The auto-belays clip to your harness and retract as you climb and lower you automatically when you fall. In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. Auto belays allow a climber to climb tall routes without a partner. Today, the auto belay devices that you see in many rock climbing gyms are made for climbers and have stringent safety standards. Feb 12, 2024 路 When looking for a rappel device for your next climb, be sure to consult this list. As the demand for more efficient and reliable climbing experiences grows, selecting the best auto belay device becomes Jan 5, 2018 路 Hydraulic auto belays used in indoor rock climbing gyms are not portable, and the downsides of the device include the expensive cable replacement, high maintenance, potential for messy fluid leaks, and difficulty of access. Auto-belays are devices that perform the rope management for you without the need for a belay partner. For that reason, traditional belay devices are still used in competitive lead climbing. An Auto Belay Device is an automatic belay device that prevents the slack in the climbing line while the climber climbs up. These feed the rope smoothly and make life easy on the belayer, but don't work with all sizes of ropes. With the right belay device, a small, weak climber can easily arrest the fall of a much heavier partner. Mar 11, 2020 路 Each device undergoes extensive third-party testing by an ISO 17025 accredited lab, ensuring top-tier safety and performance. The perfect Auto Belay device for sport, rock and fun climbing during training sessions, school trips, birthday parties, teambuilding sessions or other climbing entertainment for groups. Mar 4, 2022 路 This type of rock climbing requires rigging a grigri or other locking belay device to the rope attached to a fixed object, like a tree, called a rappel anchor. May 28, 2024 路 The auto belay, a game-changer in indoor rock climbing, caters to every individual, regardless of their experience level. The connector cannot be opened accidentally or on purpose during climbing – users can connect to and disconnect from the device only when they are on the ground. Introducing auto belay climbing—a dynamic and exhilarating way to climb without a partner. Product Details The TRUBLUE iQ+ marks the largest leap forward in auto belay innovation in over a decade. Creating safety around auto belay use in indoor climbing gyms starts with understanding why accidents happen at all. Proper understanding and selection of these devices can significantly enhance safety and climbing efficiency Sep 21, 2023 路 Despite using the device properly, the climber fell when the auto-belay device failed to function as intended. Jun 30, 2023 路 The Revolution of Climber Safety Safety in indoor climbing gyms has evolved significantly, thanks to insightful research and development. This means it’s a great device for getting new people into the wonderful sport of Indoor Rock Climbing, while also allowing experienced Belayers to climb when they don’t have a climbing partner. Belay devices play a critical role in rock climbing, acting as a system that controls the rope during a climber’s ascent and descent. They are an excellent tool for warming up, training, and doing laps, all on your own time. Dec 16, 2022 路 Instead, it’s figuring out which belay device is best amongst the myriad of belay devices on the market. What’s a Belay Device? A belay device is climbing equipment that gives a belay to a climber. As a person climbs up the wall, the slack is automatically taken in. An auto belay is a device that allows climbers to use top rope walls without a partner to belay for them. Just wondering what everyone else’s Apr 27, 2021 路 We bought and field tested 6 of the best belay devices in 2025 from top brands like Petzl and Black Diamond. With an auto belay system, it is just the climber alone with the belay equipment. Jon Heshka in 2022 titled “ Understanding Climber Behaviour in Climbing Gyms ” set the tone for heightened safety surrounding auto belay systems in climbing gyms. The TRUBLUE is the only auto belay that uses magnetic braking, and this is one of the reasons it is the most popular auto belay in the world. TRUBLUE’s self-regulating magnetic braking system is the result of years of research, development, and testing. Most auto-belay accidents are the result of individuals failing to completely clip into the device, or forgetting to clip in entirely. Hand built in the USA and backed by responsive customer service worldwide, these auto belay devices are budget friendly with the lowest entry price and cost of ownership. When the climber reaches the top, or if they fall, the auto belay catches the climber and slowly lowers them to the ground. I wasn’t a huge fan. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… See full list on outdoorgearlab. ” Jun 21, 2021 路 Though auto belay accidents happen every year, deaths are uncommon. Maintenance and Servicing Maintenance is an important part of auto belay ownership. They’re a great way for groups to participate in rock climbing! Auto Belays are great tools that allow participants to climb “roped” walls without a human belayer. The use of auto belays has been a hotly debated topic in the indoor climbing industry for the last 10 years. Our patented magnetic braking technology has enabled the TRUBLUE Auto Belay to become the most tested and trusted Auto Belay in the world. As you become more familiar with climbing and would like to pursue lead climbing or climb more often, invest yourself in a tubular device with ridges and/or possibly a Grigri depending on the type of climbing you would like to challenge yourself. Durable, light and upgrade-ready! Self regulating magnetic braking system Designed for indoor or outdoor use Handmade in the USA with high-quality parts If selecting TRU-CLIP Connector, additional Key Links may be needed for optimal coverage. All devices are equipped with kernmantel rope! How it works Before the climber starts climbing, he connnects himself to the kernmantel rope of the Auto Belay. Jan 4, 2021 路 Auto-belay devices are designed as circular tools that can be easily mounted to the uppermost part of a climbing wall. What is a climbing belay device? A climbing belay device is a tool used by climbers to control the rope holding a climber in case the climber falls and/or when the climber needs to be lowered. Another device might be used for multi-pitch sport and trad climbing and anytime a rappel is necessary. Aug 6, 2024 路 Lead Despite advances in auto belay devices, using a traditional belay device with a human belaying partner is still seen as the safest and best alternative. You will likely spot a TRUBLUE auto belay system or a Perfect Descent auto belay device in your local gym. I've seen fall arrest devices for roofers etc. [1] It is designed to improve belay safety for the climber by allowing the belayer to manage their duties with minimal physical effort. Our patented magnetic braking system, delivers the smoothest user experience, the highest level of reliability, and Sep 27, 2023 路 Vertical World and C3 Manufacturing recently agreed to pay a climber $6 million, one of the largest settlements in the climbing gym industry’s history, following an auto belay accident. Auto belays allow fewer staff to supervise more climbers, which is great for kids climbing groups or birthday parties. We have 14 Perfect Descent Auto Belay systems installed, with at least two climbs per auto belay. Roped or auto belay climbing on the taller walls, and bouldering (climbing on low walls in an un-roped fashion). There are three main types of belay devices, the tubular ATC, the auto-locking belay device and the semi-assisted belay devices. If the climber falls or finishes the climb, the auto belay slowly lowers the climber to the ground. More and more Schools are utilising these systems on their school rock climbing Dec 22, 2016 路 Since 1977, Wild Country has been at the forefront of product development in the climbing world, with a design philosophy that puts originality and practicality first. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. The Head Rush Tech auto An Incident information release about a person who fell while using an auto-belay device in an indoor climbing gym. but I don't know if they're intended for regular usage. The TwinPoint auto belay is suitable for both fun climbing and sport climbing, with the exception of bouldering and traverses up to 3m high where European standard safety mats are used. Shop our selection of auto belay devices for indoor climbing. 95 varying on the types, brand names, and styles. Feb 22, 2020 路 Inside the device you can find a long, nylon lanyard coiled tightly around a spring-loaded center spool. Arrestyd Ltd have worked very hard through their knowledge and experience in the market to manufacture the products with what the target markets are looking for. First released in 2011, this system uses cutting edge technology to determine if a person is climbing without being attached to the device. Includes the pros and cons of tubular, assisted braking and Figure 8 devices. Aug 24, 2018 路 Belay devices are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with more innovative options on the market than ever. As the premium model in the iQ series, the TRUBLUE iQ+ features Catch-and-Hold Technology, allowing climbers to rest and project routes. (The precise circumstances of the June 12 accident at Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness are still unknown. Climbers must be 13 or older Mar 2, 2023 路 Conclusion For every aspiring climber, learning how do auto belays work is essential for anyone to be familiar with the importance of this climbing device. Extra thick with ears and belay slot will keep your safety, even in a Grow your climbing community by providing more access to more routes for more climbers. Perfect Descent Climbing Systems produces superior auto belay devices and is the official auto belay of the International Federation of Sport Climbing. ). com : AOKWIT 50KN Rescue Figure, 8 Descender Large Bent-Ear Belaying and Rappelling Gear Belay Device Climbing for Rock Climbing Peak Rescue 7075 Aluminum Alloy (Black) : Sports & OutdoorsAbout this item Keep Your Safety: It uses the friction between the rope and the Descender device to slow down the descent or brake. The secret is our friction-free, magnetic braking technology, which gives the softest, safest, most consistent catch available on the market today. Mar 20, 2025 路 Introduction to Belay Devices Yes, there are several types of belay devices, each designed to cater to different climbing styles and safety needs. Jul 21, 2016 路 Enter the auto-belay, a specialized device common in many gyms that takes the place of a real live person on the other end of the rope. Jan 15, 2024 路 And this brings us to the auto-belay–the most accessible version of rock climbing. Dec 14, 2017 路 The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is a great training tool for building endurance and providing a backup for learning new skills. Designed for the climbing industry, thousands of TRUBLUEs are in use around the world in climbing gyms, ropes courses, family entertainment centres, and more. Recently, a study by Prof. Apart from allowing anyone to climb alone, it also helps make the climber safe and more efficient during the climb. . May 28, 2024 路 We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. They come with a built-in lanyard, fitted through a special mechanism that automatically picks up the slack. Climbing Fall Protection Belay Device with Ascender - Aluminum Magnesium Alloy Rope Grab Clamp for Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Arborist, Rescue & Aerial Work Aug 20, 2013 路 It's important that when you're using the auto belay that you don't climb too far to one side or the other, making sure that you're basically in line with the device as you're moving up the wall. The TRUBLUE Auto Belay requires annual service based on national safety standards. Head Rush Technologies adventure products for climbing, free fall, and zip lines. This results in an extended device lifespan and higher cycle capacity, making TRUBLUE the safest, most durable auto belay on the market. Designed for both indoor and outdoor climbing walls, the iQ+ is the first and only auto belay device to offer advanced features like catch-and-hold technology. This technology has revolutionized the climbing industry by providing a safe and efficient way to train and train climbers without the need for another Feb 6, 2023 路 Climbing auto belay: ultimate combination of safety and convenience, revolutionizing climbing experiences with automatic, reliable support. Being able to use an auto belay allows you to climb so many routes that you normally wouldn’t be able to climb on your own. It's cool science put to great use for the climbing industry. Here, we review and recommend the best assisted-braking belay devices for rock climbing. Our Intro to Climbing course is the ideal starting point for new climbers, offering a comprehensive foundation in top rope climbing, belay techniques, and the use of climbing equipment, including top ropes and auto belays. This auto belay is designed Auto belay devices have revolutionized indoor and outdoor climbing, providing safety and independence for climbers of all skill levels. These are life safety devices and should be inspected regularly based on the manufacturer's instructions. The most tested and trusted auto belay in the world. Enjoy reliable fall protection and easy use with features like remote control and portability. I also kept getting smacked in the face and chest with the carabiner (is that what it’s called?). Jun 2, 2023 路 An auto belay barrier designed by Neon, in CityRock Climbing Gym. The DynoEdge range offers an excellent range of leisure products for climbing wall gyms, adventure parks, high ropes courses, home uses and much more. Jan 24, 2023 路 Auto belays are great for climbing roped walls without a partner and for training endurance or doing laps on climbs, as you don't need a human belayer. With an auto belay device, the belay line is a piece of webbing that connects the climber to the auto belay and supports them if they fall or when they are ready to lower off a route. Explore the convenience of auto belay systems in rock climbing gyms: a safe, solo climbing experience with easy-to-use equipment. In conclusion, rock climbing does not have a maximum weight, though auto belay devices do. More Information and recommendations: https://alpenverein. Make sure that you're comfortable with the basic operation of an auto belay before moving on to more advanced skills and drills. Keep reading to learn about belay devices and how to pick the right one based on your climbing experience and the style of climbing you enjoy. With the increasing popularity of rock climbing, indoor climbing facilities, and Auto Belays all across the country, the possibility of related accidents also increases. The first and only auto belay device to offer advanced features like catch-and-hold technology and IoT compatibility. Set up above a particular route, the auto-belay automatically takes in slack as you move up. This video is about best practices when using an auto belay device. These innovative systems allow individuals to climb without a partner by automatically managing the slack and safely controlling descents. This device is a mechanical device that is used for the controlled descent of climbers without the need of a person or other equipment. May 21, 2020 路 Auto belay devices like the TrueBlue or The Perfect Decent are game-changers for rock climbers. Before top roping, lead climbing, or using the auto belay on your own, you must take and pass the required test or orientation first. All units are sealed for outstanding performance both indoors and outdoors. For example, one device might be used for indoor gym climbing and outdoor sport cragging. 95 to $99. In September, after a four year long legal battle over an auto belay accident, Vertical World publicly announced a shocking $6m settlement. The lifeline automatically retracts into the device during climbing (no slack). TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight and height ranges of any modern auto belay system. Jon Heshka of Thompson Rivers University titled “ Understanding Climber Behaviour in Climbing Gyms ” sheds light on climbers’ behavior and attitudes Jan 12, 2017 路 The TRUBLUE Auto Belay utilizes a patented magnet braking technology to maximize user comfort and overall function of the device. An auto belay device provides climbers with a safe, simple, and accessible option for climbing routes that would usually require a rope, without the need for a belay partner. com : PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device - Belay Device with Cam-Assisted Blocking for Sport, Trad, and Top-Rope Climbing : Sports & OutdoorsGRIGRI Belay device with cam-assisted blocking. A belay device is a mechanical piece of climbing equipment used to control a rope during belaying. com TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight and height ranges of any modern auto belay system. If the climber reaches the top, or falls, the Auto Belay immediately arrests the fall and lowers the climber to the ground safely and automatically. An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. Nov 2, 2021 路 Auto-locking belay devices detect sudden motion and lock down on the rope for you automatically. Jul 24, 2025 路 While correct belay technique is essential, having the best belay device for your needs definitely helps. Jun 20, 2013 路 Learn how to use an auto-belay device from indoor rock climbing expert Cliff Simanski in this Howcast video. Whether you’re looking to learn the ropes or challenge yourself with a rapid ascent, our auto belay climbing is designed to provide you with an exciting adventure. Jan 3, 2023 路 An auto belay device provides climbers with a safe, simple, and accessible option for climbing routes that would usually require a rope, without the need for a belay partner. At Velocity Climbing, we’re thrilled to offer this innovative climbing experience that’s perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. 3 days ago 路 See our guide to the best climbing belay devices of 2025, including our top picks and details on belaying with two ropes, rope diameters, belaying a follower, and more. Now you can climb even more in less time! After a quick no-cost orientation, you’ll be set to get climbing. Jan 4, 2024 路 Most climbers own 1-3 belay devices, and use different devices depending on the type of climbing, rope thickness, and location of the climb. Jan 7, 2019 路 Amazon. ” However, Vertical World issued its own statement, which began: “the statement [from PCVA] is incomplete, misleading, and incorrect in several fundamental respects. This video has expert advice about using an auto belay to build rock climbing endurance. After reaching the top and any time the climber wants to descend or in case of a fall, the climber descends automatically and safe with approximately 1 m/s PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device - Belay Device with Cam-Assisted Blocking for Sport, Trad, and Top-Rope Climbing 2,921 300+ bought in past month $8344 TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight and height ranges of any modern auto belay system. Thereby reducing the requirement for a belayer on the ground. Jeff Wilson, the mastermind behind the auto-belay, devised a solution to one of the most significant hurdles beginner climbers face. What is an Auto-Belay? An Auto-Belay is a device that automatically lowers a climber to the ground. qoj zgtppu qcnjg oid uosyciz kutzesrz rxkegkn abpqhc utko vewxet