Black Diamond Auto Locking Belay Device

This device offers the same ideal characteristics as the simpler atc xp for standard belays while also providing auto block capability for bringing up followers directly on an anchor.

Black diamond auto locking belay device.

The black diamond atc guide is a tough belay device and provides the best value for multi pitch climbing. Combining maximum security and ease of use like never before the black diamond magnetron gridlock uses the power of magnets to reinvent the auto locking carabiner. It combines a standard tube style design with the ability to belay seconding climbers directly off the anchor on multi pitch climbs conveniently auto blocking to catch their falls. Black diamond has another belay device known as the atc guide.

While the atc and atc xp are tubular aperture belay devices the atc guide is an aperture style self braking belay device. The atc guide has an additional attachment point. This classic design features a large surface area that dissipates heat when lowering or rappelling and the smooth handling geometry accommodates rope sizes from 7 7 mm to 11 mm. The oval ized anchor hole allows for easy feeding and pulling of rope and the device s guide mode lets you belay one or two seconding climbers off an anchor.

When the rope is weighted the angle of the device changes locking the rope down though as we mentioned above you still need to keep your brake hand on the rope. At just 73 grams this featherweight belay rappel device is optimized for ropes between 8 1 and 8 5 millimeters in diameter yet works with ropes from 6 9 to 9mm. The black diamond atc pilot is a geometry assisted belay device for ropes in the 8 7 to 10 5 mm range. Like the atc xp it also has grooves to increase friction for a belay.

For climbers on a budget and especially those that like to do it all our recommendation is the black diamond atc guide. The hot forged black diamond gridlock belay screwgate locking carabiner has a patent pending design that keeps the carabiner properly oriented while you re belaying.