Belay & Rappel

Belay and rappel devices are essential climbing tools used for controlling rope during climbing and descending activities. Here's a breakdown of each:

Belay Devices

Purpose: To manage the rope while belaying a climber, allowing the belayer to arrest a fall, give slack, or take in rope.

Common Types:

  1. Tube-style (ATC, Reverso)

    • Simple and versatile

    • Good for sport and trad climbing

    • Manual braking

  2. Assisted-braking (e.g., Petzl GriGri, Black Diamond Pilot)

    • Mechanically helps catch a fall

    • Safer in some scenarios

    • Heavier and more expensive

  3. Figure 8

    • Can be used for belaying, but less common today

    • Better suited for rappelling

Rappel Devices

Purpose: To control the descent on a rope during rappelling (abseiling).

Common Devices:

  1. Figure 8

    • Classic rappel device

    • Smooth, controlled descent

    • Can twist ropes

  2. Tube-style Devices (ATC, etc.)

    • Can double as rappel and belay devices

    • Good friction control

    • Used with one or two ropes

  3. Specialty Devices (e.g., Petzl I'D, Stop)

    • Often used in rescue or industrial work

    • Provide assisted braking or self-locking features

Summary Table

Device TypeUsed ForExamplesNotes
Tube-style Belay & Rappel ATC, Reverso Lightweight, multipurpose
Assisted-braking Belay GriGri, Pilot More secure for sport climbing
Figure 8 Rappel (sometimes belay) Figure 8 Smooth, but rope-twisty
Specialty Rappel (mostly) Petzl I'D, Stop    Used in rescue/industrial