As always please contact us if you have specific questions. This page is a quick overview of belay devices with a basic comparison table for a quick reference.

Device Type

There are three main types of devices:

• Tube Style 

• Auto-locking (also called assisted belay devices or self-locking)

• Auto-blocking (also called guide's style)

Which style you use depends on which application you are using it for.

Tube Style
Tube Style belay devices are handy and well priced for traditional belaying and abseiling. This is the type of device you get when you first start climbing and will probably hold onto forever.

Auto Blocking
These devices are particularly useful when belaying on a multipitch climb. By using one you can belay directly off the anchor, thus saving energy. You can tell a Auto Blocking device by its additional, full–strength, clip-in point. 

These devices are great because
1. Belaying off the anchor is less effort than off your waist.
2. You can escape the belay (you've already escaped when setting it up).
3. Works great for lead, following or rappelling; they are very versatile.

it can be difficult to release the load in autoblock mode if the second climber falls and can't reach the rock or is injured. Familiarise yourself with the release process of the device you choose before you have to do it on a climb!

Auto Locking
These devices only work with a single rope of a specified diameter. They are ideal for situations where you are either belaying for a long time (big walls) or are going to have a climber who is hanging a lot on the rope (gym, sports climbs, dogging). These devices are generally heavier than the other devices. Because they only work with a single rope, you need to also bring a tube style or auto-blocking device if you want to abseil two ropes.

Rope Diameter

this indicates what size rope the device will work with. Check to make sure the rope you will be using (often your partners) fits in this range. Some work better for thin or fat ropes.

Number of Ropes

Some devices are only useable with 1 rope, others can be used with 2. 

Comparison Chart

Sorted by Device type, then weight

Manufacturer	Name	Pic	Type	Rope Diameter	# of ropes	Weight
Petzl	Reverso 4		Auto Blocking	7.5-11mm	2	59
Kong	Ghost		Auto Blocking	7.5-10.5mm	2	70
Black Diamond	ATC GUIDE		Auto Blocking	7.7-11mm	2	88
Edelrid	Kilojul		Auto Blocking	7.8-10.5mm	2	90
Climbing Technology	Click Up		Auto Locking	9-10.5mm	1	115
Petzl	Gri Gri 2		Auto Locking	8.9-11mm	1	185
Faders	Sum		Auto Locking	9.1-10.5mm	1	260
Edelrid	Eddy		Auto Locking	9-11mm	1	380
Petzl	Verso		Tube Style	7.5-11mm	2	57
Black Diamond	ATC XP		Tube Style	7.7-11mm	2	64
Black Diamond	ATC		Tube Style	7.7-11mm	2	75
Edelrid	Lotse		Tube Style	8-11mm	2	80
Metolius	BRD		Tube Style	8-11mm	2	82
Petzl	Uni Verso		Tube Style	7.5-11mm	2	120
Climbing Technology	Stitch Plate		Tube Style		2