After reading this article, you will know the difference between GriGri vs ATC. In that setting, the only benefit of an ATC is that it is cheaper. I will say though that lead belaying with a grigri vs ATC is different—they probably thought you weren’t aware. Jun 13, 2017 · TLDR; Choose the GriGri + if you use skinny ropes, have worn out GriGri's before, are frustrated with the cam tension, or want an extra piece of mind with an anti-panic handle. The logic is that using an ATC in a gym environment is safer because it's simpler to teach, and requires more attention than a GriGri. Jan 3, 2024 · GriGri vs ATC Belay Device: What’s The Difference? What is an ATC? The ATC climbing device, which stands for Air Traffic Control, is a tube-style belay device, usually with two holes and a plastic-wrapped loop of braided wire connected to the underside. . However, their mechanisms and features vary from one another, while some climbers prefer the GriGri and others the ATC. Two popular options, the Grigri and the ATC, have become mainstays in the climbing […] Dec 13, 2023 · When I was learning how to use the GriGri, my main hang up was that it seemed easier to short-rope a lead climber. Dec 13, 2023 · Both the GriGri and the ATC have strengths and weaknesses, and an experienced climber should be able to use them nearly interchangeably. Aug 5, 2025 · See our guide to the best climbing belay devices, including our top picks and details on belaying with two ropes, rope diameters, belaying a follower, and more. (Black Diamond’s ATC—or “Air Traffic Controller”—is their model of the classic tube-style belay device. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. Would you feel comfortable having someone belay you with an ATC or Mammut if you're used to the GriGri? Dec 11, 2023 · We breakdown the most owned and most wanted tube style belay devices among WeighMyRack users and explain why climbers love using them. 5 mm range. Moved Permanently The document has moved here. Sep 5, 2021 · 3) Wet/frozen ropes can be a nightmare to rap down when using a grigri so it helps to have a way to add friction to the system to make the descent smoother Grigris really aren't any heavier when you compare it to having to bring 2 carabiners and an atc on multipitch climbs. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I also am looking into the smart alpine as another option. I'm curious about the safety differences between these devices. That said, both devices have their place, and an experienced climber will own and know how to use both. Dec 22, 2022 · Discover the side-by-side comparison of the GriGri vs ATC belaying devices: history, pros and cons, best use. Aug 6, 2021 · Not sure which belay device to get? We tested the Petzl GriGri 2 and Black Diamond ATC side-by-side to help you know which is right for you. tube devices work well and are a great backup. 7 to 10. Dec 3, 2014 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Going no hands on a Grigri isn't kosher and the manual recommends setting up a redirect for lowering, making it more complex than an ATC. The main difference is Generally I think gyms prefer folks to use an ATC rather than a GriGri for safety. the grigri locks up nicely usually but requires an advanced belayer. I’d definitely get a Grigri, not only for ease of use and safety but also it’s likely a more familiar device to other climbers, making safety checks more reliable. Dec 1, 2023 · Petzl GriGri – #1 Most Owned Mechanical Device We talked at length in our post on the most owned and wanted tube style belay devices about how Black Diamond has cemented the word ATC into the climbing zeitgeist to mean any tube style belay device, and it’s not uncommon to hear climbers referring to mechanical belay devices as a GriGri. The belay device serves as a friction-enhancing tool that assists climbers in controlling the rope during ascent and descent. The point of using a Grigri is that it provides a measure of backup protection against user error. What is the Best ATC Belaying Device in 2024? Here's a list of the Top 9 ATC devices for belaying based on our experiences and expertise. The alpine-smart is like an ATC-guide on steroids but has a more limited range of acceptable ropes (not foolproof but close to it and the belay mechanics are very similar to belaying with a plain old ATC). Jun 13, 2018 · Interested in the Petzl Grigri + belay device? Our in-depth review breaks down the pros and cons and compares it to the GriGri 2. A guide mode ATC allows you to go hands free to sort gear, improve your sketchy anchor and flip the rope because you realize your seconding partner won't be up for taking the lead on the next pitch. Open the device and feed a bite of rope in such that the climber side comes out the top of the device and the brake side is facing down. However, when I look up comparisons between assisted breaking devices, they usually aren't compared in terms of safety, but in terms of convenience, ease of paying out rope, weight etc. Is an ATC better than a Grigri? We break down the differences between the types of belay devices and share our favorites for different types of climbing. Plus belaying a second through them is much easier IMO. Jan 3, 2024 · GriGri vs ATC: The Pros & Cons The GriGri and the ATC climbing device have the same aim: to keep the climber safe. Aug 21, 2018 · The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “ geometry assisted ” belay device for ropes in the 8. End of story. Petzl GriGri Advantages: Assisted Braking: The GriGri has an Jun 27, 2023 · Although the ATC is lighter and a little more versatile for outdoor climbing, the Gri-Gri’s assisted locking feature clearly increases safety. Otherwise pick the GriGri 2. That is the safety benefit of a GriGri over an ATC (which would not protect your climber if you dropped your brake hand). Nov 24, 2015 · In reply to forrestpock: Lead belaying in climbing gyms should definitely be done with GriGris and not ATC type devices. Aug 3, 2023 · Reading Time: 4 minutesUnveiling the Differences When it comes to climbing, safety is paramount. Two popular options, the Grigri and the ATC, have become mainstays in the climbing […] Aug 15, 2025 · Master abseiling with our Descender Device Showdown: Figure 8 vs ATC vs GriGri. Jul 11, 2025 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. A crucial component of climbing safety lies in the belay device. 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. I had no problem with my belayers having either an ATC or an assisted braking device such as Grigri, ATC pilot etc as long as the belayer feels safe and competent. The more likely scenario in a panic is to drop one or both hands, and in both cases a standard GriGri will protect your climber. Jan 4, 2024 · We break down every type of belay device and talk about where belaying started, and talk about which devices work best for your style of climbing. Aug 7, 2025 · If you have a horizontally oriented belay loop, make sure the rope is oriented so that the tail end is in your dominant hand. Grigri's vs ATCs: This really grinds my gears As someone who learned to lead belay using an ATC first, and who for a while felt much more comfortable using an ATC over a Grigri, all climbers should be more comfortable using a Grigri. If you are using a Grigri instead of an ATC, the setup concept is similar. Generally I think gyms prefer folks to use an ATC rather than a GriGri for safety. But in many other ways it seemed safer than the standard ATC I learned to climb with. ) So, I started asking questions. Jan 3, 2024 · The GriGri and the ATC climbing device have the same aim: to keep the climber safe. However, after a few falls I became more anxious and no longer wanted my belayer to use an unassisted belay device in case he/she fainted, got hit by something or similar. The argument that GriGri's "promote sloppy techniques" is just silly. Jun 16, 2018 · So I wouldn't take that as meaning it's "better" than the Smart, but on the other hand I can see why guides would want the Pilot in the hands of their client/belayers over an ATC (safety) or GriGri (cost & trickier to lead belay). Choose your climbing companion! Mar 2, 2023 · GriGri and ATC differ in functionalities, features, and other information. I always see the GriGri being compared to ATC-style belay devices and the GriGri being crowned as the safest device available for sport climbing. which just speaks to their commitment to being jerks Jul 1, 2021 · Currently I use a grigri for basicially everything, but I probably won't buy another considering the cost of a grigri vs a gigajul. Some climbers prefer the ATC because the GriGri favors right-handed belayers. I'm pretty sure that if the Grigri is used properly with a Ceros, the lever won't get caught. Its not a hyper realistic scenario (though I'm sure there are accidents on record now). If you are not sure which one is best for you, here are some pros and cons of both belaying devices.

tf1edvnxtya
cb02cqyhp
h5kjqoti
q8yvlj
yyxu2lr7dz
90139g
izqlm5pjij
xk2jwi
fzzibd
hepbw