Black Diamond Belay Device Reviews
There are different belay devices in the rock climbing world and if you are a beginner you may wonder where to start? Even as an intermediate climber, I am still learning the different belay devices available and how to use them effectively.
In this article, we will focus on Black Diamond Belay Device especially the tubular. They are well-known for the popular name ATC which stands for Air Traffic Control. You can read my article on “What is A Belay Device” for more information. There are four common tubular devices created by Black Diamond. With a one-year manufacture warranty, these devices are all compatible with rope in diameter of 7.7 – 11mm.
Most tubular belay devices can be used indoor and outdoor climbing and they come in only one size. The primary differences from one device to another are the additional features added to make belaying simpler and easier for climbers.
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Black Diamond ATC
This device is the most common classic belay device available and uses by the most climbing gym as rental gear. It is long-lasting and very durable which is fantastic for beginners. You can use indoor as well as outdoor.
The double holes are primarily for two ropes to rappel. For an indoor gym, you need only one hole. You can choose the left hole for the left-hand belay or the right hole for the right-hand belay. It works great for outdoor multi-pitch trad and sport climbing.
Skinny ropes below a diameter of 9.2mm will not work as well with this ATC because of less friction. I find it works well with a 10mm diameter rope. The rope often swells up when the humidity factor is high like in Florida (imagine that…). I can lower the climber down smoothly instead of a jerky motion created by the friction of the belay.
Average Customer Rank: 4.6/5
- Smooth edges
- Simple design and easy to use
- accommodate single or double ropes
- 2 ounces
Available Colors: Black or Purple
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Black Diamond ATC-XP
The machined windows for 30% lighter weight
Average Customer Rank: 4.8/5
Specs:
- Machined windows for weight savings
- ridges on one side for high-friction for holding and stopping power
- 2.3 ounces
- versatile and belay or rappel in any weather condition
Available colors: Black or Blue
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Black Diamond ATC Guide
The ATC Guide is the ATC Extra Power (XP) and more. It has an additional function which is the guide. There is a large loop on the opposite end of the ridges. This loop serves as the device guide to allow you to belay one or two seconding climbers off an anchor for a multi-pitch climb or belaying from the top. It is excellent for rappelling as well.
This belay device is versatile with many functions. It is a great addition to your climbing gear once you experienced outdoor climbing.
Average Customer Rank: 5/5
Specs:
- Machined window to save weight
- Ridges on one side
- Auto-block release hole accepts small carabiners
- Guide mode works with one or two climbers
- Versatile in all weather condition
- 3.1 oz
Available Colors: Black or Green
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Black Diamond ATC Sport
The ATC Sport is a simple, compact, and lightweight XP belay device designed for single rope use. It is great for sport climbing and indoor gym.
If you are used to the two-hole device such as the regular ATC, it may take a little getting used to the ATC sport.
Average Customer Rank: 4.5/5
Specs:
- Ridges on one side dual friction modes
- Single rope version of atc-xp
- Simple design for sport climbing and indoor gym use
- Handles ropes 9 to 11mm
- 2 oz
Available Colors: Black or Ruby
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Black Diamond Big Air XP Package
Average Customer Rank: 4.5/5
Specs:
- See Specs for the ATC XP above for more details
- Tubular belay device with ridges
- mini Pearabiner screw gate carabiner
- total weight of 5.1 oz
Available Colors: Dark Gray / Blue
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
My Final Thoughts
My favorite of all the tubular devices in this article so far is the ATC XP. I have not used the ATC Guide yet. My outdoor climbing skills are still limited. I have not learned how to rappel yet. However, I look forward to learning it soon. I have also experienced the GriGri which is an assisted braking device. I still am most comfortable with my ATC XP.
I hope this review was helpful for your search on the belay device. If there are any questions or comments, please feel free to send them my way. I am happy to share my rock climbing experiences.
