Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Sports & Fitness Snow Sports

Best Belay Devices

Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Petzl Grigri 2 Belay Device
Petzl
Grigri 2 Belay Device

If you're interested in a Grigri belay device, this is the one for you. It's equipped with lots of safety features and built to last.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

If you're interested in a Grigri belay device, this is the one for you. It's equipped with lots of safety features and built to last.

Pros

Assisted braking helps belayer protect climber when they fall and also makes descent easier. Owners have gone as far as to say it's the perfect belay device for top rope and lead belay.

Cons

Expensive. Make sure you know how to use this device, as it functions differently than a typical belay.

Best Bang for the Buck
Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device
Black Diamond
ATC-XP Belay Device

A great budget belay device from one of the best brands in the industry.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

A great budget belay device from one of the best brands in the industry.

Pros

A durable device that will last for years. Requires very little force to hold a heavier climber so it's great if you're climbing with a partner who is significantly larger than you.

Cons

Not as smooth for belaying as it is for repelling.

GM CLIMBING Micro Belay Device
GM CLIMBING
Micro Belay Device

A trusty belay device that's perfect for indoor climbing and won't break the bank.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

A trusty belay device that's perfect for indoor climbing and won't break the bank.

Pros

Climbers appreciate the groove, as it makes belaying safer. Better for top rope rather than lead belay. Durable product for a lower price than brand names.

Cons

Good for climbing inside, but some owners feel hesitant about using it outside. Hard to fit larger ropes.

Epic Peak Climbing Gear Epic Peak Rescue Figure 8 Descender
Epic Peak Climbing Gear
Epic Peak Rescue Figure 8 Descender

Sturdy, practical, and easy to use. A good choice for climbers who want a straightforward design for rappelling and descending.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

Sturdy, practical, and easy to use. A good choice for climbers who want a straightforward design for rappelling and descending.

Pros

Features a figure-8 design that works well in a variety of conditions and a sturdy build that's made to last. Works well for rappelling. Some owners rave about how well it works for practicing aerial skills, too.

Cons

Smaller than some consumers expected.

Petzl Verso Belay/Rappel Device
Petzl
Verso Belay/Rappel Device

A simple belay device that can be used with all sorts of ropes and for all different activities.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

A simple belay device that can be used with all sorts of ropes and for all different activities.

Pros

Simple to use and makes belaying larger partners easy. A good price for anyone just getting into climbing who doesn't want to invest too much money. Very little binding.

Cons

Has a lot of tension for bigger ropes – 13.55 cm or more.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
October 01, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover
The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Petzl
Best of the Best
Petzl
Grigri 2 Belay Device
Bottom Line
If you're interested in a Grigri belay device, this is the one for you. It's equipped with lots of safety features and built to last.
Shop Now
Black Diamond
Best Bang for the Buck
Black Diamond
ATC-XP Belay Device
Bottom Line
A great budget belay device from one of the best brands in the industry.
Shop Now
GM CLIMBING
Top Pick
GM CLIMBING
Micro Belay Device
Bottom Line
A trusty belay device that's perfect for indoor climbing and won't break the bank.
Shop Now
Epic Peak Climbing Gear
Top Pick
Epic Peak Climbing Gear
Epic Peak Rescue Figure 8 Descender
Bottom Line
Sturdy, practical, and easy to use. A good choice for climbers who want a straightforward design for rappelling and descending.
Shop Now
Petzl
Top Pick
Petzl
Verso Belay/Rappel Device
Bottom Line
A simple belay device that can be used with all sorts of ropes and for all different activities.
Shop Now
Related Reviews
Show More
Related Articles
Show More
You Might Also Like
Show More