Fine for starters
by KrisBrauer on 04/3/2020Pros
Easy to use
Cons
No V-grove for friction
Limited to larger ropes
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
ATC
Description
Often copied but never equaled, the Black Diamond ATC provides lightweight and durable belaying and rappelling performance anytime, anywhere. This classic design features a large surface area that dissipates heat when lowering or rappelling, and the smooth-handling geometry accommodates rope sizes from 7.7 mm to 11 mm. The ATC can now be ordered in specific colors.
Unique, smooth-handling geometry
Minimalist design is durable in all conditions
Large surface area dissipates heat when lowering or rappelling
Handles ropes from 7.7 to 11 mm
Available for order by individual color
Often copied but never equaled, the Black Diamond ATC provides lightweight and durable belaying and rappelling performance anytime, anywhere. This classic design features a large surface area that dissipates heat when lowering or rappelling, and the smooth-handling geometry accommodates rope sizes from 7.7 mm to 11 mm. The ATC can now be ordered in specific colors.
Unique, smooth-handling geometry
Minimalist design is durable in all conditions
Large surface area dissipates...
Retail price
US$ 21.95
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Device Type |
Tube |
| Weight (g) |
60 g |
| Belay Brake Assist |
No |
| Rope Options | 1 or 2 ropes |
| Guide Mode |
No guide mode |
| Teeth |
No |
| Rope Range (mm) | 7.7 mm - 11.0 mm |
| Certification |
UIAA |
A classic that has been improved on with other devices
by nvorel on 04/2/2020Pros
Simple
Near impossible to load wrong
Great for beginners
Cons
No teeth
Bare Minimum of a belay device
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton
Smooth but a little limiting
by andreas_unterschuetz on 07/24/2013Pros
simple
durable
Smooth
Cons
no teeth
Only basic features
no guide mode
Disclaimer
I'm always looking for that piece of gear that'll help me climb better.
Just about every climber who climbs outside eventually needs to own a tube style device, either for rappelling or cleaning. Which one climbers own is driven by things like ease of use, cheapness and availability. For that there is little reason to step past the brand that every climber knows, Black Diamond. Their hold on the North American climbing market can be at least partially drawn to the ATC line, and as it has moved past household name to the likes of the Kleenex of belay devices, we’re guessing that it will be on this list in some form for a long time to come.
ATC Belay Device
ATC, ATC XP and ATC Pilot
Black Diamond ATC Belay Device Review
ATC Belay Devices
Introducing Black Diamond ATC belay devices.
How to Choose your First Belay Device
How to use ATC, ATC XP, ATC Sport belay devices, warnings, inspection, care and maintenence with instructional pictures. The diagrams with English instructions are in page one.
How to use ATC, ATC XP, ATC Sport belay devices, warnings, inspection, care and maintenence with instructional pictures. The page one contains diagrams with English instructions.