Top rope auto belay cost reddit. Every time I'm belayed by a human, it feels like cheating.

Top rope auto belay cost reddit. it seems like there are a lot of great bouldering places but i can’t see myself regularly bouldering that often! Hi, I'm based in Singapore but am in London for about 2. 1. If you have any friends able to belay with consideration of your condition, I think that would definitely help a lot. ) Now my predicament is which place so I get a season pass for? The first cost £240 and second £180. Read our review to see why it's our climbing editor's first choice. Reply reply SkiMonkey98 • the ‘right’ way to belay I totally agree it's weird to ban Grigris, but you should also 100% be using the 'right' belay technique with your brake hand constantly on the rope, if only to build good habits for when you inevitably end up using an ATC for whatever reason Reply reply thefiendhitman • There's little risk on top rope as long as you pay attention to your gear and systems when setting up and have a good belayer. Many climbing gyms will ask to see your belay certification or do a test before you are allowed to belay. Usually if you say you need a lead test they skip the TR one) Typically consists of having each person load their belay device, tie their knot, and go over belay commands. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… A couple of months just before I started rope climbing (had only been bouldering for a few years prior) there was an incident in another gym where the auto belay failed and the person fell to their death. See full list on outdoorgearlab. In my groups I'm the one who sets anchors (I know knots and how to dress them). Apr 27, 2021 · We bought and field tested 6 of the best belay devices in 2025 from top brands like Petzl and Black Diamond. It can be used for all climbing functions on a single rope, including lead belaying, top rope belaying, and single-strand rappelling. I would much prefer doing ropes long term but my climbing partner isn’t that into climbing and can’t lead belay yet so I think a lot of the time it would mean me going alone for the shitty bouldering and auto belay. Here are our in-depth reviews. It has an anti-panic handle that locks the cam when it's pulled back too hard, adding an extra level of safety while lowering. Other than that, some tubular webbing to make anchors, maybe some cordlette/slings, locking biners, and a belay device. As his climber moved up the wall. 105 votes, 46 comments. I'm based in grad student digs near Victoria. [1] The claim against usage for lead climbing is that since the device auto-locks, the belayer is required to hold the device open while feeding rope to the leader. Bizarre it’s not standard Jan 4, 2021 · What Does the Auto-Belay Device Offer? To better understand the value of an auto-belay device, we should briefly highlight a human belayer’s role. It is one of most expensive belay devices in our review, but its Every gym I’ve climbed at in the US has required a belay test (for top rope and lead. Are there any cheaper alternatives to an auto-belay which would let me practice climb when I'm by myself? Those things cost thousands. Ill 'lead climb' up the route and down climb unclipping and see how many laps i can go. Most of my anticipated outdoor projects this year are at least double that length. Belay System Inspection, Care and Maintenance Both belay systems need to be properly inspected and maintained. Whenever I read threads about top rope solo, everyone agrees on using one device to self-belay, and some kind of backup in case your belay device malfunctions. My question is, how can I improve my The auto-belay itself is safer than the webbing and rope that comprise the rest of the system. Just adding to the discussion: Imagine the crag has walking access to the top. I'm going to install a rope system for belaying. From there I'll attach a progress capture device on the rope and run the top of the rope up through a pulley and attach to some garage door springs. But if you're doing normal top rope climbing, your belayer has a belay device, and that's it, no backup. However, I am looking to get My friend always tries to stick to auto belay routes that are next to regular top ropes so that he can hold the top rope on the way down. Saw this and it seemed like a generally safe practice? Much better than lead rope soloing. Possible solutions would be to service the auto belay so the recoil moves with the climber, or to change the carabiner type to one that can not open against someone’s body. The concern is that, in a moment where your climber doesn't quite have their footing, if the belayer is not fully and correcting belaying (as if it were a standard atc) the climber may suddenly slip in that moment Jun 21, 2023 · Our Selection of the 9 Best Climbing Carabiners of 2025 Comparison Table 1. And yes we are scared of falling. My gym has six, each with two routes (one in 5. Anyone have experience or resources on if auto belay is safe while pregnant with a full body harness? Compared to top rope I was thinking it has a bit more of a fall before the device starts to lowers you down. I much prefer the ones at Alexandria as Sterling pumps my arms out too fast, but they can be good in a pinch. I had a hard time finding any information out there from actual contractors who work with them and their experiences when I was deciding to accept a contract with them. com Belay System Costs An auto belay system is significantly more expensive than a traditional belay system because it is a very technical piece of safety equipment. 12. Hi - If I missed this in the FAQ I apologize but don't remember seeing anything specifically on this. I'll tie the rope off at the floor. Basically the best belay device is the one you feel is like an extension of your own body, you should be comfortable using it without having to think about it. It’ll be my main focus/goal for this outdoor season. The Harbor Freight auto belay is a little cheaper. When he looked up the webbing was ejecting out of the device in front of him. Here's what I'm thinking for a homemade auto belay system. There is a variant, the ATC sport that can only be used with single ropes, and cannot readily be used for rappels. Momentum seems a LOT more affordable than the Front. Petzl Attache: The Best Overall Important Specs 2. Bouldering's fun too. A fall on autobelay sometimes incurs some unintentional swing, and you don't want to knock someone else off their route. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. Drop the rope off the side. Any hidden gems?? Also, are memberships not a thing? A lot of places seem to be day passes only. I also don't waste time teaching people to belay on an ATC. I've seen fall arrest devices for roofers etc. I've also seen shunts for self-belaying however I'd prefer a top-rope mechanism. When I climb all the way up (top rope) and it's time to let go, I realize that I am 15+ meters up and this is the first time that the rope, my knots and the belay are tested. He still hates it and realizes he'd burn the shit out of his hands if the auto belay were to fail and he attempted to catch himself, but it helps mentally even just a tiny bit. Weirdly they never explained to the public what it was that caused the failure due to “investigations” but even after that. Plus I want to dip my toes in some lead climbing this season. Reasons for not liking auto belays. I started splitting my time between top rope and bouldering at my gym. But with so many available, how do you decide which one is right for you? This article breaks down the most common types of belay devices, the best belay devices for different disciplines of climbing, and, of course, when to choose a Grigri over an ATC (and vice versa). To the point where last time I tried I just had to climb down as I couldn’t Something to be aware of: there's a difference between an auto belay failing due to some design or manufacturing flaw and failing due to wear and tear. If you can belay on a Grigri, you can belay on an ATC. This is a reminder that you must stay focused on safety at all times while climbing, especially by yourself. Theres drills you can do for bouldering to help strengthen and get comfortable. 10 or higher), and it’s extremely efficient to run laps on the autobelays to build endurance. Focused on top roping. Auto belay will help you get comfortable with falling but you're still gonna have to practice falling when you're bouldering to properly get comfortable. It’ll take some getting used to for sure. However, the most Both Sportrocks have auto belays. Last night I did The best and simplist method for top rope self belay BY FAR is to tie in on one end of the top rope and thread the other end through a grigri. Top Rope vs Top Belay? Pros/cons? Safety, ease of use, setup, cleaning. Appalachian single pitch w top access via hiking. I also kept getting smacked in the face and chest with the carabiner (is that what it’s called?). If you're outdoors and your belayer weighs significantly less than you have them tie off to a tree or boulder or place a piece of gear protecting upward motion. 7K votes, 163 comments. Is there anything that's relatively easy to reach by public transport? I'm looking for a place with reasonable auto-belay facilities I don't like auto belays, but they are pretty well engineered so I treat them similar to other gear. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. You can belay in single rope, twin rope, and double rope modes, and you can rappel with it. We first responded by removing our Perfect Descent auto belays (Perfect Descent was a defendant in Apr 24, 2023 · An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. Auto belay for climbing newbs? Very sporadic climber here. I like lead better, but it’s easier to do the auto belay most of the time. You'll need to do some research about what rope to get though, there is a lot of varietydiameter, treatments, dynamic/static, length, etc. In this case, clipping into a pre-tied knot with a carabiner leave a lot less space for mistakes. Apr 28, 2025 · Belaying a climber on toprope—where the rope runs from the belay device up through an anchor at the top of the climb and back down to the climber’s harness—is as straightforward as it gets. I thought the same thing and I realised it was kinda silly, it's the same for bouldering no one will judge you if you're a beginner, just be aware how many auto belay there are because other people will also use the auto belay. I personally find no difference on lead vs top rope when it comes to falling. 274 votes, 101 comments. I'm new to climbing, been going to a gym for 6 months and love it. Like a Here’s my problem, that situation is annoying at best and seems very unsafe at worst. Top 10 Best Auto Belay in New York, NY - July 2025 - Yelp - Movement Gowanus, Central Rock Gym - Manhattan, The Cliffs at LIC, MetroRock - Brooklyn, MPHC Climbing Gym, Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge, The Rock Club, The Gravity Vault - Chatham, Manhattan Plaza Health Club, Method Climbing Gym The shorter routes, and not having to yell up a 60 foot wall at your partner is helpful in that aspect. Is there anything unsafe about this? It was traditionally used to belay up a second from the top, where the climber side rope is pulling downwards, and you can use your legs to brace yourself again something. Backup can be a second rope, knots, a second device, etc. Old gym in MA had tons of auto belays. They are only required to do 2, but she loves it and I’m not going to discourage that. Lots of negative comments about auto belays. How to pass a belay certification? You can pass … The GigaJule is assisted belay when he wants, standard tuber when he doesn’t, doesn’t freeze up, can be used for positioning on a fixed rope for top rope anchors, and as a progress capture device/ guide mode belay device. Are you taking a belay test soon and wondering how to pass your belay certification? Learning how to belay is an important skill for any climber. Both of my children, who weigh at least 100lbs less than me, can successfully belay me on top rope. Auto belay is perfect for any solo gymgoer who wants to get stronger. When you're using a carabiner, whether that be to belay another, rappel, or clip into an auto-belay you don't have to worry about friction between the metal and your harness, so it is appropriate to clip into your belay loop; that's why it's there. Thanks! Archived post. Although some people that only use a single rope like to use them for top rope, single rope lead belay, and single rope top belay, and also carry an ATC belay device with a prusik cord for a backup friction knot for double rope rappelling. Roped climbing in any form takes more equipment- harness, rope, helmet, belay device and eventually QuickDraws and stuff to make anchors if you are going to sport or top rope outside. I belay with a Jul and I’m surprised by the fact that more people don’t belay with them, as they feel much more like an ATC (the device I learned to belay with) and are simpler overall. The difference between lead and TR shows when I need to make a clip and it’s a crux clip. The home of Climbing on reddit. Metolius Steel Auto Lock Carabiner: The Best for Top Rope Anchor Masterpoints Important Specs 5 Read on to find out about Singapore indoor climbing facilities, which is the best bouldering gym Singapore, and rock climbing Singapore prices. And almost all of these injuries are less serious than injuries from climbing on top rope, lead, or auto belay. I tie in to the tie-in loops when leading or toproping. The use of auto belays has been a hotly debated topic in the indoor climbing industry for the last 10 years. but I don't know if they're intended for regular usage. Putting the 'biner through both the leg loop and the waist loop would tri-load the 'biner, and placing it only through the waist loop could risk a back injury. best top rope/auto belay climbing hi! i might be moving to pittsburgh for school soon and was wondering what gyms are the best for top rope climbing. , the Petzl attaché has a pear Feb 22, 2020 · How Do Auto Belays Work? An automatic belay device (AKA auto belay) takes up slack as you climb, thereby negating the need for a belayer on the ground. In my experience, the boulder guys like top roping too, but are in the same situation as you, and need a partner. Reply reply JohnnyMacGoesSkiing • So that limits them, as they are not an all in one belay device. This is generally not an issue for top rope, especially if your gym wraps the rope around the pipe at the top of the route, as most do. Reply reply ppablo787 • May 28, 2024 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. Have him use an auto-locking belay device such as a Petzl GriGri and make sure he's anchoring in the gym. Assess the dangers and mitigate the risk. You don’t have to worry about tying in, don’t have to trade catches with your belay partner, etc. I tie my ascended to the belay loop when solo toproping. Worst I've tried so far which did not pass my own tests is the Edelrid Mega Jul. Do any of the gyms within an hour of sac have auto belay or am I forced to talk to strangers? Aug 13, 2024 · The Edelrid Pinch is a much-anticipated assisted braking belay device. Attach a grigri to your belay loop and climb. Making Your Choice The belay point for a top rope can be either anchored to the groud or not (normally is) but for leading the belay point should not be anchored as this gives the climber a softer fall. Curious if anyone knows of any decent top-rope gyms in Tokyo? I know bouldering gyms are a dime a dozen (Apparently B-Pump is the best of that lot?), but it's hard to find a place with any top ropes (let alone autobelayers). I can see the merit in doing both rope rope and bouldering and how progressing in one would naturally help the other. When the climber reaches the top, or if they fall, the device automatically catches the climber and slowly lowers them to the ground. The webbing replacement for the TRUBLUE auto belay is a minimal expense, and annual servicing costs are a fraction of on-site service visit costs. Sounds pretty simple right? If you clip in with a carabiner, you should always use the belay loop, and never leg and waist loops. Every time I'm belayed by a human, it feels like cheating. Oct 12, 2020 · Auto belays are a great way to get in lots of laps on a climb without forcing your friend or climbing partner to belay you over and over, or just a great way to work on top rope routes if you’re climbing alone. If you plan on rope climbing, learn what to expect to pass a belay test. Could anyone recommend a few places with some bouldering and top rope routes? If they have the auto-belay system that would be great. Using a throwaway acct to avoid alarming people I know. Moving parts I can't see or inspect. E. 8 - 5. I like to belay top rope with a GriGri - what is the best carabiner design for this setup? Is a Petzl Attaché screw-lock ok? I also have a Camp Orbit 2 auto lock. Building an outdoor climbing wall. Lower yourself with the grigri's lever when you want to descend. Only things I can think of really! 26 votes, 18 comments. This lawsuit really amped up the conversation. Not that I am aware of which auto belay it was but a friend was just recently telling me of a time where he was using an auto belay and once at the top of the route he no longer felt the distinctive tug of the auto belay. I've never used an auto belay, but I'd imagine your just clipping into a locking 'biner on the end of the rope. The placket is that an effective backup. Tie it in an MMO or instantly lower someone if you need. For a gym, especially top-rope, new climbers tying the wrong knot or not finishing it up might be an even bigger safety concern though. I wasn’t a huge fan. Just did my first top rope solo, would love to get some feedback on the system I used. i use the autobelays primarily for this purpose and it works great 1. Petzl Sm'D Twist-Lock Carabiner: The Best for Belaying with a Grigri Important Specs 3. Feb 12, 2018 · You want to go climb at an indoor climbing gym but aren't sure what you need to know. Cable replacement in cable-based systems is expensive, and costs for site visits by servicing technicians for stationary/fixed auto belays can be high as well. Not sure why. Saftey considerations: The lever of a gri gri is on the left side of the device therefore the grigri must be on the left side of your tie-in figure 8 knot. Don’t be A massive central boulder has tons of 15-ft tall bouldering routes, with 14 top-rope and auto-belay routes behind it topping out at around 30ft. Hey guys, I recently signed up for a top rope / auto belay carnival style comp. Just wondering what everyone else’s God damn it was so much fun. Also how does the shape of the carabiner affect things and which orientation should it have? I. trueDefinitely. For lead belaying, top rope belaying, and abseiling: Mammut Alpine Smart Belay For top belaying, lowering on top belay, and abseiling: Climbing Technologies Alpine Up. Is it possible to climb an auto belay wall by top roping or lead? In my experience, either the AB cord would get in the way or there wouldn't be any top anchor for top rope climbing, as the auto belay would be there. ]though Petzl recommends the device for use in both applications. We have a decent amount of auto belay set up going up to 5. I have been climbing for about 2 years, but only bouldering and top roping indoors, and I have only ever used a typical ATC belay device, which I am very comfortable with. I’m sure it takes some getting used to but I felt like the rope was pulling/holding me up some, so it wasn’t as good of a work out as bouldering. I took a leap and decided to accept. However, lately I've been doing quick sessions alone in my spare time using the auto belay system. Sportrock also has a Facebook group to help find belay partners at either. I check it anyway, but if i forgot, i would want an auto locker. In September, after a four year long legal battle over an auto belay accident, Vertical World publicly announced a shocking $6m settlement. We have 90 minutes to climb as many routes as possible, and collect… I use an auto locker for my belay device because it is just an extra layer of safety. My fiance will want crack climbing. Apparently broke legI just learned why the auto belay was attached to a big piece of canvas that blocked the bottom of the climb. Jan 24, 2023 · Auto belays are great for climbing roped walls without a partner and for training endurance or doing laps on climbs, as you don't need a human belayer. I split my time evenly mainly because my daughter is on team, and wants to go to all 4 days of practice a week. The physicality is identical (for top rope belaying. I avoid repelling and use runners to tether when belaying (TR). I do laps on auto belay. After stopping things right away and getting his climber to climb the few feet back to the ground I asked him what he was doing. Hey Tundrawolf_ This is from wikipedia: [. May 21, 2020 · Auto belay devices like the TrueBlue or The Perfect Decent are game-changers for rock climbers. A post from a local guide noted an issue where the device can slip suddenly in the moment when lowering and your climber begins to touch the ground, slightly releasing the device. IF I was to clip in with two carabiners for toproping it would be on the belay loop, not the rope tie in points. The edelrid ohm is designed for lead climbing (it clips into the first bolt), but you could use it for top rope as well, if you route the belayers end through it and put it into the first bolt as you climb past it. . A common mistake while belaying a lead climber is to hold open the device the entire time, thus defeating the auto-locking As for geartop roping is pretty easy to get into, the rope is the expensive part. Jan 15, 2024 · Statistically speaking, the vast majority of auto-belay users leave our gyms unscathed. 310 votes, 227 comments. Alexandria has three normal ones and a small beginner one. That being said, I could totally use a climbing buddy if anyone is interested, I can lead climb and all that stuff. I did a course on top rope, auto belay and bouldering and during the course I was able to rappel down but since then I’ve been getting more and more anxious when it comes to getting down. But, are they safe and why are they so darn EXPENSIVE! Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl GriGri+ is an active assisted-braking belay device. I hope this post isn't too redundant. DMM Ceros Locking Carabiner: The Best for Belaying with an ATC Important Specs 4. Most injuries that take place in indoor climbing gyms are a result of bouldering. The installation cost for each system is the same. Top rope, lead, multi pitch, rope ascension, single-line raps; the device does a lot. Some prefer high friction ones, some prefer ones where it's easier to feed rope when you need it, there's always a trade off. He just stood there looking confused and his partner piped up to explain that ‘he’s only climbed outside and we only lead so he doesn’t know how to top rope belay’. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. You bring your rope and biner block or just bowline the rope to the top of the cliff. Hi all! I’ve been climbing for 2 years now and I just started outdoor rope climbing (woohoo!). IMO, this is best practice. Hey Climbers! I’m a fairly new climber deciding to take up the sport to improve my upper body and tackle a fear of heights. One of my climbing buddies belays with a grigri and I feel like the rope has a tendency to be more… “sticky” when she’s trying to pull up slack? After having my belay partners cancel for the 4th time in a row, I am really starting to think of picking up a solo setup for low-grade solo TR. On top rope. I enjoy top-roping and would like to get a few sessions in while I'm in London. I want yoga classes outside of normal business hours. Note: If you are climbing/belaying top rope, lead, or auto-belay in Singapore, you may need to be verified first by the respective climbing gym for a small fee. Rappelling involves cleaning the anchor then using a personal belay device (commonly an ATC, grigri or other) to rappel/abseil back down to the base of the climb. Bouldering remains the most dangerous form of rock climbing for most indoor rock climbing gyms. EDIT: yes, it does look like this was a fixed gear failure somewhere in the system, but that's the exception, not the rule, and I'll be stunned if it was the auto-belay itself and not rope, webbing, lanyard, or metal (bolts, caribiners, etc). Thanks for any info! Hi all, So I have read through a bunch of other threads on here about choosing a belay device, but I haven't found one that answers all of my questions yet. Everybody's different though, so if it's truly horrifying for you, then stick to bouldering and don't sweat it. I know about the bouldering spots around but find top rope more fun. There's a world of difference in terms of how 'safe' one might feel on top rope depending on how the belayer handles the rope. I'll add/remove springs to match climber weight. You could either lower them slowly so they get a feel of the auto belay or just let go of your brake hands and let the auto belay take them so they feel the full motion of the auto belay. I have only gone bouldering and today I tried auto belay for the first time. 9 range, one 5. i didn't buy it for that purpose or anything, but i had some twisters and some autolockers and i put the twisters on my slings for going in direct and used autos for belaying. If you rock climb with a rope, you need a belay device. 5 weeks in July for an event and visiting friends (lived there 15 years ago). The Role of a Human Belayer In top-rope climbing, the climbing rope extends from your climbing harness, passes inside an anchor at the summit, and ends back at the belayer’s hands. I trust my rope and harness won't break, so I trust the auto belay to lower me slowly. I usually top rope with an experienced friend. I usually get those because my dog chews through the webbing eventually. 2024 Climb Guide Harnesses, Ropes, Pro, Pads, Shoes & More Explore The Grigri is a more versatile device. I will actually verbally say these to myself to make sure I’m checking each thing especially on an auto belay where you don’t have anyone to double check for you. I went back to climbing a month after my injury, pre-surgery, and had a couple of ultra painful moments doing very innocuous toe and heel hooks on top rope, that I didn’t think would be an issue. Slam a carabiner on the anchor, put the rope through it and pull, quick flip of the rope and your partner is on belay, another flip and they're on a clove. 368 votes, 309 comments. That’s why bouldering is more approachable to beginners. Auto belay will definitely continue to improve your top rope climbing if you can't go with your partner so just go for it. Sterling has two, although both are on fairly negative walls. But the people you meet bouldering will be the same people that will belay for you on top rope. I started working as a contractor for Belay doing virtual assistant work in early February 2023. I usually ask if they have a finishing knot requirement as I tie in. I did find that I rely on dynamic movements a lot in bouldering when I don’t necessarily have to, so the more static nature of top rope (at least at my gym) was a hard adjustment. And don't hop on an autobelay if someone is already top-roping the immediately adjacent rope unless they are really adequately spaced apart. At least that way they might feel more confident knowing they have a top rope backup. Annual or bi-annual inspections, as required by the manufacturer, involve disassembly, inspection, repair, testing and recertification of the unit. My climbing gym only has 24ft top rope/autobelay walls. Overly Enthusiastic Belaying? Anyone have thoughts on belaying that might be helping too much with a climb? I've been climbing (mostly indoor top rope) for about two months, but I don't have a steady belay partner or group so I'm mostly on autobelay. A day-pass here is $15, with a monthly membership running you at $56 / mo. I also find lead falls to be safer at times because of no rope stretch on longer routes which avoids a deck on a ledge or the ground. Belaying is one of the most important skills to have in climbing. The force is all on you and your belay device and the anchors don’t get worn out as much when compared to lowering. Found an auto belay system in your rock climbing gym but not sure how to use it? Need a climbing buddy to belay you but no one was available? Or maybe you are too shy to ask a climber in the gym for some help? Enter the auto belay, a rock climber’s answer to rock climb solo safely (not free solo though). In this article, we’ll walk you through what an auto belay is and if it’s safe. wxm mzh dil ckw amo xlyddq ivbs oziq wtylgd igdtfyznt