What do y'all use for belaying from the top on multi-pitch routes? I've been using a reverso for a few years because the autoblock mode is sweet. Anyone try the new ATC Guide? How about the Trango B-52?
atc guide is really good in the atc mode, having 2 friction modes is actually quite cool...haven't yet used it in the 'guide' mode i.e. belay the 2nd up.
I use the ATC Guide now for all my multi-pitch. I much prefer to belay the second directly off the anchor with an autolock - to me it's simpler and safer. I even hauled a gri-gri up before the ATC Guide came out (Reverso was a pain to lower once it locked). The ATC Guide still takes a little getting used to in order to lower when it's locked, but it's much easier than the Reverso. I also particularly like having the high friction mode when I'm lead belaying guys heavier than me (which is most of the time). It's a great multi-function device!
Yeah, I know I sound like an advertisement for BD.........
I'm comfortable using the reverso when bringing up somone, but am a little curious how the Kong Gri Gri works. "AT the risk of harrasment" I can only assume its used similiar to the reverso, but I don't understand how it will locks off.
Good question Kirker, I was kind of curious as to how the Gi-Gi works as well. It looks like it functions in autoblock mode in much the same way as the Reverso. I found this on Kong's website:
