I am new to climbing and I have been hearing/reading mixed things about the different belay devices.. If you don't mind, would you tell me your fav belay device and why and maybe the one you hate and why...
Thank you!
If it matters, I am in the 200 pound range.
Preferred belay device?
Preferred belay device?
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page" - St Augustine
if you get a gri gri LEARN TO USE IT
last saturday my friend got dropped bec the belayer said he had used a gri gri before. he had - but not for lead. my friend was TR to the 4th bolt and leading after that. he made it to the 4th and then took a quick trip to the ground. he hit hard enough to hurt but luckily avoided any real damage.
a gri gri can be wonderful - IF you know what you're doing. get an experienced climber to train you in its use. have them lead something easy so that you can practice paying out slack. that way if you short rope them, they're on something way under their level and it's not such a big deal. make sure they know you're still learning.
last saturday my friend got dropped bec the belayer said he had used a gri gri before. he had - but not for lead. my friend was TR to the 4th bolt and leading after that. he made it to the 4th and then took a quick trip to the ground. he hit hard enough to hurt but luckily avoided any real damage.
a gri gri can be wonderful - IF you know what you're doing. get an experienced climber to train you in its use. have them lead something easy so that you can practice paying out slack. that way if you short rope them, they're on something way under their level and it's not such a big deal. make sure they know you're still learning.
"Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game." ~ Under the Tuscan Sun