Description
Utility without those unnecessary bells and whistles.
How do you make the most popular belay device in the world even better? You give it an extra loop that lets you belay your second directly from the anchor, with auto-locking capability, and then you machine out every last gram of unneeded material and call it the Black Diamond ATC Guide. Loved by trad climbers, ice climbers, and alpinists alike, this belay device lets you belay two following climbers while you tie your shoes and eat a sandwich, without any risk to anyone's life. Get yourself an ATC Guide, and go climb something that gets you a few pitches off the ground. By the time you're back at the car, you'll wonder how you ever got by without it.
- Works as an auto-locking device when you're belaying the second directly off the anchor
- Can be used to belay two following climbers at the same time
- Secondary loop lets you get the leverage needed to release and lower a fallen second
- Deep V-notches make it easier to hold big lead falls
- CNC-machined to eliminate every unneeded speck of weight
- Works on ropes from a tiny 7.7mm up to a burly 11mm
- Climbing Magazine Editor's Choice Award
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Black Diamond ATC Guide
? Share a...
Smooth and I love it
Alex M
Member since
This is a great device. No complaints, I have been using this at my local indoor gym.
White Horse Ledge
Gregory Luber
Member since
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Luke
Member since
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ATC Guide how to
Christopher Columbus
Member since
The BEST!
Federico Garcia
Member since
These ATC is the best that you will find in the market, perfect for all kind of climbing, sport, classic, single and multy pitch. Its light has many features,these is a must have!
How To:ATC Guide
Zach Parrott
Member since
It's the best for a reason
Evan Tougas
Member since
The ATC Guide is an essential piece for every body's rack. It's simple- and that's half of the beauty. The Guide is a beautiful creation- BD took the award winning ATC XP and made it even more useful. The extra loop allows for multiple belay positions, and added security. The teeth allow for grip with heavy climbers or slick ropes. Plus, if you're reading this, then you know what it does. So stop reading and buy it already.
Evan Tougas
Member since
I used The Vasque Breeze GTX at Philmont in 2009 and the Asolo TPS 520 GV at Philmont in 2011, the difference in my experiences was unbelievable. Many are concerned with it being too warm, but I didn't find it too bad. I wore mid-weight merino wool socks (Darn Tough ) and didn't really have any problems with overheating. They were especially good for climbing Baldy and Phillips because they are so stiff. Also, Philmont's weather changes on a dime, and you can't beat the waterproofing of these boots. You will most likely be crossing streams and ravines, so the higher top and fully waterproof tongue totally help. However, if you're worried that it might be too much, I know a lot of people who wore the Asolo Fugitive GTX. It's lighter weight, still stuff but won't be as durable in the long run. Any other questions feel free to ask. Best of luck!
Dig It.
Kayla Weiser
Member since
The ATC Guide is an incredibly easy device to use. I had only used BDs figure-8 device before this, and I'm glad I made the switch. It pinches the rope very easily, and doesn't slip like the 8. There's a reason that you see these everywhere- they do the job, they're easy to learn, and there doesn't seem to be anything that you can't trick out with this guy. Paired with their Gridlock Screwgate Carabiner, it's unstoppable!
BD ATC Guide = no equal.
Ernie Flory
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
One time, at band camp I used this . . . oh, I probably shouldn't continue as this is a family-oriented review. Out at the crag, or in the gym, or even at the local coffee shop, the BD ATC Guide looks extra swank dangling off your gear loop. Pair it with one of those locking carabiner thingies and bring your milkshake to the yard. Give it to your belay monkey to catch you on the first pitch, then steal it back and send that poor sucker up the second, sketchy, chossy pitch with confidence.
Versatility
Crodnd
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
This thing is so versatile, you don't need anything else.
Black Diamond ATC Guide
Chris G.
Member since
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
This is my go to ATC. BD did a good job shaving even more weight off than the older model. This is a must on anyone rack.
Ultimate belay decive
Emerson Takahashi
Member since
The best and only belay device you'll ever need.
manual belay devices(as opposed to automatic) are a great teaching device for people wanting to learn how to belay correctly. ATC teaches you to pay close attention to the climber and several other good habits to develop while climbing.
ATC's are nice since you can choose to belay/rappel in high-friction or normal mode.
I almost had to start feeding my rope through the ATC during a few free(overhanging) rappels off arches in southern Utah. The weight of the rope underneath me was causing too much friction. Took my something like 2 minutes to descend 90 or so feet... I'll definitely remember to keep it in normal friction mode for rappelling next time.
All in all, the perfect belay device!
Ryan
Member since
How do you put it on normal friction. I have the same problem and really dislike using this to repel as it has way to much friction and and is not very smooth. At least the way I am using it I fell like i have to push the rope though. Great for belaying though.
Ryan
Member since
I think i figured it out. Just run it though the opposite way right?
Emerson Takahashi
Member since
Yep, that's right. You just flip it around so the rope is running over the non-grooved side.
Definitely solves the slow rappelling problem.
Heavy but Solid
Rat a Tat Nat
Member since
I got this ATC to go with my http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-gridlock-screwgate-carabiner and it is a might handsome functional duo for single pitch or muti pitch belaying. Recommended.
Black Diamond ATC Guide
Backcountry Video
Member since
All ya need
Sterling Watson
Member since
Not much to review on this bad boy...it's and ATC, it's made by Black Diamond...what more is there to know?
Only ATC you'll ever need
cole lehman
Member since
Auto-locking capability + everything else you need = the only ATC you'll ever need
perfect
billy mcmahon
Member since
this is one of the best ATC's in the market. absolutely solid
Auto-blocking
Andrew Wike
Member since
I've used my ATC-Guide for everything from rock to ice and I love it. You can rap with single ropes or double ropes with plenty of friction to stay in complete control. Belaying is a cinch, especially when you auto-block. It can take a beating, too.
How -to Use
ashley tucker
Member since
The Guide has been redesigned in 2011 to be more lightweight, but the functions are the same
Great Device
Matthew Niedermiller
Member since
I love this device. It all the features you want in a belay device. The ability to top belay with auto lock is a great feature. The increase friction setting is great for bigger guys repelling. I use it a lot for canyoneering on single lines and the increased friction helps a lot. IT also belays very smooth.
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

rmgwhs29674
Member since