Black Diamond

ATC-Pilot Belay Device

Rope feeds very well accepts

Rope feeds very well accepts good range of rope lightweight easy to transport and assisted breaking makes easy to teach and use for beginners and experienced belayers

The simplified GriGri

For a beginner climber like myself, this device is everything you’d ever need in a gym setting. It’s insanely simple to use, no moving parts so there’s no fear of failure or “using it wrong” and it inspires more confidence than some other more “simple” belay devices. If you’ve been rocking an older device I highly recommend making the upgrade and being impressed with the simplicity and fool-proofness of this device

Great for beginners and pro's

I don't mind carrying a grigri in the mountains, but if you want a lighter option, the pilot is great. Why would we NOT want a more secure device for belaying? It doesn't make sense. I also teach rock climbing and I really like the PILOT for top rope classes.

Excellent for Craggin'

Super smooth belay/lowering and light weight makes for an excellent auto-breaking belay device. Use with a larger carabiner (I use a rocklock) and it's wonderful for lead belaying and lowering - even with heavy people.

Easy to use but wish they had more color options

I absolutely Love my ATC Pilot belay device. I use it constantly and it makes belaying so smooth. The only thing I wish is that it came in different colors, preferably something pastel.

Works well and is extremely light

This device works awesome and is super light compared to other products. The only downside I found is I have problems lowering the kids because of the amount of friction. It works best when there is a little bit of weight on the rope.

Great for ice climbing

Icy ropes are scary to me, so this device is great, for assisted breaking and lowering on ice climbs.

great for use with cold or wet ropes

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This was recommended to me for use ice climbing, when ropes can become wet and/or frozen. I love it! the auto locking feature is responsive, rope feeding is smooth and intuitive.

Easy

Easy belay device to use, small and convenient, and locks well for leader falls.

Passive braking, easy paying

It is what it says it is. Passive braking belay device. I feel like the choice to put plastic on it detracts from the elegance of the design and adds a weak point to a solid idea.