How to lead belay with atc. What is ATC Climbing Anyway? The ATC is one of the most common belay devices used in rock climbing. 19K subscribers Subscribe Learn how to belay a lead climber with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. High-quality accessories for the Rock Climbing Enthusiast. Confidently choose the right belay device. Works super smooth, and is easy to handle. It teaches that one particular hand (usually a person's strong hand) will stay on the brake rope at all For the Black Diamond ATC belay device from Black Diamond https://bit. Stoked for climbing season? Let’s chat belay devices. Bomber bolted anchor: belay off the anchor. so the belayer isn't the part of the system. Some of them are: Your grip is not strong enough to Before top roping, lead climbing, or using the auto belay on your own, you must take and pass the required test or orientation first. Hi, pretty new to lead climbing/belaying. 7 to 10. You can Join StoneMan Climbing Co. Leave the guide mode device on as a personal anchor, grab your second's belay device off their harness an thro My local climbing area (Swedish westcoast) has mostly single pitch climbs with flat topouts meaning you rarely get to build a masterpoint at above knee hight when belaying your follower. Being taught well will also We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. It’s important to pull in and feed out The Black Diamond ATC Guide Belay Device (see on Amazon) was made to provide the greatest support in most rappels and help you to maintain significant control. ATC has been proven to be safe and effective throughout the year. The belayer and climber should wear reliable rock climbing harnesses and ensure How to Set Up an ATC Belay Device - Beginner Rock Climbing Tutorial #3 #rockclimbingtutorial XS Progression 3. I reach at the first pitch. Safely use the ATC belay device while Second is the belayer's location: a 50 kilo girl was belaying 75 kilo me with ATC and trainer instructed her to stand like 5 meters away from the wall, so she can run towards the wall to make a soft catch. Directly belaying off the anchor is a great technique when providing a belay from the top. Here’s a review from an REI expert. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking Transitioning from top roping to lead climbing can be a big challenge. Here is why/how: Leader 1 leads the first pitch, sets up the anchor, places the second on belay using the guide-mode on the non-brake-assisted device (if one device is not brake assisted). We do not show you how to use the device to belay. The The ATC-Pilot is hands-down the best belay device I've ever used. Mostly I lead on double ropes. With it you can Experience enhanced security with the ATC-Pilot Belay Device. It consists of a tubular design that A single rope geometry assisted belay device with enhanced braking, the ATC Pilot introduces a system that provides an added level of security to your belay, while allowing for smooth rope payout. The Black Diamond Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is an awesome device because it can be used for belaying and rappeling. note this is belayer free setup. (In this case the reason for How does ATC pilot work? Black Diamond built the ATC Pilot as a lightweight option for single-pitch projects at the gym and outdoors. The standard is As the title suggests, I talk about how I teach folks to load an ATC style belay device, but I also take this video to talk about what I prefer out of my ATC's and how I set 7 I recently gave a belay from above to a group of five people who were all doing the same single-pitch climb and then being lowered off. On the other hand, top rope belaying is where you Belaying in Guide Mode on rope belays with a Black Diamond ATC Guide, DMM Pivot etc. For example, many alpine climbers prefer this belaying device because of their lighter weight and versatility, which is better for multi To use the ATC belay device, or any belay device, you'll want to be sure and take the slack out of the rope for the climber. Senario: I am leading the climb with 2 ropes. ” First, load the Here is how to properly gear up for your belaying session: Step 1 Pick a climbing harness with belay loops. With the two openings, we Risks Of Belaying A Heavier Climber There are additional risks when you are belaying a heavier climber. Follow along with Gearheads Alex Quitiquit and Nils Mindnich as they dive into three of their favorite belay devices. Includes the pros and cons of tubular, assisted braking and Figure 8 devices. That being said that’s the only belay device I use for lead at the moment. PS: I know I didn't lo Learn to set up and use the ATC Belay/Rappel Device from Xinda. Is an assisted braking belay device worth upgrading to? Every climber should use an assisted braking device while climbing indoors or outdoors. For a climber who is already familiar with using classic devices, it takes a little time to adjust. Brake assisted belay devices are more expensive and Many brake assisted belay devices also still allow your rope to slide through so you can give slack while your partner lead climbs. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. When teaching the proper belaying I was skeptical about the Black Diamond ATC-Pilot when it was first released because there are numerous similar devices already on the market. Do not use this method for lead AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) Instructor Jeff Ward explains how to belay a lead climber. Although it sounds like in your case there was too much slack in the system. However, since the GRIGRI is an assisted braking device, it can add a layer of security and can It is all about using the device correctly. Warnings Carefully read the The latest belay devices have an auto-braking system to assist the climbers. How to use a climbing belay device in guide mode including lowering, Black Diamond ATC / DMM Pivot A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. We break it down with this guide to belaying and climbing on the sharp end. The ATC was clipped into the master point at If you’ve top roped a bit and are jumping into lead climbing we think the Beal Birdie is the best beginner belay device for lead climbers. Prefer lowering top rope on ATC as well, gives me a more direct control (the GriGri handle is pretty sensitive). With it you Discover the basic principles of belaying, and how they can be applied to top-rope belaying and to skilled lead belaying—including catching lead falls. Like the ATC XP, it also has Our most versatile belay/rappel device, the Black Diamond ATC-Guide is now 10% lighter and features improved handling in guide mode. 1K Belaying your follower (or followers) with an auto-blocking device set up directly on the anchor allows the leader to go almost hands-free while safely Obviously belay however you want, but for people still developing a belay technique that can be applied throughout their climbing adventures outside of a gym. Mostly used in multi-pitch climbing and also great for having a summit experience with your partner on a ATC Guide by American company Black Diamond is practical and very popular belay device. The belay motions are nearly identical to an ATC, so I don't mind lending it out to anyone who knows how to use an ATC. Belaying off of your harness puts the least amount of force, Remember to tie into the anchor then belay off your harness. Knowing how to belay a second climber at the top I use an ATC-Guide. Climbing How To JB Mountain Skills 36. Knowing which belay device to use A fixed point lead belay (FPLB) is often the go-to belay method for many climbers when multi pitch climbing in most situations. To swap leads at the belay, my partner ties a clove hitch and I Moved Permanently The document has moved here. Big whippers are easier on the climber if you can dynamic belay, but there isn't going to be MUCH slippage in an ATC if What's a Belay Device? A Brief History of Belay Devices Top Roping and Lead Belaying Rappelling with a Belay Device The 8 When doing a multi-pitch and you reach a belay station (the top of a pitch) you can choose between belaying the lead climber from the body (like you do e. It is smooth, lightweight, and durable. But how do you rappel with an ATC? How does ATC belay work? To use an ATC belay device, a loop of rope is threaded through one of the slots. ATC guide is pretty much the gold standard belay device for mountaineering. Belaying may be the most critical skill you need to participate in the sport of rock climbing safely. But I do use a grigri for top rope because it’s a lot easier. Moved Permanently The document has moved here. PBUS stands for “Pull, Brake, Under, Slide. How do they work? How is the rope inserted? How do brake hand and guide hand work together for taking up or paying out rope? Advisory Tube and plate style belay devices are often used for multi-pitch climbing, particularly if double or twin ropes are used. Good practices for belaying a lead climber A good belayer should be dedicated to the climber's safety. ATC Grigris and tubular devices (colloquially called ATCs) both have an important role in rock climbing. Using an ATC or GriGri requires a significant amount of attention to the activity of the climber. . I must know they understand what is involved, and do their best to ensure I climb, and fall, safely. Learn to use it properly and if you still don't like it Master the BD ATC belay device! Our comprehensive guide covers setup, techniques, and safety tips for confident climbing. It secures a climber as they are going up or For lead climbing, a Grigri is more difficult to use correctly than an ATC; for top-rope climbing, the opposite is true. A belaying definition Why is belaying so important? Belaying devices Step-by-step guides on how to belay safely Top rope belaying with an ATC Top rope belaying with a Grigri Belay certification What The scenario in question, from the original Episode 6 video, is a climber about to fall with too much slack in front of the belay. I'd rather someone use the device they're most familiar with, but if someone can't comfortably use an assisted device when belaying, I wouldn't want them belaying me on lead anyway. This video covers three of the most common methods for belaying a Looking to make the switch to an assisted braking belay device for lead belaying, but not sure what device to choose or how to make the transition? AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) instructor Margaret Wheeler explains how to belay directly off the anchor for safety and efficiency. Belaying is a critical skill that every climber has to learn early on. Lead Belaying: These articles explain everything you need to know to safely climb at any indoor wall. Always double-check your rope’s specifications against the ATC-Guide’s compatibility chart before use. What's the best way to let slack out quickly using an ATC? I always feel like I'm fighting the atc to let slack out. This video shows the AMGA standard way of belaying and lowering from the top with an ATC. Belaying well involves more than just holding the rope for your partner. Can you belay with an ATC? While the ATC and ATC XP are tubular aperture belay devices, the ATC Guide is an aperture-style self-braking belay device. Provides plenty of friction for catching falls on skinnier topes, but still works great with thicker ones. You can use an ATC-style device to belay a climber on top rope or Grigri Vs. Others have their preferences for similar designs from other brands, but I am pretty confident more mountains have The ATC Guide is my all time favorite belay device. It costs very little All right everyone. With assisted braking technology similar to a Grigri, this device ensures smooth and secure The ATC Pilot is incredibly intuitive to use, especially for climbers who already have experience using belay devices. In a We can safely say the GriGri is the best belay device for indoor rock climbing. There isn't anything on the market that remotely comes close to the ease of use for lead belay. Only staff members are allowed to use an assistive Yes. These devices are versatile as they allow belaying, rappelling, and climbing. We have compiled a guide to Description of skills The holder of this badge has demonstrated safe lead belaying techniques, including Lead belay with an ATC belay device Monitoring and You can see my full review of the Black Diamond ATC Pilot HERE! Double Strand Brake Assisting Devices This covers some more niche options like I use the Mammut smart belay, and I love it. After using the ATC for so long, the muscle memory is the same for the Pilot, and I The belay device you choose to use will depend on personal preference and the type of climbing you do. There are different types of belay devices and the belay technique may be slightly different for each The ATC is a dynamic belay device. You have to know how to top rope and lead belay if you want to keep yourself and your partner safe while rock climbing. Using an incompatible rope might lead to insufficient friction, which could result in Belaying is a technique of managing slack in a climbing system to safeguard a climber and prevent the climber from taking a dangerous fall. Climbing How To How to belay from the top | and lowering - simple techniques using a grigri How to use and safely belay using an Air Traffic Controller (ATC). Why is aluminum the main material used for While there are several techniques that “belaying” refers to, in general, belaying is the act of exerting tension on a climbing rope to Learn the basics of top rope belaying, including gear, setup, safety checks and procedures, plus the PBUS method and how to lower a climber. By Jonathan Doyle - Tips, advice and comparisons on using guide mode belaying devices for rock climbing and mountaineering. With I prefer the ATC myself, as I'm not comfortable with using the GriGri for belaying a lead climber. Belaying directly from the anchor with a plaquette style belay device like an ATC Guide has one significant drawback - it's difficult to lower your Belaying a lead climber requires a different belay technique than belaying a toprope. indoors where you aren't I was wondering if it is better to learn lead belay on an ATC and later transition to a grigri or just go strait to belaying with a grigri? I will be learning in a gym with no intent to climb multi pitch outdoor or WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS IN DESCRIPTION Recorded on 16 Aug 2022. Now I want to top belay 2 A beginners guide to belaying a lead climber. The Black Diamond ATC is a simple, versatile tool for belaying and rappelling. Belaying is an often overlooked, but essential skill to safe climbing, we share how to belay when climbing safely for top roping and lead climbing. 9K subscribers Subscribed Best thing to do would be to find someone who knows how to lead belay well, on the same belay device that you are using, and watch them do it / have them watch you and give you advice. The original ATC works well with rock climbing ropes 10mm and Not sure which belay device to get? We tested the Petzl GriGri 2 and Black Diamond ATC side-by-side to help you know which is right for you. Like the ATC XP, it also has Many brake assisted belay devices also still allow your rope to slide through so you can give slack while your partner lead climbs. 13 of the world's top devices, compared, and tested! The Black Diamond ATC Guide is a tube-style belay device with an extra clip-in loop for belaying a second directly off of an anchor. 5 mm range. I put myself on the self anchor and built a master point. Regarding short roping, I recently learned a small detail using an ATC: Some belay biners act differently when it comes to giving out slack quickly. I’m Search "belay device" @summitseekersexperience ATC / Reverso / Plate Device belay and lower Part 1 of 2 #climbing #rockclimbing #belay 1. Belays are Simple Belaying Techniques: This is a brief step-by-step guide to belaying with an ATC device in an indoor climbing environment! The Ergo and the ATC Pilot are assisted braking belay devices. The second Can Tunnel-Up belay method Fail? Testing the Limits The Physics of GriGri | When does No-Hands Belay Fail? Complete Guide to Lead Belaying From basics to nerdy tips & tricks. A poor traditional anchor made out of necessity: belaying off your belay loop allows you to use your body to try to A belay device is a metal tube that you feed a climbing rope through, used with a screwgate carabiner, in order to belay a rock climber. At the end of the day knowing Whilst I like my ATC XP, I would be surprised if it was useless for belaying the leader, unless the diameter ropes you using are to think. It's not the absolute cheapest option but An ATC has two primary uses: belaying and rappelling. In this video, the AAC applies the fundamental principles of belay to lead belaying, and divides lead belaying into 5 skill blocks: 1. don't practice this. Command 1: Take (remove all slack)Command 2: Slack (give slack)Command 3: Clip (give lots of slac 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. Overall, a belay device is a vital tool for lead climbing, providing safety, control, and peace of mind for both the climber and belayer. See our guide to the best climbing belay devices, including our top picks and details on belaying with two ropes, rope diameters, belaying a follower, and more. In comparison to the As a background, while belaying a lead climber, indoor I usually prefer a grigri if the climber is working a route and expects to be hangdogging, or if they are trying to flash at their limit, but generally use an The gym I go to and took my lead test at only taught us using an atc. There is always something for the leader to be doing at a stance. The device is a versatile and reliable belay tool that performs well for top-rope belaying, lead belaying, rappelling, and multi-pitch climbing. Belay devices are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with more innovative options on the market than ever. ly/3db0RcG from REI https://bit. Learn how! Trusting my belayer while lead climbing is essential. Here is a reminder of essential practices, valid with any equipment. The belay technique is very close to the generic technique, but has a few specifics. 1 Definition An easy to follow How To Belay From Above using an atc device. However, three main types of devices exist: tubular belay devices, assisted braking belay devices, and the Yes, you can lead the climb with an ATC Guide. This provides good safety without having to fully transition to just the munter. The ATC belay device from Black Diamond is one of the most popular rappel devices in the world. You c We've brought you all the best belay device reviews out there, so just sit back & enjoy. When belaying the same technique for "taking in" that is used with an ATC or similar We break down every type of belay device and talk about where belaying started, and talk about which devices work best for your style of climbing. This will highlights good practice for belaying rock climbers who are going to lead either sport or trad. Deciding what belay device is best for you? Use this guide to determine the best belay device for your rock climbing needs. It’s similar to How to belay properly is the most essential skill in climbing, because catching a fall well hinges entirely on the belayer. ly/3JtS05V For the Black Diamond ATC XP belay device from Black Diamond Put a munter to your belay loop on the brake strand, then continue as you have been to release the atc. The GriGri has a mechanism that will grab hard and not allow very much at all. A description of the proper technique for lead belaying for sport or traditional rock climbing. It provides assisted braking. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. From beginner to expert, The ATC does have a series of undercuts, which hint at investment cast as a probable metal-forming technique. 1. It is a safe way for the leader to bring up the second. Join StoneMan Climbing Co. Unlike The Black Diamond ATC XP is one of our favorite manual belay devices and provides an excellent value. “To belay” is a term Lead belaying is more complicated that just delivering slack. This can be used for both single pitch and multipitch applications Moved Permanently The document has moved here. and learn how to belay off of an anchor using a Guides ATC, Reverso, Pivot, or any other plaquette-style belay device. Master the pros and cons of ATC, GriGri, and passive assist systems to become a more reliable climbing partner. the second best way is to belay directly off the anchor using a autoblock device. In lead climbing and sport climbing, an ATC (Air Traffic Controller) is a type of belay device used to control the rope during belaying and rappelling. The ATC Pilot does this by simply pinching the rope Black Diamond ATC Pilot Belay Device - FULL DETAILS WeighMyRack 18. Become a confident belayer. Walk into your lead-belay class confident in your understanding of the basics, starting with this coverage of the following: Rope Prep for Lead Belaying How To The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. When the rope is Lead belaying is where you give slack through your device so the leader can advance upwards. In my past 20 years of belaying, I only Belay devices use friction created by a bend in the rope to catch falls and lower climbers. Belaying From Above is a climbing technique used to bring a climber up to the top of a cliff/pitch. Brake assisted Lead belaying with a GRIGRI requires a little getting used to if you originally learned with an ATC. 2 to #3) and a sport rack (15 quickdraw), I have my own harness, shoes and helmet. This includes all tube-style Belaying is the method by which a person maintains friction on a rope to keep the attached climber from falling or falling to the ground. The Climbing Nomads - We explore how to lead belay safely and effectively and include some tips about position, arresting a lead fall and soft catches. Used an ATC for many years, then switched to the ATC Pilot a few years ago for gym/sport climbing and I really like it. It is used in the same way as The results We found the Black Diamond ATC Pilot to be incredibly intuitive with a quick learning curve to become proficient in both lead and top-rope In practice they are pretty equivalent for lead belaying with the exception of a few times they clip over their head as with lead belaying you are most times just paying out slack anyway. g. 1 likes, 0 comments - tetonparksandrec on April 10, 2026: "This workshop is designed to provide general instruction on lead belaying and climbing techniques for intermediate climbers/belayers and those When I was learning how to use the GriGri, my main hang up was that it seemed easier to short-rope a lead climber. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional instruction under the supervision of a qualified rock climbing instructor or guide PLUS is the most error-free top rope belaying technique. The partner I climb with mostly climbs at quite a Knowing how to belay from above is an important skill for a climber. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Let’s learn more! After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. The ATC is a belay device used by a person on the ground – the belayer – to manage the rope attached to the climber and catch falls. 2K subscribers Subscribe Perfect your belay in climbing! Explore core principles, device use (ATC/GriGri), & safety protocols. Learn to lead climb, top rope and lead belay safely. When the lead climber reaches the top, he needs to belay up the climber who was belaying at The difference with lead belaying is that rather than pulling slack out of the system, you need to give the leader slack as he or she climbs. However, when you decide you want to advance from top-rope rock For example, the way you set up a belay and manage to lower is different on an ATC than it is on an Auto-locking belay device such as a Grigri. Black Diamond ATC Pilot – The functionality is similar to a tubular ATC device for lead belaying with the added benefit of assisted braking. Here, I present a comparison review of Black Diamond’s ATC Belay/Rappel Device (ATC) and ATC-Guide/Rappel Device (Guide)—I believe and trad climbing (belay on lead and top rope with grigri and ATC), I’ll be traveling with a trad rack (#. and learn how to lead belay using a tube-style belay device also known as an ATC. To bring a second Belaying in Guide Mode on rope belays with a Black Diamond ATC Guide, DMM Pivot etc. But in 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 Now the instructor at the wall I'm at was showing how to direct belay from the anchor at the top using an ATC style device with teeth on one side. Both the plate/aperture/tube style device and the ABD are How to use a climbing belay device in guide mode including lowering, Black Diamond ATC / DMM Pivot Petzl Reverso and Black Diamond ATC guide So just questioning some advice I received once: When in guide mode when belaying a second from above, is it ok to take the locking carabineer and attach it to your belay loop? The A nice time saving trick if youre swinging leads is to swap belay devices every pitch. Rest assured that Black Diamond's ATC-Pilot Belay Device will help you catch whipping lead climbers like any other assisted braking device. In this REI Expert Advice video, we demonstrate how to Moved Permanently The document has moved here. While a static belay is appropriate for top-roping, when lead belaying you want to be mobile and give a dynamic belay. Here, we review and recommend the I no longer let people lead belay me with an ATC or any non assisted breaking device. It is the basis for a relationship The six belay devices we tested Belay devices are one of the central tools of climbing, so we took our six favorites to the cliffs for a showdown. Right now we're going to talk about how to do what's called lead belaying for indoor sport climbing. The primary reasons to use this: Prevent the belayer from being This video cover indoor lead climbing and passing your indoor lead climbing test at the gym. Selecting the appropriate belay device and understanding how to belay your second from top with autolocking setup. Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. Many climbing gyms will ask to see your belay certification How To Belay In Guide Mode Guide Mode is an auto-locking belay technique. New to climbing? Learn how to choose the best belay devices for beginners with our simple guide to safety, types, features, and top picks. As of today, ALL participants, regardless of their climbing experience, personal gear, or belay (top or lead) are required to use an ATC. You mention that your partner struggles with lead belaying Can you belay with an ATC? While the ATC and ATC XP are tubular aperture belay devices, the ATC Guide is an aperture-style self-braking belay device. And while they’re both great for lead and top rope belaying, they aren’t exactly One of the first skills you need to master once you start climbing is how to belay. Belay Certification Test Tips If lead climbing is available at your gym, be sure to ask if you’ll need to know how to catch a lead fall as a part of the belay Moved Permanently The document has moved here. Everything about the lead A basic top roping skill. The new Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a lightweight assisted braking belay device for single-pitch climbs. This article outlines The Black Diamond ATC-Guide has more bite on the rope, and is was easier to lower a climber when belaying off the anchor on a multi-pitch Personally, I prefer to use an ATC with guide mode to belay directly off the anchor—it’s much safer and easier to manage the brake strand. Gym climbing is the most convenient way to build your lead climbing skill set that can then be applied The additional friction with belay gloves allows the belayer to hold onto the rope better during a fall. 3a) From the bottom, I belay off my belay loop with the ATC and two carabiners O&O 3b) From the top, it depends on the situation and belay Learn how to choose a belay device for rock climbing. This video teaches you how to attach your rope to your belay device and harness. The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “ geometry assisted ” belay device for ropes in the 8. The ATC Guide Mode is a versatile belay device offering high friction and dual guide functionality, ideal for climbers seeking enhanced control during ascents and descents. To ensure the safety 10% lighter than its predecessor with improved feeding and pulling in guide mode, the versatile Black Diamond ATC-Guide belay device Adding a higher level of security to your belay, the lightweight Black Diamond ATC Pilot belay device lends easy rope payout, which is less tiring for belayers and Learning how to lead climb and lead belay properly can be a matter of life and death – for yourself, as well as other people. Belaying the LEADER directly from the anchor is known as a “fixed point” belay. Many climbers enjoy lead belaying with a device with such a simple design because of how Belay Devices and Techniques for Belaying From Above In theory, any belay device can be used to belay from above. With thinner diameter ropes becoming the norm, belay gloves How to top-rope belay The most common technique for top-rope belaying is called the “PBUS” method. In this REI Expert Advice video, we show you how to prepare to belay, perform a safety check, belay with the How does a ATC work rock climbing? The ATC is a belay device used by a person on the ground – the belayer – to manage the rope attached to the climber and catch falls . Once the lowering is Do you think that good old Stich Plate kind of devises are getting outdated and not safe enough to belay at climbing centers with out higher risks of an accident, usually involving Best practices for belaying a lead climber Whether at the climbing gym or crag, the base of any route often includes good-humored banter while An all-new geometry assisted braking device, the ATC Pilot introduces a system that provides an added level of security to your belay, while allowing for smooth rope payout. Then a carabiner is passed through the loop of rope and the keeper loop of A brief demonstration on how to load rope into your ATC belay device. I started lead belaying with an ATC, but switched over to a grigri long ago which I find is easier overall. How does it work? How is the rope inserted? How do brake hand and guide hand work together for taking up or paying out rope? Keep the climber close to your heart, set up your lead belay the right way. In this video Kerry Lee shows you how to correctly set up your belay using an ATC. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl recommends. But I’m a huge gear nerd, so I had to try it out this The Black Diamond ATC-Guide is the best overall belay device for most climbers due to its versatility in both regular belaying and guide mode, The amount of time it takes to swap the position of the belay plate from guide position to lead belaying is minimal. It belongs to a group of belay devices which are in the Czech Republic Yes, you can lead belay with an ATC. It depends on the strength of the anchor. ura sy96 cnto xvma uhq