REVIEWS
45 Reviews
DB41
Solid caming belay device. Love the all metal design and letting down is super smooth and quick. One thing I noticed is sometimes when catching falls the cam doesn't engage immediately. If the belayer isn't breaking super hard or has a loose grip on the break side about 4-6 inches will run before the cam engages. Not a huge problem but something I noticed especially with small diameter ropes. Also, when leading, if you need to pinch the cam to give lots of slack quickly you don't have a great place to hold onto the device. Because of the design the rope that goes around the cam is exposed on the underside of the device. If you aren't careful or grab the device with you fingers on the underside you can give yourself a solid rope burn when giving slack. The gri gri combats this by fully enclosing the rope in the device and being about to rest your finger on the lip of the door. Not being able to hold the device while pinching the cam super easily isn't a huge deal because it pays out slack without pinching the cam much more easily than a grigri which I like. Giving slack is way more buttery with the birdie. Overall it looks sick and gives slack super easily and catches great. Would definitely recommend (oh yeah btw the blue lever is best looking)
Tony
I bought this for my son since we go climbing together, it’s been a huge help and a burden off my shoulders since we have about an 80 pound weight difference between us. Just adds some additional safety to our climbs.
HunterDan
I bought this to use as a mechanical prusick and for rappelling down while tree saddle hunting. It’s a little large for using as a prusick, but did the job fine. Works really well for rappelling down the tree. Great quality solidly built device.
James
Bought it for SRT saddle hunting, followed the directions on the tape and ripped the box open with my teeth. Their cardboard needs better seasoning.
Dalton
Received this product 2 days ago and it failed on the second climb. My model was branded with manufacture date of 07/20, I had heard of recalls happening on previous models do to the handles malfunctioning but I was worried as this was a newer model. I suppose I should have been worried because the same issues that were present on the recalled models are present on the newer model that I received. The arm the actuates the cam to release friction in the aid of descent spins freely now and I can fit a 3mm hex key easily between the body of the device and the handle (as can be seen in the pictures.) Needless to say I am very disappointed. If this review doesn't bother you and you think yours won't have the same issue, hopefully it won't, but maybe it will. The overall construction and feel of the device is fantastic and when it was working it worked well, I just can't afford to have issues like this arise in a high stakes moment.
Sully
I use this belay primarily for single rope technique (SRT) saddle hunting. This belay is rock solid. There is absolutely zero plastic pieces on this belay and the lock up is phenomenal. I'm using this with a static 9.5 mm rope, (static rope because I'm using a grivel ascending device), and I have zero worries about the rope slipping or this belay failing. I gave the ease of use 4/5 because of the lock up. As I've said before the lock up is solid. So solid in fact that the belay is not very willing to give rope on the decent. That being said once you get used to it the belay is as smooth as butter. I've used this device for 8+ hour hunts in the rain, snow, mud, and other adverse conditions. Not once have I had an issue nor was I worried about the device failing. Not as light as other belays out there, but if you're looking for strength, durability, and dependability look no further.
Rangemaster
Great product for use as a belay device. Very smooth operation and highly recommend as a belay device and it comes in multiple colors, if that matters to ya'.
Vinnie Vincent
Bought this to rappel from trees when saddle hunting. Nice and light - good size device & handle for braking & releasing - AND fantastic price compared to the gri gri or Mad Rock. Has not had much use yet though so I may be back to update this .....or I might not if it fails ;-)
The Narf
What a beautifully designed piece of equipment! It’s indestructible, it’s effective, it’s idiot-proof, and it sure is handsome. It works exactly like you think it does. It’s really easy to feed rope and take up slack. It cams masterfully when needed. I have 9.9 mm rope and it fits perfectly, the rope at our local gym is a bit fatter 10.2 maybe and it’s a bit slower when you lower your climber. A bit weighty but the stainless steel construction is worth it.
Miller71
Love this thing, probably more than the similar belay devices, it's nice too because there is no plastic, all metal. Quick feed, with auto arrest. Don't think you can find a better device for the price.
dart
used it twice and it Works very well outstanding piece of industrial design aesthetic durable and reasonable cost in comparison to similar itens
Rylokan
I bought these because it was cheaper than a the pretzel gri gri and it works well but not as smooth and comfortable at a gri gri. Definitely need to get used to it.
wakuta
I've only used it two times to rapel and it was smooth. It is well built solid it just feels good in the hand and it looks good to. It grabs my 11mm rope fast I am not sorry buying it. And thank for sending items out so fast, great job.
Justin
I've been using at my local gym for a few weeks and it has worked just well for me as a gri gri and it is full metal construction. Would buy again.
casualhunter
bought for use during saddle hunting as a way to descend from tree , this is not the intended use and if used in this manner do so at your own risk !! It will work for me because I can forgive some of the problems that occur from a saddle . It can and will make a clicking noise and will even slip if the tension is taken off the auto locking mechanism total concentration is necessary while descending and a backup is needed while suspended and descending
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