Auto belay vs autobelay. Climbers must be 13 or older .
Auto belay vs autobelay. I miss it, because it becomes meditative when you can climb over and over again the same route. I used to climb quite regularly as a teenager for a couple of years and auto belay wasn’t something I encountered. An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. 0 is a safety connector that is used for securing oneself to the end of an auto belay device. Shipping is free for all devices enrolled in No Delay Belay. The two-yearly service interval and high quality construction reduce the total cost of ownership versus other auto belays. May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. In this video you will learn about the 3 different types of TRUBLUE auto belays and what features are on each device. The Self Belay 2. Is an ATC better than a Grigri? We break down the differences between the types of belay devices and share our favorites for different types of climbing. Jan 12, 2017 · The TRUBLUE Auto Belay utilizes a patented magnet braking technology to maximize user comfort and overall function of the device. Oct 12, 2020 · Auto belays are a great way to get in lots of laps on a climb without forcing your friend or climbing partner to belay you over and over, or just a great way to work on top rope routes if you’re climbing alone. You often see these in mobile climbing towers at street fairs and carnivals. The use of auto belays has been a hotly debated topic in the indoor climbing industry for the last 10 years. Jan 5, 2018 · Hydraulic Auto Belays: The oldest type of auto belay system is the hydraulic auto belay. Autobelay: After a brief orientation, you can clip in and climb on using our autobelays – no need for a partner or prior experience. Apr 24, 2023 · An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. Does it matter at all or is one better than the other for The TRUBLUE Auto Belay requires annual service based on national safety standards. Jeff Wilson, the mastermind behind the auto-belay, devised a solution to one of the most significant hurdles beginner climbers face. There are three main types of roped climbing: autobelay, top rope, and lead climbing. Utilizing the same magnetic braking that owners trust, the best auto belay in the world just got better with IoT connectivity & Catch-and-Hold technology. But, are they safe and why are they so darn EXPENSIVE! Feb 8, 2024 · An informal post on a climbing forum titled "Auto-belay Accident" is the most perfect, concise way to tell a reader, they are going to read about a climbing accident that occurred on an auto-belay. We hope this video helps you choose the right auto belay for your climbing gym An Auto Belay Device is an automatic belay device that prevents the slack in the climbing line while the climber climbs up. Although the frequency of auto-belay-related incidents is relatively low (compared to the frequency of auto-belay usage without incidents) — the severity of these incidents has caused many gym managers and owners to become extremely concerned. Help Picking an Auto-Belay So I have an unusual request - I got thrown a side gig replacing some auto belays at a private residence. Jun 2, 2023 · The CWA has released updated auto belay guidance in the form of a positioning paper for indoor climbing gyms. Keep in mind, you still have to be an attentive belayer while using a passive device. Aug 25, 2023 · Auto belays are fantastic devices that allow you to climb roped walls without a human belayer. In recent years, several climbing accidents in nearby Climbing Center highlighted the risks of autobelay misuse, where climbers forgot to clip in. I wasn’t a huge fan. Annual service is an essential part of auto belay ownership, and buyers should be wary of auto belays with less stringent requirements. The DynoEdge range offers an excellent range of leisure products for climbing wall gyms, adventure parks, high ropes courses, home uses and much more. eshop autobelay We are an authorized distributor of “TRUBLUE” auto-belay, ZIP brake and free fall systems, from HEAD RUSH TECHNOLOGIES. May 21, 2020 · Auto belay devices like the TrueBlue or The Perfect Decent are game-changers for rock climbers. It automatically picks up slack as you climb and provides a controlled descent when you fall or reach the top. The TRUBLUE is the only auto belay that uses magnetic braking, and this is one of the reasons it is the most popular auto belay in the world. May 28, 2021 · An auto belay is a device that allows you to climb roped routes in a gym without a human belayer. Jan 3, 2023 · That is one of the areas where auto belays can really shine. Beloved by The Auto-belay is the only system on the market that can be self-installed. They come with a built-in lanyard, fitted through a special mechanism that automatically picks up the slack. Arrestyd Ltd have worked very hard through their knowledge and experience in the market to manufacture the products with what the target markets are looking for. Jan 4, 2021 · Auto-belay devices are designed as circular tools that can be easily mounted to the uppermost part of a climbing wall. Covers orientations, inspections, belay gates, and rescue protocols to protect your climbers. Designed for the climbing industry, thousands of TRUBLUEs are in use around the world in climbing gyms, ropes courses, family entertainment centers and more. Our line of products includes the TRUBLUE Auto Belay, zipSTOP Zip Line Brake, QUICKFlight & FlightLine Free Fall Devices, Continuous Belay System and more! Our aim to reduce the risk for adventure activities while increasing throughput and enhancing customer experience. That is one of the areas where auto belays can really shine. Mar 3, 2025 · What happened? A few weeks ago, a climber in the Netherlands was pretty badly injured when the webbing (!) of an auto belay apparently snapped, causing them to fall from approximately 8 meters. Climbers must be 13 or older When you're using a carabiner, whether that be to belay another, rappel, or clip into an auto-belay you don't have to worry about friction between the metal and your harness, so it is appropriate to clip into your belay loop; that's why it's there. The most tested and trusted auto belay in the world. I went a… Jun 30, 2023 · Group Auto-Belay Passes Auto-belays are the perfect way to introduce a group of folks to the world of indoor climbing. In this system, a hydraulic cylinder assembly is fixed behind the climbing wall and attached to a cable. I’m sure it takes some getting used to but I felt like the rope was pulling/holding me up some, so it wasn’t as good of a work out as bouldering. Failure to Clip Into Auto-Belay Illinois, Rockford, YMCA Author: Robert Moresco. Annual or bi-annual inspections, as required by the manufacturer, involve disassembly, inspection, repair, testing and recertification of the unit. Jun 29, 2025 · Curious about top rope vs auto belay climbing? Learn the core similarities, differences, and which style is right for your next climb in this detailed guide. See a fair amount of anti auto-belay comments. It seems like this is most useful in the With a mind towards increasing auto belay safety specifically, let's take a more in-depth look at strategies for disrupting climber complacency. As the demand for more efficient and reliable climbing experiences grows, selecting the best auto belay device becomes 10 votes, 22 comments. Discover the mechanics behind auto belays and the safety measures they employ. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. Feb 20, 2016 · The auto belay is a great way to warm up alone when the bouldering cave is crowded (or if you don’t like bouldering). Welcome to the future of auto belays. Remember that the TRUBLUE Auto Belay is a great tool for learning and practicing these skills, but it does not replace training from a qualified expert. However, as with anything that people rely on to keep them safe, it is important to understand how auto belays work, how the technology varies between different brands, and what risks and safety considerations you should be aware of before purchasing, installing, or using an auto belay. Hydraulic Auto Belays: The oldest type of auto belay system is the hydraulic auto belay. WHY EXTREME ENGINEERING’S AUTO-BELAY SYSTEM? The President of Extreme Engineering, Jeff Wilson, holds the US Patent for the first automatic belay system and is a chairman on the ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) safety committee for climbing wall standards. The confidence that the Auto Belay gives climbers is instant and incredible; you will find yourself wanting to climb up the wall just for the ride back down. We break down the two main types of braking systems—magnetic (eddy current) and friction Explore the convenience of auto belay systems in rock climbing gyms: a safe, solo climbing experience with easy-to-use equipment. We are considered to have the safest, most advanced, user-friendly Auto Belay designs. Why do so many people not like auto-belays in gyms? Personally find them super convenient for training. TRUBLUE’s self-regulating magnetic braking system is the result of years of research, development, and testing. Just wondering what everyone else’s Jul 21, 2016 · Enter the auto-belay, a specialized device common in many gyms that takes the place of a real live person on the other end of the rope. It's cool science put to great use for the climbing industry. Jun 30, 2023 · A complete guide to auto belay safety for gym operators. TRUBLUE offers the widest weight and height ranges of any modular auto belay system, allowing more people to climb on a larger variety of walls. Jul 17, 2023 · Learn how auto belay devices work and understand their role in indoor rock climbing facilities. Jul 20, 2017 · The TRUBLUE Auto Belay requires annual service based on national safety standards. Jan 6, 2023 · Get essential tips and guidelines for climbing on an auto-belay system, ensuring safety, and great customer experiences in climbing gyms. About Head Rush Technologies Head Rush Technologies started with the TRUBLUE™ auto-belay, which was created as a way to use their magnetic braking system to provide climbers with new ways of training without a partner while also mitigating risk. Belay System Costs An auto belay system is significantly more expensive than a traditional belay system because it is a very technical piece of safety equipment. Are there any cheaper alternatives to an auto-belay which would let me practice climb when I'm by myself? Those things cost thousands. We offer discounted day-passes for groups that come in together to use our Auto-Belay Devices, with a minimum of 6 people to qualify. Mar 2, 2023 · An automatic belay device or auto belay is actually a climbing device that can control a climber’s descent. Your local climbing gym will offer lead climbing and lead belaying classes, and these are the best place to learn lead climbing basics. When even for 30-40 simultaneously operating routes, 1-2 instructors are enough for the full-fledged work of the club with autobelay. We have 14 Perfect Descent Auto Belay systems installed, with at least two climbs per auto belay. Don’t be Alternative to auto-belay devices for at-home climbing wall? Building an outdoor climbing wall. Belay System Inspection, Care and Maintenance Both belay systems need to be properly inspected and maintained. Climb Year: 2023. The secret is our friction-free, magnetic braking technology, which gives the softest, safest, most consistent catch available on the market today. This guide explains everything you need to know, from the internal mechanics to safe usage. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… Jan 15, 2024 · Photo: CityROCK There has been a lot of chatter about auto-belays in recent months, both in the media and behind closed doors. . It adds to the safety of climbing through its unique design. These innovative systems allow individuals to climb without a partner by automatically managing the slack and safely controlling descents. A class is not required to use the autobelays, only a short orientation. Jul 11, 2025 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. The TRUBLUE iQ+ is equipped Safe and Efficient Climbing with the TwinPoint Auto belay The TwinPoint autobelay is the best solution for climbing where there are many routes. Sources These are the prime sources for the part about it being a problem with the webbing (it was also covered in national media, though pretty briefly): 1. Durable, light and upgrade-ready! Self regulating magnetic braking system Designed for indoor or outdoor use Trusted worldwide with high-quality parts If selecting TRU-CLIP Connector, additional Key Links may be needed for optimal coverage. Jan 24, 2023 · Auto belays are great for climbing roped walls without a partner and for training endurance or doing laps on climbs, as you don't need a human belayer. The climbing wall was 22 feet high, and I fell Dec 14, 2017 · Always descend feet first, using feet to fend off obstacles and prepare for landing. I also kept getting smacked in the face and chest with the carabiner (is that what it’s called?). The US market to follow. They have brand new true blues and hate the feeling of free fall that happens briefly at the top before the magnetic system engages. Jul 1, 2021 · The belay device might not be an easy use for most persons when climbing. In this article, we’ll walk you through what an auto belay is and if it’s safe. The response was overwhelmingly positive from users and especially from climbing facilities of all types who found that the Trublue auto belays Here’s what this guide will cover: Belay Device Types Assisted Braking Belay Devices Tube-Style Belay Devices Semi-automatic tube-style devices The Best Belay Device for Beginners How to Choose a Belay or Rappel Device Belay Device Types Apr 27, 2021 · Discover six reasons auto-belays excel as rock climbing training tools, improving safety, endurance, technique, and climber confidence. " This month, we cover an increasingly common gym accident involving an auto belay; and the risk of rock fall at outdoor crags. EDIT: yes, it does look like this was a fixed gear failure somewhere in the system, but that's the exception, not the rule, and I'll be stunned if it was the auto-belay itself and not rope, webbing, lanyard, or metal (bolts, caribiners, etc). This lawsuit really amped up the conversation. Feb 22, 2020 · An automatic belay device (AKA auto belay) takes up slack as you climb, thereby negating the need for a belayer on the ground. Found an auto belay system in your rock climbing gym but not sure how to use it? Need a climbing buddy to belay you but no one was available? Or maybe you are too shy to ask a climber in the gym for some help? Enter the auto belay, a rock climber’s answer to rock climb solo safely (not free solo though). You own your TRUBLUE Auto Belay and can elect to opt out of the No Delay Belay program at any time, without penalty. Moresco wrote to ANAC: “I was new to climbing. Feel bad about making your partner belay you five times up the same route so you can work on endurance at the end of your workout? Before top roping, lead climbing, or using the auto belay on your own, you must take and pass the required test or orientation first. Strategies to reenforce auto belay safety practices There are several actions that facilities can take to remind their climbers to clip in. They are an excellent tool for warming up, training, and doing laps, all on your own time. Although you will not always possess the same physical device, this is not a rental program. Built on the iQ platform, the TRUBLUE iQ+ combines best-in-class quality and durability with never-before-seen features. Now you can climb even more in less time! After a quick no-cost orientation, you’ll be set to get climbing. And climbing in bouldering is similar to belaying; the only difference is the absence of rope. There are 10 autobelays in the gym with a weight limit of 300 lbs. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and leveraging our expertise in high-tech electronics, over span of 3 years we developed a reliable Autobelay Alarm safety system. This is actually a complaint i've heard before, so it makes sense to me. If the climber reaches the top, or falls, the Auto Belay immediately arrests the fall and lowers the climber to the ground safely and automatically. Something to be aware of: there's a difference between an auto belay failing due to some design or manufacturing flaw and failing due to wear and tear. Instead, you clip into a rope or a webbing which is linked to the auto belay device fixed at the top of the climbing wall. The autobelay takes the slack from the system as the climber goes up and slowly lowers them automatically when they fall or reach the top. Purchase a day pass and rental gear, get a 5-10 minute orientation on how to use the Auto-Belays properly, and away you go! These auto belay devices resemble tubulars, but they pinch the rope between the device and the carabiner to stop the rope. The bonus being that you don't get interrupted by lowering. Auto belay devices have revolutionized indoor and outdoor climbing, providing safety and independence for climbers of all skill levels. Instead switch for a gym session of deadlifts, squats, prone and supine arm curls with a barbell (not two individual dumbbells). For multi-use walls, what about a carabiner sensor system similar to Vertical Endeavors (without the RFID component) that simply illuminated either a "On belay" or a "Not on Auto-belay" sign based on whether the autobelay was attached? This way, auto-belay climbers become accustomed to seeing a confirmation instead of being desensitized to the warning. Aug 19, 2022 · The No Delay Belay Program eliminates the pain of annual recertification by automatically delivering a ready to hang climbing Auto Belay. Aug 19, 2017 · In reply to TheFasting: As with what others have said, depending on your aims will the auto belay be of relevance. Base fitness and skill cultivation are two of the more overlooked and underestimated aspects of climbing well and staying injury free. C3’s auto-belay devices, known as the “Perfect Descent,” were sold despite a history of defects with the auto-belay retraction springs. Sep 27, 2023 · Vertical World and C3 Manufacturing recently agreed to pay a climber $6 million, one of the largest settlements in the climbing gym industry’s history, following an auto belay accident. Here are the key findings. even if the cause of the accident was failure to use the auto-belay altogether. each. Set up above a particular route, the auto-belay automatically takes in slack as you move up. Sep 21, 2023 · After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. If the auto belay is a decent set up, I think it is a fantastic tool for almost every level and style of climbing. When you’re unable to find a partner or lack the necessary training to belay, the auto belay […] Aug 31, 2023 · The lawsuit uncovered that C3 was aware of defects in the equipment. Understanding the pros and cons of each type of connector will help you to select the best one for your facility. In the early evening of November 29, Robert Moresco (38) fell to the ground from a climbing wall equipped with auto-belays. Training on Auto Belay with Neil Gresham 6-week training plans COMING SOON!When training endurance on auto belays and doing multiple laps on routes, climbers Jan 25, 2023 · Your monthly dose of climbing accident analysis from the editors of "Accidents in North American Climbing. The first and only auto belay in the world with the ability to "take," TRUBLUE iQ+ is equipped with revolutionary catch-and-hold technology, giving climbers the opportunity to rest, recover, and retry challenging moves. Spectrum Auto Belays are designed to allow users to climb up and a smooth decent without the use of a secondary person belaying. Maintenance requirements and servicing costs can vary greatly by product. I'd be interested to see the rate of injury from autobelay vs other climbing accidents. Choose the TRUBLUE model, webbing, and connector that is best for your facility. Mar 13, 2025 · When selecting the webbing for your TRUBLUE Auto Belay, you have five different connector options. Auto belay device for climbingTRUBLUE is engineered to mitigate risk and is the most advanced, flexible and dependable auto belay available. Vertical Reality’s Auto-Belay System can be sold separately for installation on pre-existing climbing walls. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. Click the button below to go to our Group Auto-Belay Page and book a group pass. We provide support on adventure recreation equipment for the climbing, zip line, adventure park, and amusement industries. No Delay Belay works in a similar way to a propane tank exchange. Apr 29, 2021 · Seattle’s Vertical World climbing gym is fighting a $1,000,000 lawsuit brought by an injured gym member, who allegedly fell off an auto-belay route after failing to fully clip in. We would like to offer you the following product lines: TRUBLUE, zipSTOP, QuickFlight and FlightLine. You can then start climbing freely, if you fall or finish the climb, the auto belay lowers you to the ground at a slow, controlled rate. As part of the settlement, C3 Manufacturing has agreed to pay $5 million, and Vertical World will pay $1 million. This auto belay is designed Sep 24, 2023 · The build up includes an interview with Honnold musing, in his dispassionate and analytical monotone, about the worst-case scenario: successfully reaching the top of the wall and then having to jump off, experiencing that brief moment of free fall before the auto-belay engages and catches his weight. My advice is to ditch the autobelay sessions unless you really have no belay partner. Burning out at the end of a gym session. Feb 6, 2023 · Climbing auto belay: ultimate combination of safety and convenience, revolutionizing climbing experiences with automatic, reliable support. Auto belay is perfect for any solo gymgoer who wants to get stronger. There will be moments when a climber will not have the luxury of having someone to serve as his belayer during the climb. Why Is TRUBLUE the Best? Designed specifically for the climbing industry, TRUBLUE is now used around the world at climbing gyms, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, recreation centers, training centers, camps, universities – anywhere people need reliable Autobelay Climbing allow you to climb routes without taking a class or having a belayer. In September, after a four year long legal battle over an auto belay accident, Vertical World publicly announced a shocking $6m settlement. but I don't know if they're intended for regular usage. The auto-belay itself is safer than the webbing and rope that comprise the rest of the system. News article: Mountain Network - Ongeval Nov 30, 2021 · The long awaited lead climbing-compatible autobelay will hit the European market in 2022. I have only gone bouldering and today I tried auto belay for the first time. The installation cost for each system is the same. TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight and height ranges of any modern auto belay system. Ideal for rock climbing gyms, camp climbing walls, university recreation centers, ninja obstacle courses, amusement centers, and more! Vertical Reality is globally recognized and approved by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Publication Year: 2024. Testing complete, it might be on its way to your gym. The Auto Belay changed the way the world looks at climbing, PERIOD! Before the Auto Belay safety system, the general public would not even consider climbing on a climbing wall. Learn how to choose the best belay devices for climbing, including key factors for selecting belay equipment and climbing belay devices to ensure safety and performance. AutoBelays Our Auto-Belay systems will make getting up the 30 foot wall hassle-free! Designed to lower children and adults at a slow, controlled rate, these devices are easy to use. If the anchor is marginal I belay off by belay or rope loop (depending on what’s easier to get to) Also the British MTA distinguish the two belay setups as toprope vs bottom rope if I haven’t miss understood Feb 27, 2025 · Consumers should immediately stop using recalled auto belay devices and contact Head Rush Technologies for a free onsite inspection and repair. The TRUBLUE™ Auto Belay is the next generation of indoor and outdoor climbing wall auto belays. Traversing is still good movement practice, but maybe less specific. May 28, 2024 · The auto belay, a game-changer in indoor rock climbing, caters to every individual, regardless of their experience level. Which is the better method? Auto-belay top roping seems more applicable/specific because of the vertical movement, but then you've got the ~10 second breaks after every 45 feet of climbing for the lower. All Auto-belay systems are protected by a zinc coated steel case and come equipped with two pressurized hydraulic rams and internal check valves, ensuring the safety of climbers as they descend. TRUBLUE DeviceMeet the first auto belay in the world with the ability to "take". Reattach the carabiner to the belay gate or designated attachment point How to Become an Auto Belay Pro Now that you're familiar with the basic operation of an auto belay you can take the next step toward becoming an auto belay master. Dec 2, 2021 · Three Italian engineer/climbers designed a lead auto-belay system for production at scale. Auto belays allow a climber to climb tall routes without a partner. When the climber reaches the top, or if they fall, the device automatically catches the climber and slowly lowers them to the ground. I've seen fall arrest devices for roofers etc. 9o7vtl hch1 crdwfu sc y954 09ygb3el 4uba 5wum kojvc egx