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Black Diamond ATC Guide

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Black Diamond ATC Guide
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Cred: 5039
Review by marks

Good Features
 This is Black Diamond's response to the reverso. The main advantage is the dual friction mode. The loop is designed to help aid in releasing the auto-blocking feature. IMO if you can't release the reverso, you can't release this either so I don't view this as an improvement. I prefer the flexable stem over Petzl's rigid stem but thats not a major issue.

Recommended Alternatives
 Petzl Reverso
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Read 51 Reviews | Add a Review
Read 6 Retailer Descriptions
From US Outdoor Store:
  • High Friction Mode for greater control and holding power
  • Regular Friction Mode for normal climbing and rappelling
  • In Guide Mode it locks if someone falls & has lowering capabilities
  • Unique release point built into the unit
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Competitive Products
Image
NameATC GuideReversino Belay DeviceReverso Belay Device
BrandBlack DiamondPetzlPetzl
Lowest Price18.5713.9822.36
TypeAuto BlockingAuto BlockingAuto Blocking
Weight (g)1025780
Rope Size Min (mm)7.77.58
Rope Size Max (mm)118.211
Dual Rope RappelsYesYesYes
Dual FrictionYesYesYes
RetailerPrice
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ice / rock climbing - belay / rappel devices - black diamond atc guide belay device
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Add Review
Average Review: 4.9

Cred: 5039
Review by marks

Good Features
 This is Black Diamond's response to the reverso. The main advantage is the dual friction mode. The loop is designed to help aid in releasing the auto-blocking feature. IMO if you can't release the reverso, you can't release this either so I don't view this as an improvement. I prefer the flexable stem over Petzl's rigid stem but thats not a major issue.

Recommended Alternatives
 Petzl Reverso
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Cred: 1376
Review by Keese

Good Features
 Autoblocking, much easier lowering of an autoblocked second than the Reverso, wider selection of rope sizes than the Reverso, non rigid cable, teeth for improved gripping

Bad Features
 umm ???? doesnt come in the color green?

Recommended Alternatives
 BUY THIS ONE!
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Cred: 555
Review by rmcgibbo

Good Features
 Really beefy construction. The release hole is big enough to get a small biner in to use as a handle. Cheeper than the new reverso. Won't sharpen up like the old reverse.

Bad Features
 A little heavy, but I don't really count grams on belay devices - it's not like you're carying 50 as you are with biners.

On my 10.5 it's a little hard to feed when belaying the 2nd, but on my friend's 10.2 it's a lot better.

Recommended Alternatives
 Petzl Reverso
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Cred: 58
Review by fb_29707558

Good Features
 Best belay device for multi pitch climbing period. More size range on acceptable ropes than the petzl reverso, and it also has a nifty hole to attach some cord for lowering a second in the need should arise.
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Cred: 264
Review by checkpositive001

Good Features
 More solid than the reverso, because it is one continuous piece of metal. Doesn't for any sharp edges like the reverso can with wear.
hands-free anchor belay is great

Bad Features
 sometimes hard to pull larger diameter ropes thru on direct anchor belays

Recommended Alternatives
 regular ATC
petzl grigri
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Cred: 195
Review by scottydo

Good Features
 Just got this but it seems super solid and very handy

Bad Features
 A little on the heavy side compared to the regular ATC
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Cred: 8
Review by jimmyw

Good Features
 Very smooth, the teeth work great for heavier climbers.

Bad Features
 Too much grip when trying to rap

Recommended Alternatives
 Normal Atc or figure 8 for raps but for belays you cant beat it
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Cred: 95
Review by fb_722631787

Good Features
 Very easy to use. Allows a second to be belayed off the anchor and the added small hole allows you to unlock the second once weight is added.

Recommended Alternatives
 Petzl Reverso
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Cred: 30
Review by cscolt

Good Features
 Auto-block mode and Great friction. This bad boy is a great addition as a main belay device, and its tough as nails.

Bad Features
 Too heavy for use as a backup,

Recommended Alternatives
 Petzl Reverso, Camp Ovo belay plate, Munter hitch.
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Cred: 38
Review by fb_555560325

Good Features
 Best device I've ever used.
Great grip.
Reverses for the smoothest rappel ever!
Solid construction.
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Cred: 36
Review by fb_737207491

Good Features
 Versatile e.g double rope use, adjustable use according to rope thickness and slickness.

Bad Features
 I've never used the guide function, so no functional addition for me.
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Cred: 361
Review by eddiemack

Good Features
 Great for simul climbing or all around ATC. Works the rope nicely. Gets a good grip when needed.

Bad Features
 none

Recommended Alternatives
 I also like the Trango Cinch, but the guide is a standard piece.
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Cred: 5
Review by K2sjb1

Good Features
 I have been climbing for over two decades. I have used many, many belay devices from multiple manufacturers. This is my favorite so far because of the versitality and the auto lock off feature.

Bad Features
 The only bad thing so far is that large assault type ropes will not work with this device.
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Cred: 42
Review by fb_38400292

Good Features
 great multi-use belay devise

Recommended Alternatives
 Petzl reverso, but the guide is better
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Cred: 60
Review by Jon Cannon

Good Features
 Guide belay setting is awesome

Bad Features
 Funky to figure out at first.
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Cred: 151
Review by climbandkayak

Good Features
 Versatile, especially if you'll ever belay from above.
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Cred: 93
Review by climbercam

Good Features
 Auto-block, smooth belaying and easy catching, even with small mm ropes.

Bad Features
 None.

Recommended Alternatives
 None.
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Cred: 48
Review by jciccotti

Good Features
 the loops on either side to make belaying off the rappel easier.
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Cred: 91
Review by fb_12711439

Good Features
 awesome versatility for slow or fast raps, anchor loop is very helpful
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Cred: 73
Review by forsakenclimber

Good Features
 Makes multi pitch belaying easy as pie

Bad Features
 Hard to give slack.
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Cred: 102
Review by Delta V

Good Features
 Awesome for twins, doubles and belaying 2 clients at the same time
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Cred: 12
Review by fb_504763858

Good Features
 Get your reverso out of my atc, get your atc out of my reverso
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Cred: 22
Review by fb_73201981

Good Features
 great for multi uses. can be set up as an autolocker if you know how

Bad Features
 heavy
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Cred: 36
Review by wild country

Good Features
 quite usefull and does well on any rope climb and diameter
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Cred: 12
Review by wrongfloor

Good Features
 auto-blocking for multi-pitch
high & low friction

Bad Features
 heavy
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Cred: 24
Review by dvsbenz

Good Features
 high friction and low friction side. loop for belaying from the top

Bad Features
 none
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Cred: 28
Review by fb_34320665

Good Features
 Two friction settings and multiple applications.

Bad Features
 A bit heavier than the ATC.
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Cred: 27
Review by devin

Good Features
 Autoblock is useful but I find it a bit clumsy.

Recommended Alternatives
 Reverso 3
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Cred: 147
Review by fb_829070088

Good Features
 Good on softer ropes
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Cred: 169
Review by skillet

Good Features
 best of the bunch! 'nuff said!
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Cred: 44
Review by fb_1568880112

Good Features
 great belay device, autoblock mode

Bad Features
 a touch heavy
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Cred: 62
Review by fb_894465643

Good Features
 I like the ability to belay the second.
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Cred: 49
Review by fb_598762461

Good Features
 Love the extra ring.
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Cred: 63
Review by thissilentdream

Good Features
 really really cool!
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Cred: 43
Review by fb_5216704

Good Features
 Breaks like no other
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Cred: 25
Review by ethatch

Good Features
 incredible

Recommended Alternatives
 revirso...just kidding they suck
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Cred: 22
Review by fb_717530056

Good Features
 High friction mode
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Cred: 12
Review by fb_5114784

Good Features
 super crazy awesome
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Cred: 25
Review by fb_10732529

Good Features
 Great all-around belay device
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Cred: 32
Review by fb_1068828154

Good Features
 The best belay device I've ever used
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Cred: 26
Review by Kirill Zemlyanskiy

Good Features
 light, handles easily

Recommended Alternatives
 Petzl Reverso 3.
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Cred: 27
Review by DRoth

Bad Features
 Havent Found any yet
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Cred: 6
Review by fb_562035226

Good Features
 works good
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Cred: 67
Review by shoesbasecamp

Good Features
 awesome
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Cred: 12
Review by wolfen_at_max

Good Features
 Extra loop
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Cred: 0
Review by raymeister

Good Features
 autolock mode
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Cred: 84
Review by San Dog Scotty

Good Features
 Just got this.
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Cred: 5
Review by shawd01

Good Features
 the best
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Cred: 11
Review by fb_17815208

Good Features
 .
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Cred: 6
Review by Reed P

Recommended Alternatives
 .
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Cred: 0
Review by fb_550696762

Good Features
 ...
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Image
NameATC Guide
BrandBlack Diamond
Lowest Price22.49
TypeAuto Blocking
Weight (g)102
Rope Size Min (mm)7.7
Rope Size Max (mm)11
Dual Rope RappelsYes
Dual FrictionYes

From US Outdoor Store:
  • High Friction Mode for greater control and holding power
  • Regular Friction Mode for normal climbing and rappelling
  • In Guide Mode it locks if someone falls & has lowering capabilities
  • Unique release point built into the unit
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From Mountain Gear:
The ATC Guide by Black Diamond is a full-function belay and rappel device with two friction options (regular or high friction) and a guide mode belays and lowers one or two seconding climbers.
Features:
  • The dual-friction capabilities regulate the speed of your rappel or lower
  • A full-strength anchor clip-in point is large enough to clear most locking-carabiner sleeves
  • Small seconday hole for lowering lets you girth hitch a sling or thread a microstopper for more leverage
  • Compatible with all climbing ropes from 7.7 mm to 11 mm

Specifications:
  • Weight: 3.6 ounces
  • Material: Aluminum
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From Backcountry:
The self-locking capability of the Black Diamond ATC Guide belay device makes it an excellent choice when you cast off on multi-pitch trad, ice, and alpine climbs. The ATC Guide—winner of the Climbing Magazine Editor's Choice Award—belays a leader just like any other tube-style device, but it can also be connected directly to your anchor to create a self-locking system when you're belaying one or two following climbers. This allows you to eat, drink, tie your shoes, and take pictures as you belay with confidence that your partners are completely safe. Its unique release point lets you lower a following climber when the ATC Guide is in self-locking mode, even if he's way heavier than you. The aggressive V-notch allows this belay device to work on ropes from 7.7 to 11mm—even when they're icy.
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From Rock Creek:
The Black Diamond ATC Guide is a full function belay device with dual frictions belay and rappel modes and a Guide Mode for belaying one or two seconding climbers. In Guide Mode it locks if someone falls, plus you can lower a climber regardless of weight difference between climber and belayer, because of a unique release point built in to the unit.
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From Als Sports:
Black Diamond ATC-Guide Belay DeviceOne device to do it all, the ATC-Guide offers maximum versatility. It has a smooth regular friction side and for twice the friction, a grooved high friction side. When you’re belaying from above, the guide mode lets you bring up one or two seconding climbers. For lowering, it has a small secondary hole to which you can girth hitch a sling or thread a micro stopper to gain more leverage when lowering weighted ropes. Features:WEIGHT: 102 G (3.6 OZ)
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From EMS:
Full function belay and rappel device with choice of two friction modes and a Guide Mode for belaying seconding climbers.
  • High Friction Mode for greater control and holding power
  • Regular Friction Mode for normal climbing and rappelling
  • In Guide Mode has lowering capabilities and locks if someone falls
  • Unique release point built into the unit
Was this useful? Yes | No

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