Atc belay device meaning. An ATC needs to be clipped into the harness with a locking carabiner, the rope then runs through the bottom of the device, around the carabiner, and then back out through the top Our most versatile belay/rappel device, with excellent feeding and pulling in guide mode, the ATC-Guide is ready for any multi-pitching mission from wandering granite routes in the Bugaboos to bomber limestone in El Potrero. Jul 8, 2021 · It secures a climber as they are going up or down the wall. Dec 5, 2024 · 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. Use this article to help decide which belay device to buy! Belay device, a full history Vertical caving terminology and methods > Ladders, climbs and older techniques Belay device, belaying device, belay, belay plate, Sticht plate, stitch plate, ATC, ABD A very basic ATC belay device, and an auto-locking GriGri. While the ATC and ATC XP are tubular aperture belay devices, the ATC Guide is an aperture-style self-braking belay device. Jun 4, 2025 · What is a tube style belay device? Tube style belay devices are one of the most common styles for belay devices in rock climbing today. We use these ATC devices because they make belaying easier by creating friction. It just kind of worked its way into common language to refer to any tube-style belay device. Nov 6, 2022 · One of the climbing market’s most famous and trusted belay devices is the Black Diamond Air Traffic Controller or ATC. Jul 27, 2025 · What is an ATC A Black Diamond ATC is a belay and rappel device made by the gear manufacturer, Black Diamond Equipment. The original ATC works well with rock climbing ropes 10mm and larger, while the Black Diamond ATC-XP better handles the smaller ropes used for ice climbing and canyoneering. The most common form of this kind of tubular belay device is the ATC, an acronym for "air traffic control". A device used by belayers to pull a lifeline through as a climber climbs, and to stop it from moving when a climber falls. It costs very little and last a long time. It can be used for belaying and rappelling, can incorporate one or two rope strands, and accommodates a variety of rope sizes. This Tech Tip is about using the ATC-XP. It features a groove that allows the rope to flow smoothly while also creating friction to regulate the speed of descent. Like the ATC XP, it also has grooves to increase friction for a belay. The ATC is a friction-based belay and rappel device that uses bends in the rope and contact with the devices surface to increase friction, which then allows for much easier slowing down or stopping of the rope from moving through the device Just so you know- ATC technically only refers to Black Diamond's tube-style belay device, which they named ATC (Air Traffic Controller). . Mar 7, 2019 · An ATC or Air Traffic Controller is a type of belay and rappel device manufactured by Black Diamond Equipment. Oct 1, 2021 · 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. We have grouped belay devices into different categories that show how they have evolved over the years: Figure 8s, ATCs, Passive Assisted Braking Devices, and The belay device, which is a mechanism that helps the belayer ‘catch’ the climber by creating more friction on the rope or locking it in place with a braking device. Which belay device should I use? The available belay devices all range from inexpensive (around $15) to pricey ($150 and up) and offer different things in terms of ease of use, assistance with braking, and additional safety features. ” Nov 17, 2023 · An ATC belay device is perhaps the most versatile piece of climbing gear in existence. At the end of the day knowing how to rappel with an ATC will lead to grander rappel adventures, descending heights and reaching destinations that previously were inaccessible. Besides arresting the fall of a climber, these devices can also be used for rappelling. A rundown of the most common belay devices, and the pros and cons of each. ATC stands for Air Traffic Control. The ATC, or Air Traffic Control, is a belay device that is used to control the rope when rappelling or lowering a climber. Black Diamond’s most tried and true belay device was named the ATC to facetiously draw the connection between a falling climber and an aircraft trying to land at the airport. Tube devices are superior to plates for rappelling since they allow precise control of your descent speed. However, BD’s ATC was so popular that it had the “Kleenex effect. It is a tubular device, which gives it more area and steeper angles for creating friction and stopping power than a Sticht plate belay device. Jan 4, 2024 · 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. However, there are two exceptions to mention. ATC stands for “Air Traffic Controller”, which is a tube-like belay device manufactured by Black Diamond. That is the standard system, needing two people, specialist climbing equipment and the knowledge of how to use it. With it you can belay on top rope and lead in sport and trad climbing, as well as rappel from the top of a route. Aug 26, 2021 · Here, I present a comparison review of Black Diamond’s ATC Belay/Rappel Device (ATC) and ATC-Guide/Rappel Device (Guide)—I believe that ATCs still have an important place in rock climbing. An Italian hitch Mar 8, 2013 · The Black Diamond ATC is a simple, versatile tool for belaying and rappelling. They are made out of aluminum. Sep 18, 2023 · What Does ATC Stand for in Climbing? The term “ ATC ” in climbing stands for “ Air Traffic Control “. 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. cact bfbj nguuhv caebnl owak hkfhv qjuflpf gvyhzm nebae ezk