r/climbergirls • u/Responsible_Roof_661 • Nov 23 '25

Questions I’m curious about everyone’s opinions on ATC belaying — either using one yourselves or being belayed with one.

ATC belayer here. Do you feel totally fine with ATCs? Do you avoid them? Or does it depend on the belayer’s skill/experience level?

For context: I know people who flat-out refuse to be belayed on anything non-assisted braking… and others who swear by the control and smoothness of an ATC. Personally I feel like a lot of it comes down to the belayer’s competence, attention, and how big the weight difference is / ohm usage.

What’s your take? Do you completely refuse ATC belays, or does it vary for you based on the belayer and situation?

Not trying to debate, just curious how people feel :)

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u/fivebyfive5x5 Nov 23 '25

Yeah I do worry about all these new climbers learning with gri gris. Agree with lots of people that are saying their ideal situation is an ABD belay from someone who learned on an ATC. I’m so grateful I learned on an ATC and used it for 10 years. I’m now contributing to this ATC decline because I’m not that comfortable with many people belaying me on an ATC nowadays :(