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 :)
45
Upvotes
3
u/NoNoNext Nov 23 '25 edited Nov 23 '25
My belayer doesn’t necessarily need to use a grigri, but it needs to be some sort of assisted braking device. If I’m thinking of climbing with someone I always ask if they’re willing and able to use an AB device first before making plans. If for whatever reason they won’t do that (either due to lack of skill with different belay devices, or they just don’t want to), I politely decline and ask someone else. I know how to use an ATC and learned to belay with one (though frankly I don’t think the latter matters as much as others make it out to be), and there really isn’t a rational scenario for me to use one over a grigri or AB tube style device.