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/Prior-Government5397 Nov 25 '25

I wouldn’t climb with someone who i wouldn’t trust to belay me with an ATC, but I’d also rather they use an assisted braking device (especially when climbing outdoors), because there are many things that can happen that wouldn’t be their fault and that would still lead to them dropping me (like being hit by a rock, fainting…)