Brand: Petzl
Category: Belay & Rappel Devices
Recommended by Ben Lim, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide — Pacific Northwest, USA
Highlights: lightweight
The Petzl Reverso Belay Device in Gray is a versatile and lightweight tool designed for climbers seeking reliability and performance in various climbing scenarios. Its innovative design supports both single and double climber setups, making it an essential companion for any climbing adventure. 1. Dual functionality allows for both belaying and rappelling, accommodating one or two climbers effortlessly. 2. Constructed from high-strength aluminum, ensuring durability while remaining lightweight for easy transport. 3. Unique design features an auto-blocking mode, enhancing safety during rappelling and lowering. 4. Compatible with a wide range of rope diameters (8.5 to 11 mm), providing versatility for different climbing styles. 5. Ergonomic shape allows for comfortable handling, even during prolonged use, reducing hand fatigue. 6. Compact size makes it ideal for cragging, multipitch climbs, and mountaineering, fitting easily in any climbing pack. 7. Color-coded markings simplify the setup process, ensuring quick and accurate use in high-pressure situations. The Petzl Reverso Belay Device is perfect for climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. It excels in various environments, including crags, multi-pitch routes, and alpine settings. Ideal for both sport and traditional climbing, this device is designed for use in all seasons, providing reliable performance whether you're scaling cliffs in summer or tackling icy routes in winter. Its versatility makes it a must-have for anyone serious about climbing safety and efficiency.
Price: $49.95
- Who it's for
- Multipitch climbers who need one device for lead belaying, guide-mode anchor belaying, and rappelling. Hosts frame it as a core piece of a multipitch kit rather than a casual single-pitch tool.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the guide-mode eyelet alignment as a design edge over similar tube devices, and note it works reliably with skinnier ropes. One host flags a significant heat buildup during rappels as a real caution.
- Worth noting
- It is noted as the lightest guide-style device in its category. The heat warning on rappel is emphatic — handle with care on long descents.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Petzl Reverso Belay Device for?
Multipitch climbers who need one device for lead belaying, guide-mode anchor belaying, and rappelling. Hosts frame it as a core piece of a multipitch kit rather than a casual single-pitch tool.
What do experts say about the Petzl Reverso Belay Device?
Hosts consistently praise the guide-mode eyelet alignment as a design edge over similar tube devices, and note it works reliably with skinnier ropes. One host flags a significant heat buildup during rappels as a real caution.
What should you know before buying the Petzl Reverso Belay Device?
It is noted as the lightest guide-style device in its category. The heat warning on rappel is emphatic — handle with care on long descents.
More from Ben Lim's Rock Climbing Essentials
View Ben Lim's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
6 experts recommend the Petzl Reverso Belay Device.
Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Still autoblocks with skinnier ropes
Recommended in Crevasse Rescue
Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor
The Reverso is my favorite tube-style device. What sets it apart from similar devices is that the “guide mode” eyelet is aligned with the two tubes. I prefer how this design positions the device when I am belaying in guide mode. The Reverso can do it all– lead belay, belay in guide mode, and rappel. This is a critical tool to have on your harness.
Recommended in Multi Pitch Kit
This is the lightest guide-style belay device (meaning you can clip it directly to an anchor and belay from above). It is a simple and a reliable design and one of the most popular out there. Be careful when rapelling, this thing gets HOT!!!!
Recommended in Multipitch
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
A crucial part of the Multiptich kit, this device is primarily used for rappelling but can also be used to top-belay or ascend a rope
Recommended in Trad Climbing
My favorite tube-style belay device. I really like that the plaquette loop is oriented horizontally on this device.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
