Brand: Petzl
Category: Belay & Rappel Devices
Recommended by Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor — Pacific Northwest, USA
Highlights: lightweight
The Reverso Belay Device is a versatile and reliable tool designed for climbers who demand safety and efficiency. With its auto-locking feature and exceptional control, it empowers you to manage multiple climbers with confidence. 1. Auto-locking mechanism allows for hands-free belaying, enhancing safety during climbs. 2. Deep grooves provide superior friction and control, making rappelling and lowering easier. 3. Secondary clip-in point enables quick release of a locked rope, ideal for managing falls. 4. Lightweight and compact design ensures easy transport and minimal bulk in your gear. 5. Compatible with a variety of rope diameters, accommodating both single and double ropes. 6. Durable construction from high-quality materials ensures longevity and reliability in rugged conditions. 7. Versatile for both sport and trad climbing, making it suitable for a wide range of climbing scenarios. The Reverso Belay Device is perfect for climbers engaged in sport or traditional climbing, particularly in multi-pitch scenarios. It excels in environments where safety and efficiency are paramount, such as cragging or alpine routes. Ideal for climbers of all skill levels, this device is especially beneficial for those who frequently belay multiple followers or need to manage complex rope systems. Whether you're scaling cliffs in summer or tackling icy routes in winter, the Reverso is designed to enhance your climbing experience.
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.
Clara Maynard's review
Still autoblocks with skinnier ropes
Recommended by Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Frequently asked questions
Who is the 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 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 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.
What does Clara Maynard say about the Reverso Belay Device?
Still autoblocks with skinnier ropes
Why does Clara Maynard recommend Petzl?
Clara Maynard recommends the Petzl Reverso Belay Device for belay & rappel devices. Still autoblocks with skinnier ropes
Is the Reverso Belay Device a good belay & rappel device?
Yes — Clara Maynard recommends the Reverso Belay Device by Petzl as their belay & rappel devices pick. Still autoblocks with skinnier ropes
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What other hosts are saying
5 experts recommend the Petzl Reverso Belay Device.
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