Brand: Petzl
Category: Belay & Rappel Devices
Recommended by Henry Ko, AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor — Boston, MA
Highlights: lightweight
The Petzl Reverso Belay Device in Gray is a versatile and lightweight solution for climbers, offering exceptional performance for both belaying and rappelling. Its durable design makes it an ideal choice for cragging, multipitch climbing, and mountaineering adventures. 1. Multifunctional Design: Suitable for both belaying and rappelling, accommodating 1 or 2 climbers for maximum versatility. 2. Lightweight Construction: Weighs only 57 grams, ensuring minimal bulk in your climbing gear. 3. Durable Material: Made from high-strength aluminum, providing long-lasting reliability in rugged conditions. 4. Versatile Use: Compatible with a wide range of rope diameters (8.5 to 11 mm) for diverse climbing scenarios. 5. Enhanced Control: Features a guide mode for better control during rappelling and lowering, improving safety. 6. Compact Size: Small and easy to pack, making it an essential addition to any climber's gear list. 7. User-Friendly: Simple to operate, making it suitable for both novice and experienced climbers alike. The Petzl Reverso Belay Device is designed for climbers engaging in cragging, multipitch climbs, and mountaineering in various environments. It excels in both sport and trad climbing scenarios, providing reliable performance on rock faces and alpine routes. Ideal for climbers of all skill levels, this device is particularly beneficial in situations requiring quick transitions between belaying and rappelling. Its lightweight and compact nature make it perfect for seasonal climbing trips, ensuring you have a dependable tool for your outdoor adventures.
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 Henry Ko's Gym-to-Crag
View Henry Ko'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
