Tuber (Tubular belay device)
| Tuber | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Other names | Tubular belay device, ATC, Reverso, Guide |
| Use(s) | Belay, Rescue techniques, ascending (atypical) |
| Pros | Well-tested and optimized, super-easy to give slack, useful for belaying of the second climber (guide mode), lightweight, can be used with double/twin ropes, multi-purpose |
| Cons | Does not provide assisted braking function, can bite into skin of the brake hand index finger if used inappropriately, in majority of the devices the setup for lowering of a second climber is cumbersome |
Tubular belay devices are the most commonly used belay devices during training of advanced climbing and rescue techniques, multipitching and management of twin/double ropes. In some countries/clubs, they have been replaced by assisted tubular belay devices for single-pitch training. They are prohibited in some gyms due to alleged security concerns (for details, see the security concerns section).
Safety manipulation
Do a partner check of the device and its handling before each climb. Always hold/control the break strand at least with one hand. Tunneling is considered completely secure and it is the recommended technique in some of the alpine clubs. During tunneling, one should not fully open the hand (keeping at least the thumb and index finger in touch for the whole time) and the rope should slide on the rope. If the rope starts to slide, the hand can reflexively grab the rope. Letting the break strand without a hand is insecure and it is perceived as the main cause of injuries (for details/discussion, see the security concerns section). Keep your hand at-least a few centimeters from the belay device to avoid pinching of the skin on your index finger if the rope slips a bit. Non-assisted tubular belay devices brakes the best if the rope is pointed downwards. Rule of a thumb is not to go above the line of a device while giving a slack and keeping the hand downwards during the resting state. One of the commonly seen bad habit is keeping the hand raised for a prolonged amount of time during belaying. Practicing and good habit building is crucial. If belaying after a pause in climbing, it is strongly recommended to get accustomed to the belay again and practice it for a while in a safe setting.
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