Tuber (Tubular belay device)

Revision as of 02:49, 23 August 2025 by Karl (talk | contribs)

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 In some countries/clubs, they have been replaced by assisted tubular belay devices for single-pitch training.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 appropriate section).

Tuber
Other namesTubular belay device, ATC, Reverso, Guide
Use(s)Belay, Rescue techniques, ascending (atypical)
ProsWell-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
ConsDoes 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