How much do auto belays cost?

between $2,000 and $5,000 apiece
Auto-belays are expensive (new units cost between $2,000 and $5,000 apiece) and require regular maintenance, but by all accounts, most purchasers installed them and didn’t think too much about them.

How does True Blue auto belay work?

The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is a self-regulating belay device designed to protect a climber without the need of a partner. Unlike traditional belay devices that depend on friction to provide a braking force, the TRUBLUE Auto Belay is unique because there are no parts in contact within the braking system!

How reliable are auto belays?

This device physically blocks the start of the climbing routes, demanding interaction before one starts climbing. Aside from user error, the auto belays used in most climbing facilities today are exceedingly safe.

How often do auto belays fail?

Though auto belay accidents happen every year, deaths are uncommon. Most auto-belay accidents are the result of individuals failing to completely clip into the device, or forgetting to clip in entirely. (The precise circumstances of the June 12 accident at Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness are still unknown.).

How do Belays work?

The belayer wears a harness to which they have attached a belay device. The rope threads through the belay device. By altering the position of the end of the rope, the belayer can vary the amount of friction on the rope. In one position, the rope runs freely through the belay device.

How does an Autobelay fail?

Botched clipping is a well-known pitfall of auto-belay systems. Reports and hearsay of climbers clipping their harnesses incorrectly, failing to properly secure the carabiner, or forgetting to clip in altogether are relatively common.

Can you rappel with a belay device?

So, can you rappel with a belay device? Yes. Just about every device you will use for belaying— gri-gri’s, ATC’s, etc— will allow you to rappel. The technique used to rappel will be very similar to the technique used to belay.

How long do belay devices last?

As with climbing ropes, the maximum lifespan is 10 years – even if they are perfectly stored and never used. Under normal use, the lifespan is three to five years, depending on how much they have been used.