Black Diamond ATC

Review Date
October 16, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Shaun Paul Wilson ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $10.00 at package deal on ebay

Summary:
This is a cool little piece. Easy rappelling, fairly easy belaying - except I'm a bit on the small side, so, I have to work a little harder at that. Compared to a figure eight, I feel the eight has a smoother, faster run. The ATC locks way quicker - could be good and bad. ATC is much lighter. The eight seems to twist the rope quite a bit more, however, the ATC may crimp it a bit?.. I think for the price, both styles are a must.

Customer Service:
Nothin.

Similar Products Used:
Figure eights.

Review Date
May 23, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Alex C(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Cambridge, U.K.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Quite a nice device. It feed the rope very quickly and smoothly, and brakes okay. It might not be suitable for icy or very thin ropes.

Similar Products Used:
Wild Country VC, Sticht Plate etc.

Review Date
March 3, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: coe6688(Unregistered User) ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $16.00 at Local Climbing Shop

Summary:
Great belay device. Very smooth, light weight, simple, easy to use. It has just the right amount of friction for belaying and rapelling.

Review Date
August 18, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Jon Jonckers(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Spokane

Price Paid:  $16.00 at Mountain Gear

Summary:
I dare anyone to say anything bad about the Air Traffic Controller. If someone mentions any belay or rappell problems, it's generally human error. This device is so smooth, it locks down great, weighs hardly anything, you can clip into it without removing it from the belay biner, and it's so easy to use that only an imbecile couldn't figure it out. Before you leave the ground on your next climb, make sure you have one of these attached to your harness

Similar Products Used:
BRD, SBG, Jaws, Grigri, Variable Controller, Pyramid, Super 8, Rescue Eight, and Sticht Plate

Review Date
July 1, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Ian(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Glendale, AZ. USA

Price Paid:  $16.00 at REI

Summary:
Generally a good belay device. requires a bit more brake hand force to hold a leader, but that also makes for a softer fall arrest, just make sure you wear gloves. paying out rope is easy and smooth. Since it is thin walled it gets hotter than other devices. Don't use it for long rappels or go fast, you'll toast your tips at the bottom.

Similar Products Used:
Omega's SBD (name ?), grigris, BD super eight.