Metolius BRD

Review Date
May 20, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Brice Keown (Unregistered User) ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $18.00 at REI

Summary:
The BRD isn't a bad device, but unfortunately for Metolius, the ATC really can't be beat. Another reviewer found that the BRD had better stopping power. Personally, I haven't noticed much difference, and have never had any trouble stopping a fall with an ATC. I have noticed, however, that the BRD feeds much less smoothly than the ATC, and occasionally jams on lead belays. This obviously can be a huge problem. Bottom line? It's not as good as the ATC, and costs more.

Similar Products Used:
ATC, Reverso, Gri-Gri

Review Date
August 6, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Ian(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Phoenix, AZ

Price Paid:  $18.00 at AZ Hiking Shack

Summary:
Good belay and rappel device. Locks off harder than the ATC but not like a Grigri. It still has some slip, which is good but it feals more secure. Don't have to crank on the rope like the ATC to stop a screamer. I didn't notice any diference in the rappel speed with it rigged backwards and don't know on belay (don't want to try either, not my neck up there)

In sum: more solid lock off than the ATC, thicker so it won't get as hot and rappels almost as fast. Just feals better all around. so 5x5

Customer Service:
none

Similar Products Used:
BD ATC
BD 8
Grigri
Omega SBD