Understanding Belay Devices for ChallengeCourses, Climbing Towers, and IndoorClimbing

A belay device is a crucial safety tool used in challenge courses, climbing towers, and indoor climbing. It applies friction to the climbing rope, allowing the belayer to control the climber’s descent and arrest falls. The device, along with the belayer's braking hand, ensures that tension is maintained on the rope, protecting the climber.

When selecting a belay device for these environments, three primary types are available:

• Tubular Belay Devices – Common in indoor climbing and challenge courses.

• Assisted-Braking Devices – Ideal for added safety and ease of use.

• Figure 8 Devices – Primarily used in rescue scenarios or for controlled rappelling.

Each type has specific applications depending on the needs of your facility and climbers.

Tubular Belay Devices

Best for: Indoor climbing, challenge courses, general climbing instruction.

Tubular belay devices (e.g., Cypher Arc) are widely used in indoor climbing gyms and challenge courses due to their simplicity and versatility. The rope is threaded through the device and clipped to a locking carabiner, allowing the belayer to control rope movement.

Some tubular devices feature friction-enhancing ridges, (e.g., Cypher XF- stands for extra friction) providing extra stopping power—an advantage when working with inexperienced climbers.

In challenge course settings, dual-slot tubular devices allow facilitators to belay climbers or lower participants efficiently. Some models can also be used in an assisted-braking setup when anchored, making them a flexible option for course managers.

Advantages:

✅ Lightweight and compact.

✅ Compatible with a variety of rope diameters.

✅ Reduces rope twisting and kinking.

✅ Suitable for lowering participants on challenge courses.

Drawbacks:

⚠️ Requires constant belayer attention and proper technique.

⚠️ Some models may feel slow for lowering heavier participants.

Assisted-Braking Belay Devices

Best for: Indoor climbing gyms, climbing towers, high-rope elements, and challenge courses requiring added safety.

Assisted-braking devices provide an extra layer of security by automatically engaging when a climber falls, reducing the effort required from the belayer. This makes them ideal for challenge courses and climbing facilities where safety and ease of use are priorities.

There are two primary designs:

1. Devices with camming mechanisms (e.g., Edelweiss Kinetic) – These have an internal cam that locks the rope when sudden force is applied. They are excellent for indoor climbing walls and climbing towers, where controlled lowering and fall arrest are needed.

2. Passive-assisted braking devices – (e.g., Edelrid Jul2) These rely on rope pinching between the device and a carabiner. They are lighter and work well in challenge course belay stations where multiple climbers are managed.

For challenge courses with multiple participants on high elements, an assisted-braking device can reduce belayer fatigue, making it easier to manage climbers throughout the day.

Advantages:

✅ Extra safety by automatically engaging under load.

✅ Ideal for challenge course operators managing multiple participants.

✅ Reduces belayer fatigue—especially helpful for staff overseeing long climbing sessions.

Drawbacks:

⚠️ Some models only work with specific rope diameters.

⚠️ Heavier than traditional tubular belay devices.

⚠️ Some designs do not allow rappelling on two strands, which may be a factor in challenge courses.

Figure 8 Belay Devices

Best for: Rescue scenarios, controlled rappelling on climbing towers, and specialized challenge course applications.

The Figure 8 device is primarily used for rappelling and is less common for belaying in climbing gyms or challenge courses. However, it is sometimes used for rescue operations on climbing towers or adventure courses that require a controlled descent system.

These devices dissipate heat efficiently, making them useful in settings where frequent rappelling or rescue scenarios occur.

Advantages:

✅ Efficient for smooth, controlled rappelling on climbing towers.

✅ Works with various rope diameters.

✅ Effective at dissipating heat from friction.

Drawbacks:

⚠️ Requires more attention and hand strength from the belayer.

⚠️ Can twist the rope, making handling difficult.

⚠️ Not ideal for standard challenge course belaying.

Choosing the Right Belay Device for Your Facility

For indoor climbing walls and climbing towers, assisted-braking belay devices are often the preferred choice due to their added safety and ease of use.

For challenge courses, tubular devices remain a popular option because they are lightweight, work with multiple rope types, and allow for easy lowering of participants.

If rescue operations or rappelling elements are involved, Figure 8 devices provide smooth descents but are not commonly used for general belaying.

Regardless of which device is used, proper training and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential for safety.