Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner Package

Curated from 56 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 16, 2025

Product Image 1

Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner Package

Brand: Black Diamond
Price: $39
Snoop Score:
6.2
Sentiment
6.4
Popularity
6.3
Technical
6.3
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Snoop's Take

The Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Rocklock Screwgate Locking Carabiner Package is a premium rock climbing tool designed to enhance safety and ease while belaying and rappelling. Featuring a versatile ATC-XP device that accommodates ropes from 7.7 to 11 mm, this package is ideal for climbers of all levels looking for reliability and performance on the rock face. User feedback highlights several strengths of this product, such as its compatibility with 8mm ropes and the ease of operating the carabiner single-handedly. One user remarked, "These are really good carabiners and I expect mine to last quite a while with the steel insert," emphasizing durability. However, some concerns were raised about its performance under certain conditions, like the locking mechanisms in sandy environments and the bulkiness of the design. Overall, the ATC-XP is seen as a solid choice for climbers, particularly due to its high safety features and versatile design. Based on the positive feedback and the recommendation for tube-style devices, the Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner Package is highly recommended for those serious about rock climbing, particularly for lead climbing scenarios.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Belay & Rappel Equipment

Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide and two Petzl Attache carabiners works well

Positive Feedback

Black diamond atc is rated for minimum 8.1mm, Petzl reverso for minimum 6.9mm... doesn't necessarily mean they won't help on a thinner rope but it might be sketchy.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.2
Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner Package
Buy on Amazon for $39
Beginner Belaying
6 / 10
Sport Climbing
4 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
7 / 10
Gym & Top-Rope Training
6 / 10
See how this compares to all Belay & Rappel Equipment

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Works well with 8mm ropes
“Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide and two Petzl Attache carabiners works well”➕
“I will get an ATC or tube device with a guide mode - as that's what he asked for - instead of the grigri.”➕
Carabiner is easy to operate single-handedly
“These are really good carabiners and I expect mine to last quite a while with the steel insert.”➕
Durable design with steel insert improves wear life
“Having that part of the carabiner be steel instead of aluminum improves wear life of the carabiner.”➕
High safety for lead climbing
“It’s now second nature and I don’t notice it at all.”➕
Includes versatile ATC-XP belay device
“Pretty sure it’s gonna be one of those hobbies where I’m always wanting/needing something, or some shiny thing is always begging to come home with me.”➕
“Black Diamond ATC Guide approx $25. Problem solved. ”➕
Versatile for thin ropes
“there is a Edelrid micro jul and a bd atc guide specifically made for thin ropes.”➕
Harness is super comfy
“That harness is super comfy, it's the one I use all the time.”➕
Strong recommendation for tube-style devices over figure 8
“I'm not sure if you're a sport-rappeler or a canyoneer-er, but either way, I would highly suggest switching from the figure 8 to a tube-style device.”➕
“Yep - i've used a piranha. They are great! Good suggestion.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Not rated for 6mm ropes
“Black diamond atc is rated for minimum 8.1mm, Petzl reverso for minimum 6.9mm... doesn't necessarily mean they won't help on a thinner rope but it might be sketchy.”➕
Locking mechanisms are sub-par in sandy conditions
“Black diamond ‘biners have locking mechanisms that are sub-par in sandy conditions IMO, avoid them.”➕
Overthinking the choice of belay device is unnecessary
“I'm just gonna say you're overthinking it and this doesn't matter that much.”➕
Concerns about autoblock slipping in wet conditions
“am a huge fan. But would prefer not to leave my weight on one for too long if I am going to be adjusting gear or working on rope as they have been reported to slip in rare occasions.”➕
Bulky design can cause discomfort
“My bulky ATC-XP kept hitting me in the balls when I ran around with it hanging off of my belay loop.”➕
Difficult to lower climbers instead of rappelling
“Biggest. I can't believe any climbing company would produce a tube-style device which forces a climber cleaning a route to be lowered as opposed to rappelling.”➕
Heavy to carry around
“Biggest for sure. I constantly hear people complaining that their normal ATC is just too heavy to carry around.”➕

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Petzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic HandlePetzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic Handle$89
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Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner PackageBlack Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner Package$39
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Black Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay DeviceBlack Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay Device$37
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YXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 DescenderYXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender$16
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about various locking mechanisms in carabiners
“I have the magnetron version of the gridlock and it's my favorite thing. No fussing with screwing or twisting.”➕
“Maybe this is a stupid question, but I've read that it's an easier system to clip in and out of than the gridlock type biners, so I would love to know the safety side of it!”➕
Mention of new Grigri release and its features
“It will be as smooth if not even more smooth to feed rope than an atc due to its "pulley".”➕
“Do you know when the new GriGri will come out?”➕
Preference for different types of belay devices
“I really like the Mega Jul! Works in guide mode, but also auto locks (or brake assists) like a grigri.”➕
Discussion about preferences for assisted braking devices
“I have also seen the Black Diamond Pilot online and that seems like another really good option with a similar design to the Jul and the Smart.”➕
“Personally I use the Jul 2 simply because I got a great deal for one. Also I like that it is made out of steel. Longer life span and no black aluminium dust on my rope.”➕
“+1 for the jul 2 (i use a megajul but it’s essentially the same).”➕
“i switched from atc to atc pilot because of a she moves mountains trip where they required (and provided) pilots specifically and i loved how similar it was to the atc. i don’t know if i’d ever use anything else now although i haven’t tried anything other than grigri, atc, and now pilot. but i think at the end of the day, use whatever you feel most confident and comfortable with.”➕
Mention of various methods to secure belay/rappel devices
“A mule knot can securely tie off any style of belay/rappel device.”➕
“Munter-mule if I need to go at something for a while.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about using Munter hitch for thinner ropes
“Easy to tie, no fumbling with extra gear.”➕
“Main thing is to test these in a safe spot and making sure you have manageable friction before you’re hanging off a cliff.”➕
Exploring alternatives for thin rope rappelling
“Maybe check out the Sterling ATS? Theoretically should work.”➕
Discussion about canyoneering techniques and safety measures
“Most of us will use a piranha, which is similar to an 8 or an ATC.”➕
“I use a prusik below my atc or figure8 to create enough friction to stop me going further down.”➕
“put your ATC half a meter above you belay loop with a sling.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about rope sizes for glacier and alpine climbing
“The gear list I was working off called for an Auto-Blocking Belay device.”➕
“Those 6mm cords are hyper static and should never be used for climbing - only glacier travel and rappelling.”➕
“A grigri can be a nice part of a rescue kit though, because of the release.”➕
“I think the most common glacier ropes are 8-9mm.”➕
Advice on taking a canyoneering course for beginners
“Once you have training, then you will know what you need.”➕
Discussion about learning to use an ATC
“Even if you prefer to belay with a gri-gri, it's much easier to (eventually) rap with the ATC, and you should learn to use one eventually anyway.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about preference for Grigri over ATC belay devices
“Sure, it's "more annoying" to feed rope out, but once you're used to it, it will be second nature and I think it's 100% worth the extra effort.”➕
“Grigri is the way. Once you develop some muscle memory to feed out slack you won't notice the difference:)”➕
“Grigri. Other devices are useful for specific things but for like 99% of situations, a grigri is all around better.”➕
Discussion on different belay and rappel devices
“Get an ATS not an ATC for canyoneering.”➕
Discussion about preferences for different belay devices
“What belay/rappel devices do you recommend for mountaineering? What brand in particular.”➕
“I run a Petzl Reverso, or BD ATC Guide for all of my kits now.”➕
“Lots of people are recommending the BD ATC guide, which is definitely a great option.”➕
“ATC guide is pretty much the gold standard belay device for mountaineering.”➕
Discussion about canyoneering devices for rappelling
“You might take a look at rappel devices intended for canyoneering, especially if you only need to rappel and not belay.”➕
“MicroJul doesn't lock off in locking mode (not even a little) which kind of defeats the purpose.”➕
Mention of other belay techniques like Munter hitch
“Second vote for Munter or Supermunter, thinnest rope I've rappelled on is an 8mm static.”➕

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