Black Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel Device

Curated from 72 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 16, 2025

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Black Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel Device

Brand: Black Diamond
Price: $19
Snoop Score:
4.6
Sentiment
5.0
Popularity
3.3
Technical
5.0
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Snoop's Take

The Black Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel Device is a reliable tool designed for both beginner climbers and seasoned Search and Rescue professionals. This modern 8 design allows for smooth handling and is compatible with various rope types, making it a versatile option for rappelling and belaying. Consumer sentiment around the Black Diamond Super 8 is generally positive, with many users praising its ease of use, particularly for beginners. One user noted, "It does have a belay device, an ATC which is the perfect beginner belay device," highlighting its suitability for those new to climbing. Additionally, the lightweight and portable nature of the device has garnered praise, with a user stating, "With the ATC-Sport, it's like I don't have any balls at all!" This indicates that climbers appreciate its convenience while on the go. Considering the feedback from users, the Black Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel Device comes highly recommended for its category. Despite some concerns regarding specific features and preferences, the overall consensus leans towards its effectiveness and practicality for both novices and experienced climbers alike.

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

It does have a belay device, an ATC which is the perfect beginner belay device.

Positive Feedback

Black diamond ‘biners have locking mechanisms that are sub-par in sandy conditions IMO, avoid them.

Negative Feedback
Product
4.6
Black Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel Device
Buy on Amazon for $19
Beginner Belaying
6 / 10
Sport Climbing
4 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
3 / 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.
Belay device is suitable for beginners
“It does have a belay device, an ATC which is the perfect beginner belay device.”➕
Harness is comfortable
“That harness is super comfy, it's the one I use all the time.”➕
Belay device is safe for static ropes
“What is your preferred method of locking your rappel device and why?”➕
“Tube style devices (I'm fond of the black diamond ATC XP) provide more friction, and don't twist the rope.”➕
Good for beginner rappellers
“I use a prusik below my atc or figure8 to create enough friction to stop me going further down if I ever get unconscious or need to use both hands to untangle rope or w/e.”➕
Lightweight and easy to carry
“With the ATC-Sport, it's like I don't have any balls at all! I liked it so much I bought two!”➕
Good for beginners
“Black Diamond ATC Sport Belay Device, big waste of money or biggest waste of money?”➕
Good controllable friction with certain ropes
“The BD ATC Alpine Guide is the only belay device that provides good controllable friction.”➕
Preferred for certain rappel techniques
“This is the sort of content I like to see!”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Black Diamond biners have sub-par locking mechanisms in sandy conditions
“Black diamond ‘biners have locking mechanisms that are sub-par in sandy conditions IMO, avoid them.”➕
“MicroJul doesn't lock off in locking mode (not even a little) which kind of defeats the purpose.”➕
“You're not gonna progress any faster because you spent an extra 50 bucks on your belay setup.”➕
“Just get an ATC Guide or ATC-XP.”➕
Potential slippage with autoblocks
“Been using the autoblock on a couple of short (60ft) rappels this summer, and am a huge fan.”➕
Difficult to use for cleaning routes
“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 compared to other devices
“Biggest for sure. I constantly hear people complaining that their normal ATC is just too heavy to carry around.”➕
Not suitable for thin ropes like RAD lines
“FYI microjuls don't work as planned with RAD lines”➕
Disliked by some users compared to other devices
“I dislike BD but I don't know of a comparable device.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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EDELRID GigaJul Belay DeviceEDELRID GigaJul Belay Device$59
7.7
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Mammut Smart 2.0 Belay DeviceMammut Smart 2.0 Belay Device$39
7.5
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Ito Rocky Climbing Stop Descender for RappellingIto Rocky Climbing Stop Descender for Rappelling$43
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BLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay DeviceBLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay Device$24
7.2
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AOKWIT Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay DeviceAOKWIT Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay Device$15
7.2
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Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay DeviceBlack Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device$24
7.1
DetailsBuy
Petzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic HandlePetzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic Handle$89
6.8
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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
6.2
DetailsBuy
Black Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay DeviceBlack Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay Device$37
6.1
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YXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 DescenderYXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender$16
6.1
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PETZL GRIGRI Belay DevicePETZL GRIGRI Belay Device$99
5.5
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Black Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel DeviceBlack Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel Device$19
4.6
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SOB Climbing Fall Protection Belay DeviceSOB Climbing Fall Protection Belay Device$16
3.0
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NewDoar Climbing Abseiling Belay DeviceNewDoar Climbing Abseiling Belay Device$13
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WILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay DeviceWILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay Device$12
2.8
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PETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay DevicePETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay Device$95
1.0
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about essential climbing gear for beginners
“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.”➕
“If you don't know what equipment you need, then you should take a Canyoneering course 1st.”➕
“Training and education.”➕
Discussion about various belay devices' features and preferences
“Trying to choose between Reverso 3 and Smart Alpine for lead climbing, projecting routes, and eventually trad and multi-pitch, please suggest and explain.”➕
“The Reverso 3 and the ATC Guide are pretty much interchangeable in my mind.”➕
“I'm still leaning toward getting the Smart first, since other than occasions when autoblocking is necessary the ATC will belay the same as a guide.”➕
“The Guide handles fatter ropes better.”➕
Discussion about gear preferences
“Most of us will use a piranha, which is similar to an 8 or an ATC.”➕
“Munter-mule if I need to go at something for a while.”➕
Discussion about using various belay devices
“Out of curiosity, would a grigri or other devices still be able to assisted brake a rope that skinny?”➕
“I like the microjul rappel, hate using the alpine up, always will pick abd >tube and prussik and havent used my gigi in a decade.”➕
Discussion about underestimated gear value
“I'm getting to the point where I dont need to make anymore big purchases like rope or quickdraws and I'm curious as to what gear you now have that you didnt really think to buy at first or totally underestimated the value brought to your rack.”➕
“I think the extra cost is totally worth it in exchange for not having to hunt for an (often fading) middle mark.”➕
“Rope bag/tarp, stick clip (I like Trango), smartwater bottles (cheap, light, sturdy), wind jacket, grigri...”➕
“Working hands. Healthier skin on my hands than before I started climbing.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about various rappel techniques and preferences
“Rappel Devices for 6mm Rope? What is/would be your preffered way to rappel on a 6mm rope like the petzl rad line?”➕
“Besides the hardware recommendations, Super Munter is my preference for 8mm and under.”➕
“Main thing is to test these in a safe spot and making sure you have manageable friction before you’re hanging off a cliff.”➕
“Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide and two Petzl Attache carabiners works well”➕
Different preferences for belay devices shared
“I really like the Mega Jul! Works in guide mode, but also auto locks (or brake assists) like a grigri.”➕
Thoughts on using prusik knots with different setups
“A prussik I can rappel the pitch way faster without force feeding the rope.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about gear suitability for glacier travel
“In my naivete I bought a GriGri and then made the realization that those aren't recommended for Alpine work because of the moving parts.”➕
“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 specific gear for canyoneering
“Get an ATS not an ATC for canyoneering. It doesn’t need to be extended out.”➕
Discussion on suitability of belay devices for mountaineering
“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.”➕
“My preference would be the DMM pivot. It’s the same device but lowers much easier while in guide mode.”➕
“Others have their preferences for similar designs from other brands, but I am pretty confident more mountains have been climbed with the ATC guide than any other.”➕
Discussion on rappel devices for thin ropes
“My Petzl reverso works for rappelling with it if I use two carabiners (as Petzl recommends), but I know Mammut used to make a figure of 8 specifically for thin ropes.”➕
“there is a Edelrid micro jul and a bd atc guide specifically made for thin ropes.”➕
“Second vote for Munter or Supermunter, thinnest rope I've rappelled on is an 8mm static.”➕
“I've rapped on 6 mm cord with plenty of friction settings left to add.”➕
Discussion on climbing gear bundles
“I remember seeing that some companies (e.g. Black Diamond) sell bundles, but I could not find one on their site.”➕
“That black diamond bundle pictured is totally fine, and you’ll never really outgrow it.”➕
“Yup! Fantastic bundle. 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.”➕
Advice on using prusik knots
“A mule knot can securely tie off any style of belay/rappel device.”➕
Discussion on gear suitability for glacier travel
“My experience with a pull cord isn't great for routes with lots of rappels (anything with 10+ pitches just goes much faster and more smoothly with doubles)”➕
“This is a very rare scenario but a factor I’d consider if you’ll be using it to navigate crevassed glaciers.”➕
“However I can always use the single rope for that.”➕

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