WILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay Device

Curated from 27 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 23, 2025

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WILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay Device

Brand: WILDKEN
Price: $12
Snoop Score:
2.8
Sentiment
5.0
Popularity
5.0
Technical
0.7
Buy on Amazon for $12See All Belay & Rappel Equipment Reviews
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Snoop's Take

The WILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay Device is a high-strength aluminum climbing descender designed for various applications, including rock climbing and rescue operations. Constructed from durable magnesium alloy, it features a unique V-shaped friction groove that minimizes rope wear and enhances descent comfort. Users have noted its lightweight design and dual slot capability, with one saying, "it works flawlessly for both single and double rope setups," making it a versatile choice for climbers and arborists alike. With its robust build and thoughtful design, the WILDKEN ATC Belay Device offers reliable performance for both seasoned climbers and beginners. It is particularly praised for its ease of use and safety features, making it an essential tool in climbing and rescue scenarios. Based on the positive feedback, this product is highly recommended in its category for anyone seeking a dependable and efficient belay device.

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

The use of auto belays has been a hotly debated topic in the indoor climbing industry for the last 10 years.

Insightful Chatter

Despite my own research and experience, I’ve received many different POV’s on this topic.

Insightful Chatter
Product
2.8
WILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay Device
Buy on Amazon for $12
Beginner Belaying
3 / 10
Sport Climbing
3 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
2 / 10
Gym & Top-Rope Training
3 / 10
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Preference for different belay devices and features
“Works in guide mode, but also auto locks (or brake assists) like a grigri.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about gear preferences for climbing
“Despite my own research and experience, I’ve received many different POV’s on this topic.”➕
“I honestly don't think it's worth bringing specialist ascending kit, it adds weight and clutter to the harness, and I don't think it adds much real functionality.”➕
“The gunks is the most well-manicured trad area in the world, and it's at most 3 pitches long.”➕
“Even though I had some gear for a rescue, my partner (who had led the first pitch) didn’t, and didn’t really know what to do.”➕
Discussion about general preferences for belay devices in 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.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about auto-belays and safety in climbing gyms
“The use of auto belays has been a hotly debated topic in the indoor climbing industry for the last 10 years.”➕
“Risk mitigation is important, but it is possible to mitigate risk without handicapping solo climbers.”➕
“It will create an assumption that someone else is responsible for their safety instead of themselves.”➕
“I will note that Vertical World is INCREASING their number of auto belays. I was at their north loc”➕
Discussion about ATC devices not being crucial for progression
“I'm just gonna say you're overthinking it and this doesn't matter that much.”➕
“You're not gonna progress any faster because you spent an extra 50 bucks on your belay setup.”➕
“You're over thinking it.”➕
Discussion about the age of climbing equipment.
“Stockpile of climbing/rappel/belay gear!!! My company used to run a zip line on our property and I recently unlocked a trailer packed with a lot of great gear.”➕
“how old is this equipment?”➕

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