Mammut  Nordwand Alpine Belay

Bought this to replace my worn Reverso. I specifically wanted a guide style ATC to pair with my 9.0mm alpine rope. Have belayed with this device from a top anchor in guide mode, rappelled, and used as an ascender. It works great, no complaints. For this combination of device and rope it provides just the right amount of friction belaying and rappelling while still locking up tightly when used in a guide mode belay. Clear a lot of engineering went into the geometry. Hopefully the steel inserts hold up better than my aluminum Reverso did.

I've used the Reverso and the ATC for years, but decided to get the Alpine Belay this season as my previous device worn out. I'm very happy with it. Functionally, it does what you expect from this category of devices. It works very well with single and double ropes (I've used 8.5 through 9.5mm), has a well balanced catch when lead belaying and just the right amount of friction when rappelling and belaying from the top. Given the different material on the high friction parts (steel), I expect this device to be more durable than my previous. Also, it heats up substantially less on long rappels. One minor downside for me personally: the typical wire of other devices is part of the central metal plate and rigid - hence you can't pull the rope loops and clip/unclip the biner without unclipping the biner from the device as easily.

This belay device never leaves my harness. It’s simplistic and light. The ascend mode is also must need knowledge for any kind of adventure climbing. It will get you out of many sticky situations. I always put it on an extended rappel. Works good with my Mammut rope and doesn’t have too much friction. I’m a lighter climber and I can rappel without too much feeding. Easy to use and its functionality makes it a must have.

Product does what its supposed to. The unit still heats up on rappels, not sure if its more or less compared to other devices but its a good unit. The firm bar makes it hard to release the rope from the belay without taking the whole unit out of the locker, when compared to a Petzl with a wire attachment point but I feel confident in this unit for durability.

I used this as my belay device for multi-pitch climbs with a 9.5mm rope, and it worked like a charm. So light I had to check it was still on my harness, yet the steel wear points are super durable. I would not recommend it for a gym climber, or someone who prefers thicker ropes. It is not designed for that use and doesn't feed very smoothly with ropes +10mm.

This is a great durable belay device that can be used in guide mode. It has a really solid feel and it my go-to when I need a tube-style belay device. Definitely overkill for someone just getting into the sport or someone who really only climbs in a gym, but a great to have for anyone who's going on some longer climbs outside.

Needed a belay device for skinny ropes and the Alpine Belay fits the bill. Works well with thick ropes to but isn't quite as smooth as an ATC. Works surprisingly well on frozen ropes.

This device is very heavy compared to its competitors, but it is MUCH tougher. This is a great workhorse device.

Heat dispersion is great. Won't burn your hand off after a quick belay or rappel.

Has been durable, light, and nice for guide mode and rappelling