# Best Assisted-Braking Belay Devices Source: https://climbingnest.com/best/best-assisted-braking-belay-devices Updated: 2026-09-14 Publisher: Climbing Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://climbingnest.com/how-we-research#our-score Assisted-braking devices have become the default at sport crags and gyms for good reason: when a fall loads the system, the device helps clamp or pinch the rope, adding a margin your brake hand alone does not have. But the category spans very different designs, from mechanically camming devices to passive geometry-assisted tubes, and they differ in feeding smoothness, lowering control, supported rope diameters, weight, and how much technique adjustment they demand from a belayer trained on tubes. We weighed catch reliability, smooth slack delivery for lead belaying, controlled lowering, rope range, durability, and how forgiving each device is of common handling errors. Camming devices suit sport climbers, projecting sessions, and long hangdogging days; lighter geometry-assist models suit multipitch and alpine climbers who also rappel. Assisted braking is an assist, never an autopilot: keep your brake hand on at all times, use a rope within the certified diameter range, and learn each device from the manufacturer's instructions, since handling differs meaningfully between models. ## Picks ### 1. PETZL GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay Device - Gray Our score: 9.2/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) The Petzl GRIGRI 3 in gray, the latest version of the benchmark assisted braking belay device for gym and sport. Pros: - Assisted braking adds a margin of safety when catching falls - Latest GRIGRI refines rope feeding and lowering control - Standard device in gyms, so help and instruction are easy to find Cons: - Heavier and pricier than simple tube belay devices - Single rope only, so it is not suited to double rope rappels Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B07MHM92WJ ### 2. PETZL GRIGRI + Assisted Braking Belay Device Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Petzl's GRIGRI +, an assisted braking belay device with extra features aimed at gyms and newer belayers. Pros: - Anti-panic lowering helps prevent dropping a climber too fast - Top rope and lead modes suit gym settings with mixed users - Stainless wear plate is built for heavy use by many belayers Cons: - Heavier than the standard GRIGRI for outdoor sport climbers - Anti-panic feature can frustrate experienced belayers when lowering Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B01N2KC5B5 ### 3. EDELRID Mega Jul Belay Device Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) EDELRID's Mega Jul, an assisted braking tube device that works on thinner ropes and supports double rope rappels. Pros: - Assisted braking on a light, simple tube-style device - Handles double strands for rappelling, unlike cam devices - Guide mode capable for bringing up seconds on multi-pitch Cons: - Rope feeding can feel sticky until you learn the thumb technique - Stainless build is heavier than aluminum tube devices Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B01H7Q3H4U ### 4. Petzl GRIGRI Belay Device with Assisted Braking Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) The Petzl GRIGRI with assisted braking, the classic cam device favored for sport projecting and gym lead belaying. Pros: - Cam locks the rope during a fall, reducing fatigue on long sessions - Makes hang-dogging and working routes much easier on the belayer - Widely taught design makes partners confident on belay Cons: - Feeding slack quickly for clips requires practiced technique - Needs extra care to avoid misloading the rope backward Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B01MXORFUD ### 5. Mammut Smart 2.0 Belay Package Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Mammut's Smart 2.0 belay package, a device and carabiner combo with assisted braking in a tube-style shape. Pros: - Package includes a matched carabiner so setup is correct from the start - Assisted braking gives extra security without the weight of a GRIGRI - Simple shape is easy to learn for new sport climbers Cons: - Single rope only, so it cannot handle double rope rappels - Lowering smoothly takes practice compared with a cam device Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B07D7ZHYQ3 ### 6. EDELRID Jul 2 Belay Device Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) EDELRID's Jul 2, an assisted braking tube-style device that combines tube-like feel with extra catching support. Pros: - Tube-like feel makes it easy for tube device users to switch - Assisted braking helps hold falls with less grip strength - Lighter than cam devices like the GRIGRI Cons: - Needs a specific carabiner setup to work as intended - Lowering technique differs from both tube devices and GRIGRIs Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B01K94FOO8 ### 7. Mammut Smarter Belay Device - Phantom Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Mammut's Smarter belay device in Phantom, an assisted braking design with a handle meant to ease lowering. Pros: - Lowering handle gives more control than the original Smart shape - Assisted braking adds support when catching big falls - Compact size clips cleanly to a harness belay loop Cons: - Less common than the GRIGRI, so fewer partners know how to use it - Specific technique needs learning before real-world use Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B077VGY2VD As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.