TRANGO Vergo | Rock Climbing Belay Device, Blue

I couldn't help but keep up with the 5 start impression with this belay. After comparing it to my other belay, which i returned(Gro Gri), I am excited to use this!I originally went with the GRI GRI and it was loud(i use for hunting) and any slack given it would not catch right away. I returned and went with this belay device. Catches me immediately if any slack given, much easier to use and much quieter! I feel very safe and secure with this device! Lighter, same price but more value. Decent color options. I will post a video or pictures at some point in use.

Best belay device for lead climbing in my humble opinion. It pays out slack very smoothly while no overriding of the belay mechanism is needed at all so it is very safe while paying out slack. I was a bit worried about the ability to take slack in but this turns out to run surprisingly swift and easy. The reason is that the rope only needs to pass a mostly straight path through the belay device. Finding the correct position with the belay hand again is possible blindly. I like the fact that the mechanism is very simple yet very effective. It is basically two rotating plates so there is not much which needs maintenance. Lowering needs a bit more sensitivity compared to other belay devices, though. However, even if the lever would be fully opened, there is still considerable amount of friction at both ends of the belay device; not sufficient to hold someone, though, of course! Overall, the "open position friction" is still less than in other half automatic belay devices.

GREAT PRODUCT. Some may disagree, but this is BETTER than ANY Grigri. This is also SAFER than any Grigri. Speaking from experience with both systems. DO NOT PAY EXTRA FOR A GRIGRI. The Grigri is becoming a fashion item, like beats headphones or iPhones. The simple fact is that the Trango Vergo is BETTER and MORE DURABLE. It feeds flawlessly (when used properly of course) and has little to no ways of overriding the auto braking system.Bottom line: If I had to trust my life to someone who had never belayed before. I WOULD NOT TRUST THEM WITH A GRIGRI. I wouldn't mind if they were using the Vergo.

This is the best climbing purchase I've made in awhile. On toprope it functions exactly like a GriGri so the muscle memory is already there, but with extra identifying marks to help new belayers better understand how to hold and set it up. On lead is where the Vergo really shines with a super simple motion to feed slack. I've been consistently impressed with how easy this thing is to use.

Easy feed for lead climbing and also great for top rope. Well made and easy to use, highly recommend.