Velocity’s Top Picks: Must-Have Gear for Climbers – New Belay Device Spotlight: Petzl Neox and Edelrid Pinch

Neox Vs. Pinch?

The Neox provides more intuitive belaying with reduced arm effort

The Pinch offers a simplified set up at a competitive price point

Welcome, Miami climbers! Gear up for success with Velocity Climbing Miami! Whether you’re a seasoned wall warrior or a fresh-faced newbie, having the right belay device makes climbing more secure, fun and enjoyable. Today, we’re shining a light on two exciting new releases in the world of belay devices: the Petzl Neox and the Edelrid Pinch. Let’s delve into the features and benefits of each device to help you find the perfect fit for your climbing style.

The Heart of the Climb: Assisted Braking Evolved

Your belay device is your lifeline, responsible for securing your climbing partner during their ascent. Both the Petzl Neox and the Edelrid Pinch boast assisted braking technology to help arrest the rope during a fall. Here’s a closer look at what each device offers:

The Petzl Neox: Refined Assisted Braking for a Smooth Experience

The Petzl Neox builds upon the legacy of the popular GriGri family. Its assisted braking technology assists with arresting the rope during a fall, providing a similar level of security climbers have come to expect from Petzl.

The Neox introduces a key innovation: a fluid and smooth rope feed during normal climbing situations. This feels more akin to a traditional tube-style belay device, offering several benefits:

More Intuitive Belaying: The smoother rope feed allows for more natural rope handling, similar to the technique used with non-assisted devices. This can be a major advantage for experienced climbers who value a more responsive belay experience. This can also be a major advantage for newer lead climbers with more intuitive rope handling.
Reduced Arm Effort: The smoother feeding reduces friction during normal belaying and climbing, which can help minimize arm fatigue over long climbs.

Improved Communication: The more natural feel can enhance communication and responsiveness between climber and belayer, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable climbing experience.

The Edelrid Pinch: A New Approach to Assisted Braking with Value in Mind

The Edelrid Pinch takes a unique approach to assisted braking, utilizing friction teeth that engage during a fall to provide added security.

In addition, the innovative design of the Pinch offers several advantages:

Simplified Setup: The Pinch boasts a “direct attachment system” that eliminates the need for a separate carabiner to connect it to your harness belay loop. This has a number of advantages:
- Newer gym climbers can save money as the pinch does not require the purchase of a locking carabiner
- The device is closer to your body allowing you to pay out more rope per arm pull.
- Without a carabiner the device is in a more stable orientation, and it moves less, which provides for easier rope handling.
Competitive Price Point: The Edelrid Pinch is offered at a lower price point compared to the Petzl Neox and GriGri. For budget-conscious climbers looking for a feature-rich assisted braking device, the Pinch is a compelling option.

Lefty Love

Unlike some popular belay devices, we would be remiss not to mention that both the Petzl Neox and the Edelrid Pinch work reasonably well for Lefties.

The Most Important Point:

No matter which device you use remember to prioritize proper belay technique and ensure your equipment is in good condition before each climb. Make sure to read and follow the device manufacturer’s instructions.

Visit us at Velocity Climbing Miami!

Our friendly staff can answer your questions, demonstrate these and other the leading belay devices, and help you find the perfect belay device for your climbing adventures.

Happy climbing!

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