Belay devices
Product 2019
Woman, Man
The Air Force 3 Belayer/Descender is Beal’s flagship belay system. Like all reversible type systems, it enables you to either secure the lead climber with a double or single rope, or one or two second climbers, and of course to abseil. The brand has worked on the form, especially the V-grooves, to minimize friction on the corners, which wear down the ropes, especially when rappelling.
It is easy to give slack smoothly when belaying the lead climber, the passage of the rope remains very fluid and is effective when braking and you can also have dynamic dosage in case of a fall. When belaying the second, (or seconds), it is perfect as soon as you use it as a blocking carabiner, a round model. To keep fluidity avoid squares and, for safety use a screw model instead.
In case the second has a fall there is a small hole that allows you to unlock the tensioned cords by levering with a carabiner, its diameter is large enough to accommodate a variety of different models. But it is better to have one that you have already tested, with you! Braking is easy to dose. After 50m, it heats up a little. It has a very good ergonomic grip. Easy handling. But the best point about this device is the many different rope diameters it accepts: from 7.3mm to 10.5mm. A real advantage, especially with the advent of new models of ultra-thin ropes like the Gully from Beal (https://www.test4outside.com/en/produit/beal-gully-7-3-mm/). Also you can use it with all types of ropes, single, double, twin, and you can also reverse the direction of use (braking side grooves or smooth side) which allows an adaptation to the rope diameter, context, etc. and stay in control of braking dosage.
Beal provides a kit that includes an Air Force 3 device and a screw carabiner, the Be Safe. The set is consistent, this carabiner form HMS is lightweight and easy to handle. It can easily accommodate two cords. Its broad pear shape allows great fluidity, whether belaying or rappelling. The screwing and opening systems (ample) are also very fluid, and feel tough. Only downside, it does not self-lock like the model Be Lock, which is actually a little heavier (86g) or the lightweight Twin Belay D (69g) with a double finger system that you need to practice using beforehand. Self-locking means you can secure the system, especially in situations that are a bit “chaotic”, such as in the mountains with equipment everywhere, clothing, snow, cold … or when you start feeling tired.
The Air Force 3 is a very light, versatile, comfortable and smooth, reasonably priced belayer/descender, and one of the few devices on the market that really offers an effective braking system for thin ropes. A must that will without doubt become a classic.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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