TRANGO Vergo Belay Device - Rock Climbing, Rappelling Protection, (8.9-10.7 mm Ropes)

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.

When you're climbing hard with your partner, alternating belay duties isn't necessarily much of a rest. For me the Vergo is less fatiguing than the BD Pilot (which is clearly easier than the old school tubular I started on). This is my first active assist belay device. It is nice to have a device that doesn't creep under load (rope AND carabiner dependent of course for the Pilot), meaning more rest. It pays out far better too, so more restful. It just seems safer overall for catching a spill, shtf situation. I like it so far. I prefer the simplicity of the Pilot (I like my rope going through a carabiner, not just the device), but in use the Vergo wins. The Pilot lowers with more finesse, but I'm already used to the Vergo after a couple of sessions. When setting up to belay, not under load yet, the Pilot lays more naturally in line with the functions it will soon perform; the Vergo is a little twisty until loaded. 4.5 stars for the Vergo

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 device is extremely easy to use, even for beginners like myself. The only downside that I have seen and felt is the end of the handle digs into my hand somewhat, to which I just adjusted my grip, and the "sweet spot" while lowering someone is very small. You go from lowering pretty slowly to lowering faster than comfortable. The upside is this is a very safe device to use, it has an intuitive design, and it's very easy for a beginner to use.

I've used one of these off and on over the last year or so because a partner has one, and I finally got one for myself. It takes slack and lowers just like my beloved GriGri, but what makes it remarkable is how smoothly it FEEDS slack. The Vergo feeds slack just about as smoothly as an ATC, but without the risks associated with a tube device. You don't have to override the cam to give your climber enough slack, and the thing just feels great in my hand.I can't recommend this enough.

Glad I could get black

I've only tested this a few times but it seems to be a good working contraption