As much as they tried, I don't believe the wedge-shaped design truly helps when being used. Mine tends to lock up a tad to easily while rappelling, causing the need to unjam it with my all-too-bare hands (hot!). It also jams at the worst moments when giving precious slack to a leader while clipping. If you have weak hands, or otherwise want a device that locks off easily, this could be a great belay device for you, but take care to feed it rope smoothly when rappeling due to its signature "click, click, click, LOCK" sound.

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BD ATC Petzl Reverso

awsome product

the v.c.'s main feature is it's two different angles for ease of paying out rope/catching of falls. the v.c. works fine for belaying, but is the biggest pain in the bum for rapping. just too much friction, no matter which way you orient it. i found i had to just throw a biner (or two) in there to lessen the friction, otherwise it just ends up being too tiring as you manually feed rope into the device.

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black diamond's atc