This belay device has been amended since our test period. Check out the details and differences below.
June 2020 This Product
Petzl Reverso | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | ||||
| Price | $32.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $35 List $34.95 at REI | $36.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $22 List Check Price at REI | $25 List $24.95 at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Lightweight, easy to unlock, great for belaying two skinny ropes | Great for belaying seconds on multi-pitch climbs, durable, good value | Simple to use, great for belaying the follower, lightweight, feeds slack easily | Lightweight, smooth, compact | Good friction control when rappelling and lowering, smooth paying out rope |
| Cons | Softer aluminum seems less durable, not ideal with ropes thicker than 9.5mm | Heavier than the Reverso | No brake assist, more expensive than similar options, pivot function is rarely used | Weak lock off | 0.2 oucnes heavier than the Verso, you must hold the weight of the climber when they weight the rope |
| Bottom Line | A match made in rock heaven for skinny ropes and climbers counting weight | An excellent value for multi pitch climbing, rappels, and double rope ascents | A good alternative to auto-blocking tube devices, with a pivot function to help lower followers | A lightweight entry level belay device that gives our Best Buy winner a run for the money | A simple design suited for building proper belay technique |
| Rating Categories | Petzl Reverso | Black Diamond ATC G... | DMM Pivot | Petzl Verso | Black Diamond ATC XP |
| Catch and Bite (30%) | |||||
| Lowering and Rappelling (30%) | |||||
| Feeding Slack (20%) | |||||
| Weight and Bulk (10%) | |||||
| Auto Block (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Petzl Reverso | Black Diamond ATC G... | DMM Pivot | Petzl Verso | Black Diamond ATC XP |
| Style | Auto-block tube | Auto-block tube | Auto-block tube | Tube style | Tube style |
| Recommended Rope Diameter | 7.5 mm - 11 mm | 7.7 mm - 11 mm | 8.7 mm - 11 mm | 7.5 mm - 11 mm | 7.7 mm - 11 mm |
| Weight (oz) | 2.2 oz | 2.8 oz | 2.5 oz | 2 oz | 2.2 oz |
| Double Rope Rap? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Belay off anchor? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Assisted Braking? | No | No | No | No | No |
Since our test period, Petzl has released an updated model of this device, simply called the Reverso (the model we tested was the Reverso 4). The updated Reverso is a few grams lighter (57 g vs the Reverso 4's 63 g) and has some cosmetic changes, such as a flat top and rounded edges, which Petzl says is part of a design to increase durability and longevity of the device. The new model accepts ropes sized from 8.5 to 10.5 mm. Compare the two below; the green version shown first is the model we tested, followed by the new Reverso in grey.
We're now linking to the updated model, but be aware that we have yet to test it. The review below pertains to the older Reverso 4.
The Petzl Reverso is a tube-style belay device with auto-block capability. Its superior performance with skinnier ropes (down to 7.5mm) strengthens its case for use with twin or half ropes.
It is difficult for us to accurately determine the difference in catch between all of the different simple tube devices. The Reverso seems to bite as well as the Petzl Verso, or any of the other choices, that is, plenty good enough. The one variation we observed though was the hand strength required to lock off and hold a resting climber in place. The enlarged hole on the new Reverso for releasing a weighted rope in auto-block mode got in the way when we were trying to lock off. This means it requires slightly more strength to hold the rope still with the Reverso than with some others.
With two friction channels, the Reverso is capable of rappelling two ropes. There are also two options for orienting the belay bight; use the teeth for higher friction or smooth things out in the other direction. In blind tests comparing the lowering friction and performance against other similar tube-style devices, we found the Reverso ever so slightly more jerky.
All of the classic tube-style devices feed slack out to a leader consistently well. Unlike the assisted braking models, there is little chance of getting into a short roping tug of war with a device that has no levers or cams to depress. Each tube device performed slightly better or worse depending on the texture and stiffness of the rope used, so it's hard for us to generalize. However, we liked the Reverso most with smaller diameter ropes (in the sub-9.5mm range).
At 2.2 ounces, the Reverso is tied for the second lightest belay device overall and is the lightest to offer auto-block mode for belaying a second off an anchor. Its closest competitor that incorporates the same features weighs close to an ounce more.
The largest difference between the Reverso and the other auto-block devices we compared it to is the friction in auto-block mode. In our tests, the Reverso created a fair bit more resistance, and this became the deciding factor when we chose our favorite. This difference may not sound like much but was easily identified in blind tests we did in our lab (garage). Over a long pitch or in the presence of rope drag it becomes even more noticeable. Frequent multi-pitchers that like to belay off the anchor can save energy (and elbow pain), by choosing the BD ATC Guide instead.
The Reverso and ATC Guide are similar in price. They are cheaper than other devices we tested that are capable of belaying directly off an anchor. However, since we didn't find this one to be the highest performing of these choices, we wouldn't call it the best value overall. If your climbing plans include even an occasional multi-pitch route, we suggest you fork up the extra money to get one of these auto-block devices over the cheaper basic versions.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
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