Edelrid’s answer to the GriGri, the Pinch is an assisted braking belay device for use in sport & multipitch climbing as well as rope access.

This device is the first belay device that can be attached directly to your belay loop, eliminating slop in the system and making it easier to feed out more slack in one motion, and to pull in slack in a much more controlled manner. The closer-to-the-harness position allows an extra 20-30 cm of slack to be fed out at once. Your lead climber will thank you.

The linear rope run through the frontal steel braking grooves reduces rope tangles when lowering and abseiling. In addition to the lowering lever, the speed can be controlled by the pressure of the braking hand, which contributes to increased braking rope control, especially when using thin, soft ropes. The anti-panic function provides added safety not only for beginners. A special feature is the integrated second braking tier, which enables controlled lowering by pulling the lowering lever further when securing particularly light persons or in systems with high rope friction. Users and experienced rope access technicians can permanently deactivate the anti-panic function using a screw supplied. Another plus: When used on multi-pitch lengths, the PINCH is the only device on the market that can be attached to the belay station in four different directions in 90° increments. This means that the lowering lever can always be brought into a position in which it can be operated freely.

Features

• Assisted braking belay device for versatile use in sport climbing, multi-pitch climbing and rope access
• Position close to the body due to direct harness attachment increases brake rope control and improves usability
• Direct harness attachment eliminates the risk of cross-loading the belay carabiner
• Deactivatable anti-panic function for increased safety by automatically locking the device if the lowering lever is pulled too far backwards
• Second braking tier if the anti-panic function is activated too frequently due to insufficient load and/or excessive rope friction
• Frontal steel brake grooves allow the rope to run linearly and ensure less rope tangling, increased durability and prevent unsightly discoloration that occurs when the rope rubs against aluminium
• Attachment to the belay station in four different directions in 90° increments
• Equal operation for right and left-handed users
• Suitable for static ropes from 10.0 to 10.5 mm diameter (120 kg max. user weight)
• Suitable for dynamic ropes from 8.5 to 10.5 mm diameter