BD ATC-XP Rappelling Device
BD ATC-XP Rappelling Device
We no longer sell the ATC, as it is not a Canyoneering device, but I thought I would leave this here as a link to an interesting bit of history on the CUSA Tech Tip linked below.
And just so people know, if you show up to a canyon trip with an ATC, you shall be frowned upon, righteously. It is like showing up to a gun fight with a peanut butter sandwich. Although sometimes I bring one for belaying, or because it is a Grand Canyon trip and every ounce counts!
A truly stellar plate-style rappel device, the ATC-XP works especially well on small diameter ropes, and offers a variety of modes for different levels of friction. It is compact, and my device of choice when we are not doing very many rappels, but I like the Critr or Sqwurel better for more technical ropework.
Tom Said:
"I used an ATC-XP for the first time in a while last week, since I thought we were on a backpacking trip. With two biners underneath, low friction side, single 8mm rope, 180 lbs.
Man, that thing is slow to rig and unrig. A pain in a pool as great care must be taken to not drop it. For the JIHAD (11 years ago now), I switched to a Pirana for the speed. Now I bounce between the Sqwurel and Critr. In addition to being faster on and off, they offer adjustable friction (on the fly), AND all those rescue functions I spent so much time learning are WAY more easily managed than with an ATC. Yes, ATC for North Wash and the Grand Canyon (perhaps), where there are very few rappels. But otherwise, Critr or Sqwurel for me.
Did anyone mention Class C (flowing water) canyons? ATC does not tolerate gunk on the rope (common in Class C) or twisted ropes (common in Class C if double-stranding, but one really should be rapping single strand). Bringing an ATC to a Class C canyon is equivalent to bringing a knife to a gun fight. Rookie mistake.”
Made in Taiwan, ROC.
When rapping small ropes, use two, matched, fat-stock biners underneath the ATC-XP.
Weight: 57 grams or 2.0 ounces.
More Info: Black Diamond Equipment
You may also consider…
CRITR3 !!!
An innovative rappel device from Todd and Desi at Climbing Sutra, now an Imlay Canyon Gear product. Lots of options allow careful adjustment of friction while on rappel. Symmetry allows flipping that extends the life of the device. Part of the new wave of rappel devices that allow changes in friction while rapping. Lots of options has made this a popular rappel device especially for full-size (>170 lbs) canyoneers.
I have moved production to a quality shop in Taiwan, and made a few minor tweaks to the design to help it rappel smoothly right out of the box…
BD Alpine Aiders are a handy addition to the pothole escape kit, working well for hooking and for other methods. They can also be the best way to assist others out of a pothole. They are light and compact - much more so than "real" etriers. A lot less expensive, too. The side-to-side style of aider works better than the ladder style for pothole escapes, as a single aider can be used for both feet on non-overhanging terrain, unlike the ladder style.
And like many pieces of gear I like, it has been discontinued by Black Diamond as of S25.