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TRUBLUE iQ+ Launch – First Catch and Hold Auto Belay

Catch-and-Hold belay is the latest feature from TRUBLUE's iQ Series Auto Belays

The TRUBLUE iQ+ Auto Belay, the world’s first and only auto belay with catch-and-hold technology, is being released today. A development from the global leader in the engineering, production, and distribution of recreational climbing equipment.

Catch-and-Hold technology.
Now everyone can feel what it’s like to make it to the top! 

The TRUBLUE iQ+ is the most significant advancement in auto belay technology in over a decade. Unlike earlier auto belays, which automatically lower climbers to the ground when they fall, the TRUBLUE iQ PLUS allows climbers of all skills to select whether they want to lower after a fall or have the device catch them so they may try the move again.

“It’s aggravating to have to start over every time you fall,” said Luke Smith, Senior Product Development Engineer. “Rather than lowering themselves, climbers will exclaim, ‘Take!’ Essentially, this allows them to recuperate before attempting another try. When climbing with a partner, climbers do this all the time, but it hasn’t been possible on an auto belay until now. That’s why the TRUBLUE iQ+ is so intriguing! Climbers can push themselves to new heights.”

Although it may appear difficult, the TRUBLUE iQ+ is actually rather simple to operate. A huge button is located at the base of the wall. The catch-and-hold feature is engaged when a climber touches this button. If the climber falls at any time throughout the climb, the TRUBLUE iQ PLUS will catch them and give them up to 30 seconds to rest before continuing. When the climber reaches the summit, a second button lowers them back down.

Climb higher, fall better. The brand new TRUBLUE iQ+ is an auto belay unlike any other. 

“One of my favorite aspects of the iQ+ is that it offers everyone an opportunity to succeed,” Smith remarked. “It’s not simply for advanced climbers wanting to improve their grades.” Climbers who have never been able to get very high previously can now take as many rests as they need to feel accomplished.”

While being able to ‘take’ has always been an option for gym climbers who are used to being belayed by a trusted climbing partner or qualified staff member, CEO Lea Ann Zuellig is keen to point out that in many modern facilities, the classic belay method is not a reality.

Climbing walls, for example, are only accessible via auto belay in most family entertainment facilities. “No one could have predicted that climbing would become as popular as it is today twenty years ago,” Zuellig added. “However, with the recent surge in popularity, everyone wants to give it a shot. Whether they go to a gym, a fun climb, a camp, or a rec center, most of these establishments simply do not have the staff or space to accommodate so many novice climbers. That’s where auto belays can make a huge difference.”

The unveiling of the TRUBLUE iQ+, according to Zuellig, was an important event in the sport’s continued growth. Auto belays have been shown to boost membership, retention, and user throughput while also reducing road congestion and overcrowding, especially during peak hours. They also lower the entry hurdle for new users significantly. Previous auto belay versions failed to provide climbers with an authentic belay experience similar to that of a climbing companion. That is about to change with the introduction of the TRUBLUE iQ PLUS.

With Catch-and-Hold belay, climbers maintain their position if they fall or let go instead of immediately being lowering. In this video, watch as one climber works a route at his limit on the TRUBLUE iQ+, the only auto belay that will catch a climber after a fall.

“I can’t express how happy I am for this launch,” Zuellig stated. Most of the time, when firms release a new product, it’s almost identical to the previous one. That couldn’t be further from the truth in this scenario. A device like this has never existed before. The TRUBLUE iQ PLUS is going to revolutionize the way people think about auto belays. “

We develop and engineer climbing, zip line, and free fall equipment on a mission to make adventure experiences more pleasurable for customers while increasing ROI for operators. Their innovative magnetic braking technique has led to the development of best-in-class recreational devices, such as the TRUBLUE Auto Belay, zipSTOP Zip Line Brake, and QuickFlight Free Fall devices, which can be found in facilities all over the world. Also, our Magnetic Self-braking Zipline Trolley uses Eddy Current (Magnetic) technology to safely and consistently brake Zipline riders based on their speed.

Vertical Auto Belay systems

Vertical Auto Belay systems

Grow your climbing community by providing more access to more routes for more climbers.

Auto Belay makes climbing simple and approachable, turning first-time users into return customers. TRUBLUE Auto Belays are engineered to minimize maintenance and are built to last. Our patented magnetic braking system, delivers the smoothest user experience, the highest level of reliability, and dramatically reduces device downtime.

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Dive Deeper: Exploring Auto Belay Technology with Expert Insights

Auto belays are transforming the world of indoor climbing, offering convenience and safety for climbers of all levels. But how exactly do they work, and what are the key considerations for using them? To learn more about the intricacies of auto belay technology and gain valuable insights from experts in the field, check out our additional resources below…