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Comparison of Auto Belay’s: what’s new in the TRUBLUE iQ series

TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay for gym climbing, climbing training, speed climbing, challenge courses or any form of partnerless climbing

When we set out to design the future of auto belays, we challenged ourselves to create a device that would empower our users to accomplish things they never thought possible. With catch-and-hold technology climbers are encouraged to try harder routes, knowing that they now have the ability to fall, rest, and retry the most difficult moves.

Going on an adventure is, at its core, a form of self-empowerment. Obviously, this is not always the case. The weather shifts, rain begins to fall, and you’re stranded against the wall with no choice but to wait it out.

Unfortunately, self-empowerment does not make you impervious to the elements. It won’t make your toes feel better or give you calluses on your fingers.

What a lot of people don’t tell you is that self-empowerment can be a grind in the moment. But here’s the kicker: when it’s all over, when the clouds mysteriously clear the minute you approach your car and you get a chance to reflect on your adventure, I’m willing to bet you won’t be sorry you kept going.

Nothing compares to the sensation you get when you reach the summit, especially if you had to battle obstacles along the way (and what sort of adventure would it be if you didn’t?).

How climbers can use catch-and-hold technology to reach new heights

When we set out to develop the future of auto belays, we set out to create a device that would allow our users to achieve things they never imagined were possible. Climbers are motivated to tackle harder routes with catch-and-hold technology since they can now fall, rest, and redo the most difficult moves.

A few seconds of rest may seem insignificant, but climbing is surprisingly reliant on minor gains for a sport that entails ascending cliffs. These advantages are constantly visible to operators, educators, and route setters. A small movement in your weight, for example, could mean the difference between a solid grip and a useless piece of plastic. A two-inch raise in your foot could transform an unattainable reach into something entirely manageable.

Thirty seconds can mean the difference between being completely pumped and feeling strong enough to push through when it comes to rest. Gains are insignificant. But when you add them all up, you realize you’ve gone further than you’ve ever gone before. Perhaps even to the top.

That’s how effective catch-and-hold technology can be. When our users climb aboard the TRUBLUE iQ PLUS, we want them to feel a sense of accomplishment.

The TRUBLUE iQ series makes operators’ lives easier

Beyond the user experience, the TRUBLUE iQ Series was designed to be more operator-friendly than any preceding auto belay device. The base variant of the TRUBLUE iQ is 22% lighter and 23% smaller than the original TRUBLUE auto belay device, making it easier to install and transport about your facility.

We ensured that the iQ Series would not be compromised in terms of durability while accomplishing these weight reductions. We even included wider webbing, a back bumper, and a replacement mount guard to increase longevity.

We’re working to make the iQ Series even more operator-friendly in the future, with software upgrades that will take use of the TRUBLUE iQ+‘s built-in connectivity to give operators with real-time data on device usage, servicing intervals, and performance. For delivering these data insights, the hardware and IoT capabilities are already in place. Owners and operators will begin to reap the benefits as soon as the software package is available to use.

Inclusivity and Accessibility of your Climbing Gym

TRUBLUE strives to serve a diverse climbing culture and is constantly developing new gear to aid in this endeavor. Climbers who want to overcome their fear of heights or simply become more familiar with the sport in general can do it on their own terms first with TRUBLUE Auto Belays, which are a more private and internally-driven option. We must also remember that some climbers simply want to be alone for a bit, which should not be viewed as a negative reflection on the community but rather as a normal form of self-care.

Developing climbing equipment that is suitable for climbers who have historically been disregarded and underserved is one strategy to enhance inclusion.

Auto belays were previously impractical for many adaptive climbers. Climbers who were seated, for example, couldn’t practice on auto belay since lowering after a top out or a fall was too shaky. We hope to change that narrative with the recent release of the TRUBLUE iQ+.

The TRUBLUE iQ PLUS is the first auto belay system that allows climbers to stay on the wall after a fall instead of descending. This is referred to as the “catch-and-hold” functionality. In terms of climbing, the TRUBLUE iQ+ provides you with the option to take.


Why should you choose TRUBLUE iQ as your climbing gym?

Belay with catch-and-hold

The TRUBLUE iQ+ is the world’s first and only auto belay that can “take.” TRUBLUE isn’t just a life-saving device anymore. It’s a climbing companion that allows climbers to relax and project routes whenever they choose. Everyone can now experience what it’s like to reach the highest level.

Proof of the future and the ability to upgrade

TRUBLUE iQ PLUS is the world’s smartest auto belay, built on an IoT platform. With built-in connection, it can handle anything you can think of, from data collection to service reminders to photo and video capabilities – all from your device.

Durability is built-in

The iQ series is more durable than ever before, handcrafted in the United States and built for severe use. The iQ and iQ+ are engineered to last both indoors and out, with upgraded, wider webbing, a built-in back bumper, and a replaceable mount guard.

Technology of magnetic brakes

Magnetic braking technology is used exclusively by TRUBLUE, making it the only auto belay on the market. Magnetic braking is more reliable than friction-based braking since it does not rely on friction to produce braking action.

Include more walls and climbers

The TRUBLUE auto belay system has the widest weight and height range of any modular auto belay system. TRUBLUE can support weights ranging from 22 pounds (10 kilograms) to 330 pounds (150 kilograms), and our XL model has a maximum mounting height of 65.6 feet (20m).

System for self-regulation

The magnetic braking system of a TRUBLUE adjusts and responds to the weight of the participant automatically. This means that both children and adults will have a smooth drop at similar rates.

Extremely strict safety requirements

Our TRUBLUE auto belay complies with the most stringent safety requirements of any auto belay available.

Low ownership costs

There are no friction pads or contacting parts necessary for braking using eddy current magnetic braking, therefore there are fewer components that could wear out or fail. This increases reliability while lowering maintenance costs in the long run.

Installation or relocation is easy

The TRUBLUE’s compact, modular design makes it simple to set up and relocate.


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…