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Everything You Need to Know about Buying Auto Belays

Before buying auto belays, compare the pros and cons of magnetic, friction, and hydraulic systems. Find the most reliable and cost-effective option.

Thinking about buying auto belays for your climbing facility? This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the right choice. We compare the core technologies, including the benefits of reliable magnetic braking versus friction or hydraulic systems. Discover the differences between modular and stationary units and why webbing is often preferred over cable for protecting your walls. We also cover crucial factors like retraction speed for speed climbing, long-term cost of ownership, and maintenance requirements. Make an informed investment and find the perfect auto belay system to enhance your gym’s offerings and increase membership.

The Technology of Brakes

Magnetic braking requires less maintenance and is exceedingly reliable. The braking force is generated by magnetic resistance, which eliminates friction and eliminates the need for sacrificial wear parts. Between annual certification checks, there is no restriction to the number of climbing cycles, and annual re-certifications are affordable. The only auto belay on the market that utilizes this dependable magnetic braking technology is the TRUBLUE Auto Belay.

Brake Pad Friction: Brake pad systems rely on brake pad friction to limit a climber’s descent. These parts are expensive to replace, and the number of climbing cycles before they need to be serviced is limited.

Hydraulic: Pressurized hydraulic systems are prone to leaking hydraulic fluid and must be re-pressurized on a regular basis. These devices take up a lot of room behind the climbing wall and are usually permanently installed in one spot. With these systems, installation and access can be difficult.

Stationary Or Modular

Modular auto belays are lightweight, simple to install, and adaptable to any climbing wall. Modular devices are very simple to relocate as required. Perhaps you’d like to mix up the routes on auto belay for your regular climbers, or combine auto belays together to suit a class, birthday party, or other group activity.

Auto belays that are permanently fixed behind the climbing wall are substantially larger and heavier. Professional installation is frequently required for these auto belays. Because auto belay systems that are permanently installed cannot be returned to the manufacturer for maintenance or re-certification, experts must conduct frequent checks in person. It can be difficult to get to these stationary auto belays for mandated inspections, and lighting is often inadequate, resulting in missed or incomplete inspections.

Confused about buying auto belays? This guide simplifies your choice by breaking down key factors like webbing vs. cable and modular vs. stationary.
TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay for gym climbing, climbing training, speed climbing, challenge courses or any form of partnerless climbing

Prices For Auto Belay

There are many various types of auto belays available for purchase, and pricing is always a consideration when deciding which auto belay to purchase. The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is not only reasonably priced, but it also has a low long-term cost of ownership due to TRUBLUE’s reliable magnetic braking technology and fewer wear parts. Over time, the advantages of adding auto belays will offset the device’s cost. Auto belays have also been demonstrated to enhance climbing gym participation and subscriptions, as well as options for group programming such as adult classes or birthday parties.

Webbing Or Cable?

Climbing walls can be damaged by cable-based auto belay systems if the cable comes into touch with the wall. Walls will not be damaged by webbing-based systems like the TRUBLUE, and climbers like the natural feel of webbing. The webbing on the TRUBLUE can be simply replaced on the battlefield. We have listed a few methods that may be followed to extend the life of your webbing and increase your unit’s return on investment.

Speed Of Retraction

You’ll need a speed climbing auto belay if you’re installing a speed climbing wall, hosting speed competitions, or simply adding speed training to your program. Auto belays used in legitimate speed climbing competitions must be able to retract up a 15m wall in 4.5 seconds or less, according to the International Federation of Sport Climbing.

The revolutionary TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay retracts up a 15 m speed climbing wall in just 3.5 seconds, outpacing even the world’s fastest speed climbers. TRUBLUE’s dependable magnetic brake technology is used in this device, which does not pull climbers up the wall. The TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay is a terrific addition to any speed climbing wall because of its quick retraction speed.

Servicing And Maintenance

Auto belay ownership necessitates regular maintenance. These are life-saving equipment that should be inspected according to the manufacturer’s instructions on a regular basis. According to national safety requirements, the TRUBLUE Auto Belay requires annual service. Annual service is an important element of owning an auto belay, and consumers should be aware of auto belays that have fewer requirements.

Maintenance requirements and expenses vary substantially depending on the product. In cable-based systems, cable replacement is costly, and site visits by servicing specialists for stationary/fixed auto belays can be costly as well. The TRUBLUE auto belay webbing replacement is inexpensive, and annual servicing costs are a fraction of on-site service visit costs.

Choosing Your Option

Many auto belays are available for purchase, but the TRUBLUE Auto Belay has made the decision for many climbing wall owners simple. TRUBLUE has quickly established itself as the world’s most extensively used and trusted auto belay. The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is popular among customers because of its dependable magnetic braking, ease of installation, and cheap cost of ownership. Climbers appreciate the TRUBLUE’s smooth descent and soft catch.

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…