Sneak Peek: Black Diamonds 2017 ATC Pilot
Black Diamond is going back to their roots in 2016/17 and focussing on new climbing products. In addition to a light weight climbing harness called the Zone (for both men and women), Black Diamond is also getting back into climbing ropes. For spring 2017 there will be a new collection of four dynamic cragging ropes in lengths of 35m (for climbing in the gym) up to 80m, which are ideal for longer sport routes. The diameters will be 7.8, 9.2 and 9.9, and they’ll be available with a FullDry treatment for glacier and mountain travel.
Black Diamond’s coolest new product however has to be the ATC Pilot. This new belay device uses a really innovative design that’s perfectly balanced so it’s easy to gradually pay out rope with control while still having enhanced braking performance. Even though this is an autolocking device you must still have your belay hand on the rope at all times. Its ergonomic shape fits in your hand really well and is intuitive to use.
Watch the following video to see exactly how the ATC Pilot works: