With the Pinch, Edelrid is launching a new belay device with locking support, which can be hooked directly into the rope ring of the climbing harness without a carabiner. Today we take a closer look at the Allgäu wonder weapon.
With the pinch expanded Edelrid their product range includes a new mechanical safety device that works independently of the braking hand angle. In addition, the Pinch can be hooked directly into the rope loop of the climbing harness without a carabiner. A novelty that brings enormous advantages in terms of handling and brake cable control. Additional steel braking grooves improve control when lowering and rappelling, especially with thin and soft ropes.
The Pinch is the first device on the market that can be hooked directly into the rope loop of the climbing harness, which means it is closer and lower to the rope point and therefore the entire safety system is more compact.
Philippe Westenberger, Head of Product
Directly on the harness, better rope handling
When developing the Pinch, it was important to Edelrid to be able to position the belay device as close to the body as possible. “We achieved this through direct belt integration,” enthuses Philippe Westenberger, Head of Product.
The position of the pinch close to the body ensures that the person belaying receives more direct feedback and can easily apply 20 to 30 centimeters more rope at once. Another plus point: the device doesn't wobble around and therefore doesn't have to be held in place with one hand when dispensing the rope.
This means that the brake cable can be held with all four fingers while the thumb is placed on the brake mechanism. “In the event of an unforeseen fall, the fingers contract through the contraction reflex and the thumb automatically releases itself from the device,” explains Philippe Westenberger.
Video: This is what the Edelrid Pinch can do
No squiggles when draining
When pinching, the release works via a lever that you pull towards your body. The belaying person lets the rope run over the front steel brake grooves and, in addition to the lever, controls the speed by applying pressure with the brake hand.
The rope does not tangle because it runs straight into the device. This means you always have full control of the brake cable when rappelling and lowering.
The steel braking grooves not only increase the longevity of the Pinch, but also prevent discoloration that typically occurs when rope rubs against aluminum.
In addition, the design with steel braking grooves ensures better control when lowering and rappelling, especially with thin and soft ropes.
With or without anti-panic function
The Edelrid Pinch is equipped with an anti-panic function. If you pull the brake lever too far towards yourself out of fright, the system automatically blocks and the climber is no longer allowed to descend.
The anti-panic function makes the Pinch the ideal belay device for beginners.
But there are also situations in which this security mechanism can be unpleasant. This is the case, for example, with very light people, thick ropes or a lot of friction in the system, because the anti-panic function then has to be activated and deactivated more frequently. But the inventors from Isny have a solution ready for this too:
When the anti-panic function is activated, the pinch offers a second braking level that allows you to continue the release process by pulling again.
Professional users in route building or other areas of application where the anti-panic function could disrupt the flow of work can be switched off permanently using the screw provided.
Edelrid Pinch: Wide area of application
In connection with the pinch, the question of its area of application is of course also exciting. Simply put, almost everywhere: The Pinch is designed for use in sport climbing, multi-pitch climbing and rope access techniques.
When multi-pitch climbing, users benefit from the fact that they can also use the Pinch with a carabiner, for example if they need more space between the belay sling and the belay device when belaying their body.
The Pinch is the only device that allows a 90 degree rotation at the stand.
On the other hand, the pinch can be hung on the stand in four different directions. This means you can always put the drain lever in a position where it can be operated cleanly.
Another area of application is rope access technology, for example in route building. According to Philippe Westenberger, the Pinch offers optimal handling as a compact abseiling and rope positioning device. A particular advantage when working with thin ropes.
Edelrid Pinch - technical details
- Safety device with blocking support
- Suitable for dynamic ropes with a diameter of 8,5 to 10,5 mm
- Suitable for static ropes with a diameter of 10,0 to 10,5 mm (120 kg)
- Weight: 234 g
- Certifications: EN 15151-1, EN 12841-C
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Credits: Cover photo and article images Edelrid