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Wild Country VC Pro |
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So you've started climbing, your tendons are toughening up nicely and now you want some kit. Jon Kirk, climber, news hound and former Chalk magazine editor, picks the best of the essential equipment you'll need Click to view Top 5 Climbing Gear.
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Best Belay (Wild Country VC Pro) |
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 The ultimate friction device at an honest price. Wild Country’s VC – Variable Controller – can handle it all thanks to machined grooves which provide incredible stopping power on ropes from 8.5mm to 11mm. With a minimum of weight, it makes this the perfect belay and abseiling device for all enthusiasts, regardless of ability. |
Technical Specifications |
Based on Wild Country’s classic VC, the improved VC Pro has a series of V-shaped grooves that "bite" harmlessly into a range of rope sizes to give better control.
This makes it more forgiving than other models, and helps build confidence in beginners as they master the three essential tasks: paying out rope quickly, holding falls securely, and abseiling safely.
More experienced climbers can turn the device around to use its ‘slicker’ side for faster abseils and quicker pay-outs.
At just 67g and with a large keeper loop, the VC Pro is a great all-rounder that can be used with a single or double rope at the wall, crag, or in the mountains. It's available in a range of colours. |
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 For complete piece of mind, beginners might try using it with the DMM Belay Master at about £15. This innovative screwgate comes with a handy plastic swing catch, which stops the gate from unscrewing and the karabiner from rotating.
It removes the possibility of accidental "cross-gate" loading that can dangerously reduce the karabiner’s tensile strength. |
Everyone’s Talking About It |
In July this year, the VC Pro won acclaim from Climbing Magazine in the United States, which said it “packs great durability and stopping power.”
It’s reviewer added: “It features useful, rope-hugging friction grooves on one side, and a smooth face on the other.
“I had complete control – no hang-ups or ‘speed bumps’ – while safely zooming down the cord.” |
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Why to buy - Lightweight, multi-use, reliable
Points to watch - Marginally more expensive than other belay devices on the market |
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| TYPICAL PRICE - £15.00/$25.00 |
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