DMM Pivot Belay Device for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

Works perfectly with Clepsydra S carabiner, both in normal belaying and guide mode. The huge hanger hole is surprisingly nice for rotating a biner through if you've used the smaller opening on an ATC. It's just slightly less fussy, does not get stuck on barrels. The release hole is compatible with smaller noses on biners like other belay devices, it doesn't work with BD HoodWire gate biners or WC Heliums, though can also use a dyneema sling.

In a word: versatile. Won't break the bank for a sick bit of gear, either. Guide mode during multipitch routes works like a charm, better than the BD guide. Sturdy, too, been using it at the crag and in the gym, still solid.

I've been using this for several years now on over a hundred pitches, and in my opinion this is the best trad belay device on the market. The guide mode is bomber; I often bring up seconds and with one or two ropes it functions seamlessly. Saves so much energy on long multi-pitch days. Catches falls effortlessly. Handles perfectly in all conditions including winter ice climbing. Highly recommended.

I've done a lot of multi-pitch trad. It's my preferred way to climb. Often I lead on two lines and then simul belay my siblings or friends from the top once I clear a pitch. Let me tell you something about every other guide device: when they lock from a fall you have to put considerable effort into freeing a rope. There are even a videos out there about the extra cord and pulley you have to make to even get the lines loose on other devices. That's why there's that odd little hole opposite the "ear" or the guide mode anchor hole. All that frustration is now totally unnecessary with the Pivot. Just "pivot" or tilt it. Gradually lowering someone on a BD ATC guide or equivalent: hahahaha. Official guidance says you should have a third hand hitch for safety because lowering someone on another kind of device (the BD or Petzl) can be dangerous. The difference in ease and control between the those with a fixed ear and the Pivot is significant. If you're new the game, then save yourself the hassle and frustration and trust what other experienced climbers are saying. And no, I have never had this thing slip on me, neither when using it in guide mode to ascend a line, nor when belaying others from above who have fallen. This is one piece of gear I've never regretted or thought about replacing with another model.

I really like the option that the Pivot provides for lowering the second, an option not provided by other auto-blocking guide mode style devices. The typical quality I have come to expect of DMM, thoughtful engineering and design and exceptionally well produced metal, are clearly evident in the Pivot.

I didn't buy this here, but thought I'd put a review up. I actually bought it from my local gear shop, where the manager of the climbing department actually tried to dissuade me from buying it. The jokes on them, backcountry gets the review for that rotten effort. I bought this as I wanted guide mode belay device that is easy to lower the second. Normally I use a Climbing Technology Alpine Up which is hands down the easiest to lower a second in guide mode. But I couldn't at the time afford another one, so this was my solution. The Pivot is a really nice piece of gear DMM has made. It basically operates like any other ATC with friction grooves until you have to lower the second. Then it is far better and easier to lower the second in guide mode then any other guide device except the Alpine Up which is even easier to operate. Notice in the picture from the Pivot manual that they don't even recommend a backup, just make sure you wear belay gloves. It's that easy to control. Unlike the Black Diamond ATC guide and others like it where it is pretty much an open and closed effect such that you absolutely need a backup on the brake strand. The only fault I can put against this device is that DMM does not tell you at all what carabiner fits in the nose of the device to use as a lever. It's not mentioned anywhere on their product page or the manual. Thankfully if you look through the reviews here, Amir Najam and William L. have given some recommendations of what they have tried.

The pivoting loop for lowering in guide mode makes this a nice option over the reverso, but that is a small plus with a fairly large minus of not being auto-blocking. Great little device for multi-pitch, but it leaves something to be desired. Regardless, it's a great price, and a good piece of gear for your arsenal.

It's an ATC/Reverso... but with the added benefit of the pivoting hole for lowering in guide mode. While it's true I will (hopefully) never use the lowering feature in guide mode, it is a cool improvement, which warrants buying this over an ATC or Reverso.

The main feature of the pivot is the pivoting piece for the guide mode. This piece works very similar to all the other guide mode belay devices. However when you are in need of lowering your second this piece really shines above all the other belay devices. If you have ever had to lower your second you know how much of a pain it is. This device makes that lowering go a lot smoother with the ability to swing the device up to lower a lot easier.

I recently purchased this device and a Grivel Mega K6G (the HMS twin gate carabiner). The first time I used them together, the Pivot would not autoblock when belaying a second from above. This happened on multiple pitches and was not an isolated incident. I tried the Pivot with my old worn BD gridlock carabiner, and also tried the Grivel carabiner with my BD guide ATC (brought them along in case there were issues with new devices). Those combinations worked fine, which leads me to believe one may have to be careful using the Pivot with a fat round bar stock carabiner such as the Grivel K6G. Otherwise, the device seems well made as one would expect. I just want to put my experience out there as a word of caution.

Nothing revolutionary here, but the innovation of a hinged guide mod makes a big difference if you need to lower someone. This was the big drawback of guide mode on the ATC Guide, reverso, etc. Lowering is quite difficult. This device however makes that easy. I can do it with my bare hands (and some effort). Would recommend this for anyone who does alpine or multipitch.

My comparison of devices in this same category I have had experience with: Reverso 3 & 4 - very good, the only downside is the wall between two slots is too thinn. In result when catching multiple falls and crashing against HMS, is getting sharp on the edges and then is wearing off the rope. Shame. Next ATC GUIDE - my favourite for a while until I started to use thinner ropes 8mm half ropes, and 9.1mm triple rated) when I realised that Guide has too shallow grooves and not enough holding power to catch falls with ease and confidence. Otherwise very good device. Mega JUL - I didn't like it. Awkward rappelling, not intuitive set up for self locking mode when belaying 2nd on multipitches pust me away of this device quite fast. And then Pivot ticked off for me all the boxes. Great rope control regardless of diameter, well made and light, and the easiest to pay slack when neede in "auto lock mode" on top belays. Recommended!

Obviously, not a whole lot to improve on as a tube style belay device and rappel device. This works well on a wide variety of diameters, is smooth and sleek and relatively light. However, this is hands down the best device for belaying a second I've ever used. Lowers smoothly and controlled without rigging up cord or jerking your follower. As advertised. Worth every penny. The only problem I've had is with a relatively fat rope, I could not use it to ascend a rope after rappelling past a belay station. It worked fine with a relatively new 9.5 but I couldn't get it to pull through at all when ascending a fat 10.1, for what that's worth.

I've used the Petzl Reverso4, BD Guide, Mega Jul and a bunch more. Hands down, this is the belay device I reach for when heading out to do some multipitch. There is no reason for the other devices. Pivot Feature: I was really curious about this feature and wondering how well it'd work. After a just two pitches of belaying from the top I was sold on how awesome and smooth the device was. This feature comes is awesome when you need to lower your second. Lowering a Second: I've had a few other devices that jam pretty good and make it tough to lower a second. You can still lower on those devices but it's no where near as smooth as with this device. Rope Diameters: I've used my Mammut Genesis 8.5 half ropes in this and everything was incredibly smooth. I've also used a Petzl Volta 9.2 rope and have everything be incredibly smooth. Rappelling: On my 8.5mm half ropes, a Sterling Hollow Block is a must have when rappelling. The device is pretty smooth for rappelling. Maybe a little too smooth. Overall: I'd get this device before I looked at a Petzl Reverso4 or a BD ATC Guide. If you have questions about this belay device or any other gear, shoot me an email! Jared D. Expert Gearhead 801.736.4336 jdowns@backcountry.com

For the most part no different than a BD ATC, until it comes to lowering when using in guide mode. Releases 10 times easier, making it 10 times smoother letting someone down. Also much smoother than an ATC when using it to rap down.