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Your cart is empty.The ATS device is a versatile belay and rappel device designed for both rock climbing and canyoneering. This unique device accommodates the need for various friction settings on rappel and belay, as well as auto lock-off belay options. The ATS incorportes the best parts of a tube or plate device and a figure 8 wtih 'hyper-horns' into one compact durable frame.
becky broadbent
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
I repelled with this device a few days ago and overall really liked it. the tension was higher than I like but it was good for younger less experienced repellers.
J. Ripley
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2023
This is a versatile, lightweight tool. Not for the arborist, but good for recreational climbing/repelling.
Ryan D. Crompton
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023
This is probably the best descender currently available, having used a Pirana and a Critr as well.To the good: It's got a sticht plate, an 8, and the horns, so there's a variety of descending options. The rope slots are particularly useful for descending on a doubled rope; this allows an individual to get on and off rope without doing anything with the carabiner attached to the device. Note that ropes over about 9mm-9.5mm will rub if you use an 8-style double rope technique.You've got a lot of ways to control friction. For DRT, you can use the slots and vary up the number of carabiners (or type), or use the 8. For SRT, you can flip the device around (shifting it from convex to concave), pop the rope over the lower left or lower right horns, or use the upper horns for soft lock or cases where you're carrying a lot of weight.Like any other descender, it'll get hot. Like everything else these days, this will only fit a few types of carabiners. Petzl Attache or OK seem to work pretty well; shown here attached to a petzl Oxan. And the dang horns hook on everything, so have another carabiner to hook it to a gear loop.Overall, no qualms with it besids the handful of above quibbles.EDIT: Something to watch out for - this descender does not do well with very stiff ropes. Friction is a function of bend radius and surface area, and stiff ropes do really poorly in this descender. On a recent outing, we used two Canyon Fire ropes (unintentionally - nobody that I go with is particularly dogmatic about their ropes, so he ended up bringing a nearly-new Canyon Fire 330 and I brought a well-worn Canyon Fire 220). I'd lent my girl an aluminum ATS, and she took forever on the first rappel, in the 0 concave setting (lettering facing up, ropes not hooked on any horns). It was so much friction she had to hand-feed the rope. Later, on the 250-foot rappel on the near-new rope, I found myself on the 0 convex setting (lettering down, rope not hooked on any horns). At the top, there was so much friction I had to feed rope. With pack and clothes, I was likely close to 200+ pounds. Even as I was nearing the bottom of the rope, my descent was basically controlled solely by the excess of friction on the device itself; I didn't have to touch the rope.The Canyon Fire is not that large of a rope; the rope in the picture (Tuefelberger / Maxim Canyon Elite) is actually bigger. But it bends easier. I didn't have any issues at all on rappel with the aforementioned Canyon Elite, Sterling Canyon Prime, or other ropes I've used it on. Just the Imlay ropes. Which isn't necessarily a knock on Imlay, but if you're going to buy an ATS and your buddies have Imlay ropes in their inventory, consider investing in either a Figure 8 or Pirana for use on those ropes.
Alex N.
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023
Works great if used correctly, only complaint is I wish they made a thicker steel version or some type if metal thay holds up more against friction damage from the rope. Who cares about rust, clean your stuff after and youd be fine. But apart from that, great tool. Can use it various ways for various situations.
tibbs425
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2022
You get what you pay for, and this belay device is very well machined from quality material. Excellent fabrication, and exemplary design.
Aaron W Habig
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2017
I purchased this descender primarily for tree climbing. The ease of use, multiple friction settings, and being able to lock off to do work make this a great design. I have also used this for repelling and belaying. You have great control utilizing the many features of this device. The ability to use this with single or double ropes is a bonus. The horns are very functional and do not get in the way when you are not using them. Make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations for the type and size of locking carabiner. The grommet built in to the attachment point keeps everything snug and quiet. This has replaced my other descenders.
L. Steely
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2016
Love it. All the simplicity of the Piranha with more friction options. I'm only 130 lbs, so I usually keep it concave side up, which is the lightest friction setting, but if I need just a touch more friction, flipping it over does the trick, without having to use a lower horn which is usually too much. Adding friction mid-rappel is simple, locking off is straightforward. Use it with a Sterling Falcon XL biner for the perfect fit. Also, as a left-hander, I like that unlike the Piranha, it's symmetrical and ambidextrous. The aluminum is soft and does wear, I'm on my second one in two years.
VBB
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2013
This is my favorite style of rappel device - many configuration options, easy to add friction on the fly, can use it to separate lines for a jester-style anchor, and for a quick pause, the curved center fits my (female) hand perfectly for a grab (unlike the Piranha, which I can't easily grab because it is wide). Only knock on it is the aluminum is somewhat soft so it wears, especially with the stiffer Imlay canyon ropes. But I figure, even if I have to change it out every 6-9 months due to use, the ease of use makes the minimal investment well worth it. And really, don't you waste $10 or more a month on Starbucks? Something that can save your life is worth more than that!
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