ATC

Most of the comments thus far aren’t aware of the differences between a standard ATC, and an ATC Pilot. You can’t go wrong with a grigri or Pilot but the Pilot is the better option for most first devices IMO. Unless you’re gifting it to someone. My recommendation is not as a former Black Diamond rep

I have a Giga Jul and use it as my primary device for gym and outdoor sport climbing. It's super versatile, and can be used with double ropes as well as for rappelling, but if you're not going to be doing that, then your options are more open. I haven't used the Ocun Bow, but it looks to be the same

IMO, everyone should learn on a non-assisted device first to build strong brake-hand-always-on habits, and then if assisted braking is desired, get a Grigri because it's more or less the standard ABD. I started on a BD ATC-XP, which worked very well. I would recommend a two-lane device, and to get a

or Black Diamond ATC Pilot. (the edelrid one is called the "Jul") Any of the mentioned devices will be a great upgrade from a basic ATC style, both in usability as well as safety.

I stick to screwlocks for basically all my carabiners (save for a couple small wiregates I have for clipping shoes/chalk to my harness). For a belay device, assuming it's an ATC style, get a round stock carabiner - ie it looks like it's made of a cylinder of metal instead of the flattened profile th

The Neox and Revo pay out slack the same way as an ATC. I haven't used the Neox but I've heard about the noise that it makes, so I'm not sure it's worth it. Revo is great for paying out slack - it's so smooth ☺️ Its downside, though, is that it's a bit pricey and that it's assistance kicks in only if

I’m small relative to many people I belay, at times at the level of the difference you’re taking about. I’ve never had any issues with safety on TR (with chain and steel ring anchors), mostly just with ease of lowering. My ATC was the worst and most annoying, the Black Diamond Pilot was much better

If you weren’t having issues with an ATC, then I’d recommend switching to a different belay device. I use the Black Diamond Pilot, and I personally think it’s much better than a grigri! It’s much more intuitive, easier to feed rope, and in my (controversial) option is safer.

Black Diamond sells full kits for rope climbing if you're looking for a bundle. Also, trust me on this, you probably want to get some loose powder chalk and a chalk bag if your area allows it. Still use the liquid chalk, but for the price and how quickly it runs out you'll save money in the long run

I used a black diamond ATC for about a year, learning to lead climb with it, then switched to a Grigri. I love my Grigri now because it has braking assist, but thankful for learning on an ATC! Black diamond ATC is inexpensive, learning lead belaying was easy with it, and I can now use it for learnin