A belay plate comes in many different guises and fancy names but essentially they are used for climbing and are there to add friction to a system so that the belayer can quickly switch from being connected to the rope or independant as and when required. The original devices known as stich plates were nothing more than a metal plate with holes drilled in it and the term 'if it aint broke don't fix it' has meant that the change in design has been minimal over the last half a century. Black Diamond are a trusted company amongst climbers and are regarded amongst the best manufacturers for handware. There is very little to differenciate belay devices ...  Read the complete review