Precise control and innovative safety—meet the Pinch Assisted Belay Device
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"The Pinch is hands-down the most innovative assisted device I’ve used in years. The guide mode, top-rope, and lead features all work seamlessly, and I love how it clips directly into the harness for cleaner belay stance and better handling."
Built for modern sport and multi-pitch climbing, the Edelrid Pinch gives us next-level control with a fully featured assisted braking design. It operates in lead, top rope, and guide mode with fluid transitions, offering precise control whether we’re belaying from below or managing a second from above.
The standout innovation is its ability to connect directly to the belay loop via a unique locking carabiner system—minimizing cross-loading and creating a more stable setup. Whether we’re on single-pitch projects or alpine linkups, the Pinch helps us belay smarter, smoother, and safer.
Details
- Assisted braking belay device for lead, top rope, and guide mode
- Ideal for multi-pitch routes, sport climbs, and instructional use
- Direct harness connection reduces cross-loading and enhances control
- Guide mode enables secure belaying of a second from above
- Compatible with dynamic single ropes from 8.5 to 10.5mm
- Integrated braking mechanism allows smooth feeding and lowering
- Innovative locking carabiner setup ensures secure belay loop connection
- Durable aluminum construction built for daily use at the crag or gym
- Item #ELRC095
- Type
- assisted brake
- Rope Diameter
- [dynamic] 8.5 - 10.5mm, [static] 10 - 10.5mm
- Claimed Weight
- 8.3oz
- Activity
- sport climbing
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 3 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJune 18, 2025
Best lead belay device ever!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Height:
- 5' 5"
- Weight:
- 130
I LOVE this device. LOVE it. I have a shorter reach (female) so having the device attach straight to my harness helps me feed out rope so much quicker/longer range and helps with short roping. LOVE it. Everything is so smooth!
November 3, 2024
Great Belay Device
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Disclaimer; this is my first mechanically assisted braking device. I can’t speak for how it compares to a Gri-Gri. I do feel super great and confident using this. I very much enjoy how close it stays to the belay loop and doesn’t flop around as much especially when paying out slack on lead. I do find myself using the anti-panic override a lot when lowering my partner on top rope, but they are rather light and I understand I can completely turn that off. The direct attachment to the loop is super good enough, I back it up with a locker more for the peace of mind, but if i were in a pinch (pun kinda intended) I would trust it without being backed up. Though I am curious to see some testing from HowNot2 or Hard Is Easy to see if that’s just my own risk tolerance. I also like the high-vis green. Would be cool to have in blaze orange though.
October 25, 2024
Gri-gri Replacement
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Excellent belay device. Does everything it needs to do for an assisted braking device. The direct harness attachment is much safer that I expected, as a tab keeps it from opening while on the belay loop. The feeding rate is quite smooth, allowing a tube style belay when slowly moving slack. Although, some thick, stiff ropes might feel a little clunky in the device. Overall I prefer this to my Gri-gri, and won't be going back anytime soon. I might even have to get a second one since my buddy keeps borrowing mine all the time!
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