the pinch edelrid

The Pinch from EDELRID: a versatile assisted braking belayer with direct connection to the harness

EDELRID presents the Pinch, a new assisted braking belayer designed for sport climbing, multi-pitch routes, and rope access. Its main innovation lies in its direct connection to the central ring of the harness, eliminating the need for a carabiner. This design offers significant advantages in terms of safety, ease of use, and rope control on the braking side. Additionally, the steel braking grooves allow for smooth rope progression and optimal control of thin and soft ropes during descent and rappel. Versatile and pleasant to use, the Pinch also integrates an anti-panic function.

“We wanted to enrich our range with a mechanical belayer that works regardless of the angle of the hand on the braking side. Our goal was to bring the device closer to the body, and we achieved this thanks to the direct connection to the harness. This allows for more direct feedback for the belayer, who can give 20 to 30 cm of slack with a single gesture, without the device swinging or needing to be held. The risk of transverse loading on the carabiner is also eliminated,” explains Philippe Westenberger, product manager at EDELRID. Find the complete range of Edelrid belaying equipment on Alpinstore.

Direct connection to the harness

The Pinch is the first device on the market to connect directly to the central ring of the harness. This configuration places it lower and closer to the body, making the belaying system more compact. The belayer no longer needs to hold the device between the index finger and thumb to give slack quickly. It is enough to place the thumb on the braking mechanism, allowing the four fingers to remain on the rope on the braking side for increased safety. In the event of an unexpected fall, the fingers reflexively contract and the thumb automatically releases from the device. Additionally, the belayer can easily switch hands without having to hold the device, simplifying use on both the left and right. Finally, the proximity to the body offers increased reach, allowing for quick and effective slack management.


Linear rope progression

During descent, the rope slides linearly through the steel braking grooves, allowing the belayer to control speed through the pressure applied by the hand on the braking side, in addition to the lever. One of the advantages is that the rope does not twist since it passes directly through the device, providing total control during descent or rappel. Furthermore, the steel grooves increase durability and prevent unsightly discoloration caused by friction on aluminum, a particularly appreciated feature for soft and thin ropes.


Deactivatable anti-panic function

The Pinch is equipped with an anti-panic function, making it particularly suitable for beginners. If the braking lever is pulled too far back, the system automatically locks, stopping the rope and interrupting the climber's descent. However, this can pose a problem with lightweight climbers, thick ropes, or in cases of high friction, as the belayer may activate and deactivate this function more frequently. Once the anti-panic is activated, it is possible to continue the descent without this function by pulling on the lever again.


Versatile use

The design of the new Pinch belayer offers many advantages, especially for multi-pitch climbing. It can be used with a carabiner, useful when more space is needed between the belayer and the anchor sling. Additionally, it can be attached to the anchor in four different ways, always allowing for optimal positioning of the lever. The Pinch is also the only device that allows for a 90-degree rotation on the anchor.

For rope access, it functions as a compact descender and positioning device, offering excellent maneuverability, especially with thin ropes. Professionals specialized in route opening or other tasks where the anti-panic function might hinder can permanently deactivate it using an included screw.

Moreover, thanks to its lightweight and compactness, the Pinch is easy to carry for a last climbing session after work. Its direct connection to the harness, smooth rope passage, deactivatable anti-panic function, and second level of braking make it a revolutionary tool for assisted braking belaying.





The Pinch awarded the ISPO AWARD 2024

The PINCH, new innovative belayer from EDELRID, has been awarded the ISPO Award 2024 at OutDoor by ISPO 2024. The first belayer to connect directly to the harness, it stood out for its proximity to the body, ease of use, optimal rope control on the braking side, and enhanced safety.

Its unique design, which allows for a direct and carabiner-free connection to the central ring of the harness, impressed the jury. This makes the belaying system more compact while allowing for easy slack management without having to block the device, ensuring better handling and increased safety. The risk of transverse loading on the carabiner is eliminated, and the steel braking grooves provide smooth rope progression, especially during descents and rappels. The PINCH is also equipped with a deactivatable anti-panic function, and its versatility in sport climbing, multi-pitch routes, and route opening has been particularly noted.

“We are thrilled that the jury recognized the quality of the PINCH and our innovative work on mechanical belaying systems,” stated Orlando Zaddach, marketing manager at EDELRID.

ispo the pinch edelrid

About the brand EDELRID

Founded in 1863, EDELRID has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly in the field of ropes and climbing gear. The brand's products are designed for mountain and climbing activities but also find their place in professional sectors such as workplace safety, industrial climbing, tree trimming, and high-altitude rescue. EDELRID stands out for its spirit of innovation and commitment to sustainability.
Specializing in the design and manufacture of ropes, EDELRID launched the first bluesign® certified ropes on the market. Production is entirely carried out at the company's headquarters in Isny im Allgäu, where 60% of all products, including all ropes, are manufactured, ensuring high quality and functionality. In 2017, the climbing shoe brand Red Chili joined the EDELRID range, followed in 2022 by the integration of ABS Sports + Protection GmbH & Co. KG, a specialist in avalanche backpacks.

the pinch edelrid


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