Petzl Verso Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Petzl Verso | |||||
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Awards | Best Bang for the Buck | ||||
Price | $28.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $33.88 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $37 List $36.95 at Amazon | $39.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $24.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Smooth rope handling and a simple design all packed in to a mere two ounces | Simple, durable, and optimal value for multi pitch climbs | Same as other auto-blocking tube devices with an additional feature that helps lower a follower | Ideal for alpine environments where the ropes are slim and the ounces count | Low price pairs well with the basic tube style design and reliability |
Rating Categories | Petzl Verso | Black Diamond ATC G... | DMM Pivot | Petzl Reverso | Black Diamond ATC XP |
Catch and Bite (30%) | |||||
Lowering and Rappelling (30%) | |||||
Feeding Slack (20%) | |||||
Weight and Bulk (10%) | |||||
Auto Block (10%) | |||||
Specs | Petzl Verso | Black Diamond ATC G... | DMM Pivot | Petzl Reverso | Black Diamond ATC XP |
Style | Tube style | Auto-block tube | Auto-block tube | Auto-block tube | Tube style |
Recommended Rope Diameter (Single) | 8.5 mm - 11 mm | 8.9 mm - 11 mm | 8.7 mm - 11 mm | 8.5 mm - 10.5 mm | 9 mm - 11 mm |
Recommended Rope Diameter (Half) | 7.1 mm - 9.2 mm | 8.1 mm - 11 mm | 7.3 mm - 9.2 mm | 7.1 mm - 9.2 mm | 7.7 mm - 11 mm |
Recommended Rope Diameter (Twin) | 6.9 mm - 9.2 mm | 8.1 mm - 11 mm | 7.3 mm - 9.2 mm | 6.9 mm - 9.2 mm | 8 mm - 11 mm |
Weight (oz) | 2 oz | 2.8 oz | 2.5 oz | 2.2 oz | 2.2 oz |
Double Rope Rappel? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Belay Off Anchor? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Assisted Braking? | No | No | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Petzl Verso is a classic tube-style manual belay device with additional friction grooves on one side and is the lightest device in our review. It is also the simplest, and the most affordable.
Don't confuse our discussion of belay devices here for actual instruction in how to use one. Check out this page released by Petzl, which includes many videos that properly instruct on how to use a simple tube-style belay device such as this one, and also the downloadable PDF instructions for use.
Performance Comparison
Catch/Bite
It is hard to differentiate between the catch of the Verso and other tube-style devices because they are so similar. All provide good braking strength in their higher friction modes for catching lead falls. When locking off a resting climber, however, we noticed the two teeth on the Verso two is less than the three teeth on devices made by Black Diamond, which produced greater friction, saving our grip strength for climbing instead of belaying. This cost the Verso a point in this category.
Lowering/Rappelling
Lowering and rappelling is very similar with all the classic tube devices. Each is capable of rappelling double strands and locking off when you need to do some untangling. We tried to test them with lots of different ropes to identify subtler differences. Ultimately, we found the Verso (and Reverso) provided slightly more friction than the Black Diamond competition. This might demonstrate why the Petzl devices are approved down to 7.5 mm instead of BD's 7.7 mm limit.
Feeding Slack
Like catch and lowering, feeding slack was also nearly identical between the tube devices. Devices of this style are the simplest and our favorite for feeding slack to a leader because they let us do so with the least possible hand movements. We did notice a tiny bit more jerkiness pulling rope through the Verso, but this had little bearing on overall performance.
Weight/Bulk
Weighing in at 2.0 oz, the Verso is the lightest and smallest belay device we tested. The difference wasn't enormous though (three devices came within 0.3 ounces of it), but this is the ideal choice for weight-conscious minimalists.
Auto-block (resistance belaying a second)
The Verso is not designed to be used to belay a follower directly off an anchor. In a multi-pitch situation, you can use it to belay directly off your harness redirected through the anchor. We examine nine devices capable of auto-block mode in our review, and we recommend that you choose one of those instead if you intend to do much multi-pitching, as this feature is very nice in those situations.
Value
The Petzl Verso isn't the cheapest belay device on the market but it is one of the cheapest in this review. It's frequently on sale so look around if you're on a tight budget.
Conclusion
Overall the Petzl Verso fulfills its role as a basic tube-style belay device. These designs are great for new or experienced climbers that appreciate simplicity and a good deal. When compared with its direct competition in this class though, we noticed a few small drawbacks in lock-off strength and durability. Nevertheless, the Verso is a capable belay device and well worth your consideration.