No longer is the DMM Belay Master the main contender for a carabiner to prevent crossloading when belaying.

Crossloading is when the carabiner rotates when belaying and the belay loop and belay device align themselves opposite the short or gated sides, rather than down the long length of the carabiner. Carabiners are substantially weaker in this alignment so is best avoided. The Gridlock uses a system to prevent the carabiner rotating.  As you open the gate the closed off section opens so that you can effectively trap your belay loop when the screwgate is closed. This will keep the Gridlock in the correct orientation when in use, and will not rotate.

In addition to this defining feature the Gridlock has a large rope radius meaning that most belay devices will work with is, and a larger radius is a little kinder to your climbing rope.

In our opinion the Black Diamond Gridlock or the DMM Belay Master are a good idea, and are worthy of consideration as a belay carabiner.

Features

• Hot-forged construction
• Patent-pending design eliminates cross loading while belaying
• I-beam spine transitions into a rounded, large rope-bearing surface
• Intuitive and easy-to-use design
• Screwgate sleeve
• Keylock nose

Specification

• Weight: 76g
• Closed Gate Strength: 22 kN
• Open Gate Strength: 8 kN
• Minor Axis Strength: 7 kN
• Gate Opening: 21 mm