After an almost 2 year absence, I finally returned to the indoor climbing wall this week with my daughter. And she loved it BIG time: hauling herself up 20+ metre climbs, and springing back while being lowered without a care in the world... literally (I told her to stop or we'd get thrown out... I really didn't mind though, she was so happy and in her element. She's 11)
I used a petzl reverso, which was just about okay. But ideally I'd like an assisted-braking device for extra safety and for lowering more smoothly. Preferably I'd like one that can pay out slack without jamming in case she wants to lead climb at some point.
I've done some research and the Beal Birdie looks good to me. But the simplicity of the Black Diamond ATC Pilot looks good also. There's the expensive Wild Country Revo to consider - is it worth the extra money? And the grigri is popular but known for not being the best at paying out slack.
It's a big investment so any help would be great.
I know this topic has been discussed before so apologies if it seems like I'm covering old ground. Its just that I believe there may have been few more models introduced to the market since then.
Kind regards
Richard