Trango's B-52™ is the first belay device which was designed from a total performance point-of-view. In developing the B-52™ Trango didn't stop designing when they got a device that had great stopping power. That part was easy. The rockered bottom of the B-52™ allows you to stop falls with solid authority, regardless of what rope diameter you’re using. Nobody wants to get pumped hauling rope through a belay device so they made sure that the feed was easy and smooth. Additionally, it’s next to impossible the get a rope jam when you’re feeding rope, so short-roping your leader is a thing of the past. Rappelling with the B-52™ is a thing of beauty. The B-52™ allows extremely smooth starts and controlled descents all the way down. For advanced climbers and guides doing multi-pitch routes, the B-52™ can be used as an "autoblock" device that will lock the rope automatically when the leader is bringing up a climber from below. And in a pinch, the B-52™ can be used as an emergency ascender. The B-52™ is CNC machined from 7075-T6 aluminum so it will last 2 to 3 times longer than other devices. The carrying cable is 1x19 stainless steel standing rigging cable (the same stuff used in a lot of U-frame cams) so it won’t get sucked into your rope and it’s sheathed in a tough nylon-6 housing that won’t abrade through after a couple of climbs.