A Mad Rock Safeguard is a highly reviewed and recommended device for one-stick saddle hunting. It’s an excellent tool for rigging and rescue work.
You just need a little force, and it will lock itself onto the rope without fear of sliding or creeping.
However, sometimes, due to budget, availability, and other factors, some people consider looking for the best alternatives to this device. If you have arrived here for the same purpose, I’d like to share some unique and similar alternatives to the Mad Rock Safeguard.
High-End Substitutes To The Mad Rock Safeguard
It’s not hard to find or create a substitute for a device like this when several options are available in the market.
For instance, you can use the following listed alternatives when you don’t have the Madrock Safeguard.
- Beal Bridie
- Trango Vergo
- Petzl GriGri+
- Prusik Hitch
- Figure 8 Plate And Friction Hitch
- An ATC Device
For sure, according to many buyers, a Madrock Safeguard is a great device when you are using it for saddle hunting. It helps climb and descend from the trees with added safety and protection. You can use it on trees even if it’s a dark time.
But just in case you are not having this product near you, let’s give you some better or similar alternatives. The above-listed options are explained as follows.
- Beal Bridie
Do you want something better in size, price, and functionality as an alternative to the Madrock Safeguard?
Well, look at this first compelling alternative with Beal Bridie.
This device is another brake-assisted belay device that can be used for the same purpose of saddle hunting while climbing up and down from the trees.
In a compact size, it is ergonomic for a better grip. You can use it with all single dynamic ropes that come in 8.5 to 10.5mm.
Therefore, it would be great if you want to use it as an alternative to the Madrock Safeguard.
Also Read: Differences Between Mad Rock Safeguard And LifeGuard Belay Devices.
- Trango Vergo
The second alternative to the Madrock Safeguard device is the Trango Vergo which also comes with the same features.
You can have it to deliver a fantastic safe performance while climbing or repealing from the trees.
The device has clear physical and other visual indicators to maximize its correct usage. Besides, it has a smooth feeding and lowering system that completes your experience.
The design is most compact, so one can quickly grab it in the hands while climbing. Moreover, it is also cheaper than the Madrock Safeguard.
- Petzl GriGri+
This Belay device comes in multiple colors and is cheaper than the Madrock Safeguard.
It can be used for a broad range of single rope diameters ranging from 8.5 to 11mm.
Only an experienced belayer must use this device for his streamlined saddle-hunting operations.
Whether you are learning climbing in the gym or at the crag, it doesn’t matter. It will serve you anywhere.
The device also comes with an added level of comfort and easy useability.
In addition, with some excellently designed handled camming mechanisms, it provides better controls. It is ready to take the place of your Madrock Safeguard.
- Prusik Hitch
Consider doing it traditionally if you don’t want to buy devices like the Madrock Safeguard for those climbing adventures.
Using the rope, one can quickly learn how to tie a prusik knot that helps climbers climb on any surface.
In this case, two prusik looks are alternatively slid up the static rope. In this way, you can climb trees and come down safely when there is no device like the Safeguard.
- Figure 8 Plate And Friction Hitch
Most climbers have recommended using a Figure 8 plate and friction hitch system instead of a Madrock Safeguard.
It is one of the easiest and quickest methods of climbing or repealing trees using only one rope.
You can create yours in case you come up with a separate and dedicated rappel line.
On top of that, this system doesn’t cost much, not even near the Madrock Safeguard, and that’s why it is recommended as an alternative to our mentioned device.
- An ATC Device
It’s also good to use an ATC device for one rope climbing when you don’t have the Safeguard.
An ideal ATC device can efficiently work on ropes of 7.0 to 9mm for twin or double ropes and 8.5 to 10.5mm for single strings.
On top of that, it is less expensive than our compared unit and ensures complete safety.
It would require a minimum force, and your climbing and repealing won’t be a problem anymore.
Is Madrock Safeguard Worth It?
It’s a suitable device when you need something safer and highly durable to climb those impossible heights.
A Safeguard works well with ropes ranging from 8.1mm to 11mm in diameter when performing rescue. And it works better with 8.9 to 11 mm diameter ropes when climbing.
The heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel construction ensure that the device won’t break up in the middle of this extreme importance. Moreover, it gives you the confidence to climb or repeal any height you aim for.
Also Read: Differences Between GriGri And Mad Rock Safeguard Belay Device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Madrock Safeguard is a belay device that helps rescue or climb trees on a single rope. When you are using it, you are safer and protected.
The device has all the information in the user manual to help you use it easily. Just insert the ropes, grab the handle and begin your saddle hunting or any climbing adventure.
Yes, you can rappel with the Mammut smart because it is another excellent device to use for climbing or repealing from the trees.
Last Words
If you have the Madrock Safeguard and are currently using it, I don’t think you’d need any Madrock Safeguard Alternative.
But for any reason, such as the price, compatibility, portability, availability, or other factors that have made you look for its alternative, you can choose from the above-explained ones.
Choosing an alternative place for this handy device from the ones I have explained here will give you the same benefits. But there could be price variations and other specifications with a specific device.
