What is the difference between a belay device and a descender?

• A. There is no difference; they are the same device
• B. A belay device is used only for anchors; a descender is only for hoisting
• C. A belay device controls rope friction for belaying/feeding rope; a descender is for controlled descent
• D. A belay device is for rope storage; a descender measures rope tension

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how each device is meant to control rope movement in a climb. A belay device is used by the person on belay to manage the rope as the climber moves—primarily to feed rope to the climber and, more importantly, to brake and stop a fall by creating friction. It’s about keeping the climber safe during ascent or when stalling on a move, with the belayer’s hand providing the brake.

A descender is built for controlled downward movement. It’s used for rappelling or lowering a climber, where you regulate speed by adjusting how the rope passes through the device, typically with a hand brake to manage friction.

So the difference is the function: belay devices manage rope friction for belaying and feeding rope, while descenders provide controlled descent. The other ideas aren’t accurate because belay devices aren’t just for anchors or rope storage, and a descender isn’t used for belaying.