The Petzl Reverso 3 is an ultra-light, multi-purpose, and easy to use rappel/belay device that can work well with ropes of different sizes for rappelling and belaying.
It features friction channels that are asymmetrically grooved in a V-shape. These allow the regulation of the breaking friction on the rope according to its diameter, flexibility, condition, and maneuver. The design also increases braking power in case of a fall or when rappelling.
When taking up slack, the rope also smoothly glides through the Reverso. The device is regarded as rope friendly as it does not kink ropes. It can be used for belaying with double as well as single ropes. It can quickly and effectively brake half and twin ropes with diameters of 7.5 mm or larger. For single ropes, braking is most effective with those with diameters of 8.9 mm or larger.
When mountain climbing on multi-pitch routes, the device can be used to belay seconding climbers in Reverso mode, but with the clipping of a carabiner into the carabiner hole, it can quickly change into a belaying device for the leader.