NEW: ZAED pro & ZAED mini
We're now releasing ZAED in two new versions:
🔹 ZAED Pro
This version includes an integrated camming mechanism that supports whippers at the first bolt. It’s designed for allround climbers who want a single device for both gym use and outdoor climbing – especially at classic crags with high first bolts, where support at the first bolt can be critical to avoid ground falls.
🔹 ZAED Mini
A stripped-down version weighing only 100 grams, optimized for climbers who mostly climb in the gym or at modern sport crags with very low first bolts. The mini doesn't offer first-bolt support – because in such routes, the rope above the first bolt is simply too long to safely catch a fall. No device can override the laws of physics here.
VIDEO
ZAED is our climbing brake assistant that makes it possible for lighter climbing partners to belay heavier climbers. Like our famous first-generation device, it offers three adjustable levels of assistance – so you can dial in the right setting based on your weight difference, rope type, and belay style.
Unlike other devices, ZAED doesn't try to keep the belayer on the ground at all costs. Its core design principle is that the belayer is gently lifted toward the first bolt in a controlled manner. This results in a soft and smooth catch – and climbers around the world tell us that using ZAED feels like climbing with a partner of the same weight.
And the best part? You don’t need to learn new belay techniques. Just belay like you’re used to when climbing with someone your own weight – that’s it.
🧪 What’s New in This Generation
🧷 First Bolt Support (ZAED pro only)
For climbers heading outdoors, far from perfectly bolted gyms or modern crags, ZAED pro offers extra protection at the first bolt. A ground fall risk still exists – no device can remove that entirely – but if the rope above the first bolt is short enough, ZAED pro provides significant braking support. This makes a big difference at old-school crags with notoriously high first bolts, like Frankenjura, Elbsandstein, or the Red River Gorge.
🔁 Uniform Geometry
ZAED pro and mini share the same functional geometry, meaning falls from the second bolt upward feel the same in both devices. The cam in the pro only activates during falls at the first bolt. Above that, fall support works just like in ZAED 1 – through rope deflection and friction – giving that familiar smooth belay experience our customers (and their ankles) love.
Our lab tests prove that this sets ZAED completely apart from all other devices in the market.
⚖️ Reduced Weight
ZAED mini: 100 g
ZAED pro: 161 g
This makes them by far the lightest brake assistants on the planet.
🧵 Optimized Level 1 Performance
Modern ropes – with fiber impregnation and small diameters – were pushing the limits of Level 1 in ZAED 1. The new generation features a slightly more active Level 1, providing reliable brake assistance even with modern, skinny ropes.
📘 Level Recommendations
Our new user manual includes clear guidance on which level setting to choose based on your weight difference, rope diameter, and belayer behavior.
🪢 Improved Rope Feed
We’ve increased the internal cross-section of the device significantly. This means feeding rope is now even smoother – despite the reduced device weight. In ZAED 1, some users experienced unwanted blocking in Level 3 with thick or worn ropes. That issue is now resolved: Level 3 runs smoothly even with bulkier ropes.
🔩 Improved Durability & Repairability
In the first ZAED generation, the rear deflection point was made of aluminum. Three of our customers managed to wear this part down with extremely heavy use. Because we use screws, not rivets, we were able to replace the worn parts easily.
For the new generation, all deflection points are now made of stainless steel, providing maximum abrasion resistance and a significantly longer device lifetime.
And for ZAED 1 users – don’t worry: We’ve stocked plenty of replacement parts. We’re committed to keeping your gear working and to minimizing environmental impact. There’s no need to buy the new device if you are satisfied with the old one just because yours is aging.
I truly hope that this will help us to counteract the buying frenzy a little bit, in order to conserve global resources. There's no planet B, let's protect the one we live on as good as we can.
🏭 Quality – Made in the Allgäu
At raed, we used the profits from ZAED 1 to invest in new machinery. This means we now produce most parts of the new ZAEDs right here in Kempten.
From machining, anodizing, and laser-marking to sewing and final assembly – over 75% of the production happens on-site.
So no “Made in Asia” – just genuine manufacturing by workers here at home.
We’re very proud of that.
🙋♂️ Real Feedback, No Hype
We don’t pay sponsored athletes to tell you how amazing our device is.
Instead, we let the people speak who really matter – our paying customers. Climbers who use ZAED in real life. People who trust our gear because it works – not because we paid them to say so.