Head Rush Technologies (Head Rush), a leading manufacturer of adventure and recreation equipment, continues its storied success in the auto-belay market with the release of the TRUBLUE® iQ and the iQ+ with Catch-and-Hold technology. The TRUBLUE iQ is currently available, and the iQ+ with Catch-andHold belay will be available in 2022.
The new TRUBLUE iQ series comes with a suite of bells and whistles, including a built-in back bumper and the same magnetic braking technology used in all TRUBLUEs. Compared to the original TRUBLUE, the iQ and iQ+ are smaller, lighter, and more durable.
The iQ+, with Catch-and-Hold belay, is a first-of-its-kind auto-belay. Climbers can activate Catch-and-Hold by pressing an “on” button at the bottom of the route; and at the top, an “off” button to be lowered to the ground without pause. When the technology is not activated, the iQ+ functions like a normal auto belay device.

It will be possible to upgrade iQ devices to iQ+ for a fee, once available. The original TRUBLUEs, for their part, are being discontinued and will be sold to depletion. According to the TRUBLUE announcement, Head Rush “will continue to service first-generation models and offer replacement parts.”