All sport climbing belay devices have their own and specific operation mode. During belaying paying out rope, taking in rope, lowering and holding are the standard operation situations. And in between those operations? How do position your device while none of these actions is required? Every device has an ideal “base position” in which it is easy and relaxed for the belayer to pause, the system is locked and the belayer is prepared to react fast – either paying out rope or taking in. In this episode we show the ideal perfect base position for autotube belay devices with thumbrest.