Abstract: The invention is a device capable of providing fall protection for a climber, which enables the climber to remain suspended after a fall, or to descend in a controlled manner. The device utilizes a safety line, which is governed by a novel combination of: a mechanism which applies a continuous level of resistance to the safety line, and a variable force which pulls on the safety line in the opposite direction of a climber's descent during a fall. Together, these two forces serve to hinder the free travel of the safety line in the direction of a fall. The variable opposing force, when fully applied to the safety line, combines with the continuously applied resistance to arrest the climber's fall. However, when this opposing force is applied to a lesser degree, the combination of resistance applied against the safety line is not sufficient to suspend the climber, and the climber can descend.