Edelrid Jul 2 Belay Device

Absolute perfect gym or single pitch belay device. It is super easy to use, pays out/takes in slack super easily, and lowering is really smooth with lots of control (use the non-brake hand to tilt the device backward). Paying out slack is easy, you just have to remember to use your thumb on your brake hand to keep the device unlocked. I like using this way more than my partners' grigri's and the extra security of the assisted brake vs. a standard tube is very comforting.

Such a great device, all steel construction. Will last forever, I pair it with the Edelrid Bruce steel carabiner, which has shown no wear after weekly climbing sessions for over a year. Lowering takes a little getting used to but once you got it it can be just as smooth lowering as a grigri. By far the best device for GIVING SLACK QUICKLY. So so Important for save gym climbing, short roping sucks!! I’m a fan buy it and you’ll never regret it!

The Jul2 is safe, ergonomic, and easy to use. Perfect for sport climbing. It works perfectly with even the skinniest ropes on the market and I have never had a problem with slippage. If you are used to the GriGri it will take a session to get used to but the learning curve is short and well worth it. Lowering is also very smooth and efficient.

Simple design, really nifty to use! Took a little bit to figure it out, but I love how smooth it is.

This belay device is the absolute best for top rope! They should start all beginner top rope belayers off with this thing. It adds an extra fail safe and locks up great. Unlike the previous mega jul which had issues with bigger ropes, JUL2 has no problem with them. Great for lead climbs also, so smooth at paying out slack, and lowering the climber all i have to say is try this belay device and you wont regret it

I agree with the previous reviewer completely. This device is really easy to use and very trustworthy. It will lock right and not budge until you force the rope through. Fantastic piece of gear that's affordable. Get it!

If you don't need a 2-slot belay device, this is really the best. The simplicity and reliability of a tube device, but with an actual mechanical failsafe - if you let go, it stops the rope! I'm surprised climbing gyms haven't started to require this instead of standard tube devices. It is about the same weight as a BD ATC Guide. I am an absolute convert.

I've used the jul 2 as my primary device while cragging and gym climbing since July, around 200 pitches outdoors. Device has been paired with the Edelrid Strike carabiner, it works best with this carabiner.

For the fat to mid size ropes most people tend to crag/gym climb with of 9.6-10.3 it works great. Your average gym climber who doesn't want to drop the coin on a grigri, but would like some brake assistance will really like this device. Advantages over mega jul:

* Pays out slack to a leader MUCH smoother. While sport climbing when a leader needs to go for a high clip fast I can pay out two arm lengths of slack very fast, never worry about shorting them again (happened with mega jul even after months of use).

* Easier to use in normal "tube device" style. The mega jul locked too easily, I found myself lead belaying with my thumb pulling up on the wire almost constantly. It's much easier to keep a firm hand on the brake strand and pay out just like using an ATC.

* Stainless runs down around the thumb cable. This makes it nicer for lowering your climber and paying out slack quickly. On the mega jul you could have the rope drag on the crease of your thumb, not chance of that with this.

* Smoother lowering, it's easier to hit the leverage "sweet spot" than with a mega jul.

* Slight bit of slip before lock up. Less than with a regular tube device, not ass aggressive as a grigri. For trad I think this is an advantage to possibly reduce peak force on your placement. For sport where that doesn't matter I still prefer the hard lockup of a grigri, it's easier to time my jump for a soft catch.

No product is without flaws. The downside to the nice feed of the jul 2 is that it provides less assistance on thinner ropes. There is a chart that comes with the device for recommended climber weight to rope diameter. In general I would not use this device for skinny single

Assisted braking devices have come a long way. Some included mechanical assisted braking. This simply uses design to perform the same assisted braking.

Great for gym climbing!