Edelrid

Mega Jul Belay Device

My all time favorite device

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Lightweight, versatile, and extremely durable, what's not to love? There is a slight learning curve when learning to lead belay or lower with it as you need to keep a thumb in the loop in order to release the brake assist. However, once you get comfortable this feels very natural. One thing to be mindful of is the carabineer used when setting up a follower belay. It works best with more square-bared HMS-style carabineers. Read the manual and practice and it becomes easy to set up. The durability of this device is just ridiculous. I've used it 3-4 sessions per week, for months, both outdoors and indoors, and it's only now starting to show tiny signs of wear. The assisted brake is also fantastic. It holds the climber in place without issue, unless you use a thinner rope. Then it can creep millimeters at a time, but only if you completely relax the brake hand (something you should never do anyway). So sure, nothing is perfect. But it's much lighter than a GriGri, and can belay two followers, doesn't have any moving parts like the Gigajul (and it is lighter than the Gigajul)

My go to belay device! Highly Recommend!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Lightweight and does it all. Definitely added piece of mind when your belayer has one. If they aren't paying attention or something happens to them the assisted braking kicks in you are going to have a way better chance. It's great for beginners learning to belay in case something happens like a mistake hopefully won't free fall like other devices. Also get the recommended carabiner for it. If your only getting one device, this would be a great one!

Best in value and versatility

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I learned how to lead belay with the jul, so I dont have experience in the difference between it and the grigri. But I've converted a few diehard grigri fans over to the jul now. They have all loved the cost, assisted brake, versatility, and lightweight nature of the jul vs the grigri. I have been given many compliments on how smooth and safe people feel when I belay them with the jul, its especially smooth if you use the bulletproof hms biner. It does take some time to develop good technique, but this device can do it all!

All-around beast

I bought a mega jul a few days ago and after a few uses I love it. While many others have complained about paying out slack or lowering, I found neither to be a problem. For a product at this weight and price, there is nothing that gives you better piece of mind on a belay or rappel.