EDELRID GigaJul Belay Device

Curated from 77 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 13, 2025

EDELRID GigaJul Belay Device

Brand: EDELRID
Price: $59
Snoop Score:
7.7
Sentiment
7.7
Popularity
9.7
Technical
7.8

Snoop's Take

The EDELRID GigaJul Belay Device is a versatile and intelligent belaying tool designed for climbers seeking both performance and safety. Featuring a hybrid design with lightweight aluminum and durable stainless steel, it excels in various belaying techniques while facilitating smooth abseiling and rope handling. Consumer feedback highlights its strengths, particularly noting the lightweight construction and its effective use in guide mode, with one user stating, "Giga Jul is the answer. I trained with ATC and the switch is smooth and intuitive." However, concerns arise regarding safety when not used with a carabiner, and some users have reported issues with the MicroJul not locking effectively in certain modes. Overall, the product is generally well-received for its design and functionality, making it a popular choice among climbers. Based on user feedback and performance reviews, the EDELRID GigaJul Belay Device is recommended for climbers looking for a reliable and adaptable belaying solution, though users should remain aware of its limitations during usage.

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These are really good carabiners and I expect mine to last quite a while with the steel insert.

Positive Feedback

MicroJul doesn't lock off in locking mode (not even a little) which kind of defeats the purpose.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.7
EDELRID GigaJul Belay Device
Beginner Belaying
5 / 10
Sport Climbing
8 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
4 / 10
Gym & Top-Rope Training
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Belay & Rappel Equipment

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Lightweight aluminum construction
These are really good carabiners and I expect mine to last quite a while with the steel insert.
Palantir has now developed two principal software platforms, Palantir Gotham which serves primarily the intelligence community, and Palantir Foundry for commercial purposes.
Fire me in the middle of a project, have me wipe my phone and computer? Good luck with that....
Edelrid MicroJul is suitable for thin ropes
I don’t know of other figure 8s but there is a Edelrid micro jul and a bd atc guide specifically made for thin ropes.
Works in guide mode
Works in guide mode, but also auto locks (or brake assists) like a grigri.
Versatile for various belaying techniques
Giga Jul is the answer. I trained with ATC and the switch is smooth and intuitive.
Durable steel construction
Personally I use the Jul 2 simply because I got a great deal for one.
Streamlined design for easy clipping
Clipping it on the harness is neat for sure (feels streamlined) and it runs exactly the same as a grigri.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
MicroJul doesn't lock off effectively in locking mode
MicroJul doesn't lock off in locking mode (not even a little) which kind of defeats the purpose.
Concerns about safety when using without carabiner
I woudnt use thin dynema slings on it. When belaying from a fixed point, id use a carabiner because i would like some more speration from the central point anyway.
I guess it’s good to know the limitations anyway incase one does something stupid like forgetting to take enough lockers on lead.
Potential for incorrect usage scenarios
That is exactly the moment I saw and was concerned about, among other possible incorrect use cases that I could see how someone could mistakenly make.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on suitable devices for 6mm ropes
Rappel Devices for 6mm Rope? What is/would be your preffered way to rappel on a 6mm rope like the petzl rad line?
Besides the hardware recommendations, Super Munter is my preference for 8mm and under.
Edelrid mago 8 and grivel scream are the only devices I am familiar of actually being rated for such skinny ropes.
Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide and two Petzl Attache carabiners works well
Curiosity about gear functionality
I feel like I'm missing something lol.
Assisted braking belay devices I'm just getting into outdoor climbing and looking for my first assisted braking belay device.
If it's due to a large weight difference, then investing in an Edelrid Ohm would be a good idea even with an assisted braking device.
Discussion about various rappelling devices for thin ropes
My Petzl reverso works for rappelling with it if I use two carabiners (as Petzl recommends), but I know Mammut used to make a figure of 8 specifically for thin ropes.
Second vote for Munter or Supermunter, thinnest rope I've rappelled on is an 8mm static.
I've rapped on 6 mm cord with plenty of friction settings left to add.
Maybe check out the Sterling ATS? Theoretically should work.
Preference for assisted braking devices in climbing
Having tried it in only one session so far, it seems good and I like that I can hold my braking hand in a certain position and still be able to pay out slack easily by pulling up with my other hand, so there isn't a huge change in belaying technique for me.
Discussion on alternatives to Grigri for assisted braking
Feeding slack with it can be a little finicky when you start belaying with it first though, but there a lot of little tricks you can use.
I like the mammut smart, easier to pay out than a grigri I find

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on minimizing gear for climbing
What must-have tools do you carry on every multi-pitch trad climb?
Pretty similar to you but I'm trying to minimise weight, so I wouldn't carry - gri gri, gloves, microtraxion
The gunks is the most well-manicured trad area in the world, and it's at most 3 pitches long.
Even though I had some gear for a rescue, my partner (who had led the first pitch) didn’t, and didn’t really know what to do.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on preferences for belay devices
I am happy to shell out some extra money for a Grigri over the Jul2 if it means I'll be safer as a belayer
Comparison of different belay devices
Seems like most people in these comments have experience with a lot of different belay devices depending on the situation, so I will aim for that eventually!
Discussion about beginner climbing gear preferences
Any ATC, granted you know how to use it properly, will be fine.
Just get an ATC Guide or ATC-XP.
You're over thinking it. Just get an ATC Guide or ATC-XP. Rocklock works fine, it comes in a set w
Comparison of various belay devices
+1 for the jul 2 (i use a megajul but it’s essentially the same).
All the geometry-assisted devices (Jul 2, Smart, Pilot) all work and handle similarly; if one feels intuitive to you they all will.
Discussion about personal preferences for belay devices
Edelrid Megajul belay device. Used once but I prefer a Grigri.
This all comes down to personal preference (and often leads to heated debates).
Discussion on preferences for lead belaying
Best Belay device for multi-pitch climbing
I use a GriGri for both lead belaying the leader and top-roping up a follower when I'm leading.
ATC all day every day for multipitch. The versatility and simplicity is hard to beat.
Recommendations for beginner belay devices
It is comparatively easy to use.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion on newer belay devices
Given that you are still new to climbing (or at least gear ownership) I’d strongly recommend staying with the more established gear types.
Discussion on limitations of the device
I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be possible, especially since it's also targeted toward rope access.

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