In reply to John Kelly:
Ok i didn't mean really furry I meant when the ropes are about 50% through their usable life (if you retire due to how abraided the rope is rather than for age alone.)
I used to have 8mm mammit Phoenix and the bugette was generally good on these although
I preferred the hb air Marshall as it is grabbier than a normal plate but smoother than the bugette especially as the ropes aged. Both devices can be problematic in winter if the ropes Ice up a bit
I replaced my 8mm with 8.5 genesis and I wasn't happy with the bugette on these from new as the rope just didn't feed nearly smoothly enough (perhaps it's ok on some other 8.5) although the hb air Marshall is ok until the ropes fur up quite a bit (but still in their safely useable life span)
One thing worth mentioning is if you buy skinny ropes (I don't consider 8.5 skinny) it's worth getting two skinny rope belay devices one for you and one for your climbing partner.
Post edited at 10:07