"Following some manufacturing problems there is currently no ETA for this product. It has not been completely abandoned, but it's arrival is certainly not imminent."
Despite the supposed benefits of this device it always seemed to me to be over complicating a very simple device, and £45 for a belay device is pretty steep when you can get a bug for £12 or a reverso for £22 and the grip device can't even be used in guide mode.
It's not really in competition with those devices though is it. It's an assisted braking device designed for increased grip when lead belaying, probably at bolted venues. Just like super skinny ropes or alpine harnesses it's not a device I would always choose but it's one I would like in my arsenal.
In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
Your only going to carry one.
I use a Mega Jul. Love it. Simple to use and very safe.
Cant see any point in guide mode, Im not a guide. For trad multi pitch routes I cant be arsed changing the belay arrangement when my partner leads through.
They were, and perhaps given the comment still are, having problems with the mass production of it. Not sure of the exact issue, but it's to do with the manufacturing rather than the concept/safety.
No idea, but DMM have form for doing this. Hope they sort it out because it looked like a good idea, but there have been quite a few good looking products in their work books and at the shows down the years that never actually made it into the shops. I'm still waiting for their handled ice screws!
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...
Gear News The Art of Climbing – Out Now
Podcast Mountain Air - 8. J. Robert Harris on a Lifetime of Adventure
Press Release Alpkit and Outside Bank Holiday Hathersage Tent Show 4-5th May