The Edelrid Jul 2

A new belay device from German brand Edelrid is aimed at new climbers and those improving their skills.

The Jul2, which will appear in stores towards the end of this year, is designed to offer reliable braking on all single ropes between 8.9 and 11mm in diameter.

Edelrid said: “The device is designed with ‘added safety value’, so that falls can be held with minimal hand strength, with the device also locking in the event of both hands being removed.

“This approach to safety makes the Jul2 ideal for use in a climbing-wall environment, where new climbers are often still developing their belaying technique.

“In use rope can be paid out faster to the lead climber, when the belayer holds the device in the open position, using their thumb.

“For ease of operation the core is made from stainless steel. Not only is this abrasion resistant, it also offers great friction and a high level of braking performance, regardless of the diameter or age of the rope. This is a benefit to beginners at the wall, where they’re likely to be climbing with both thicker rope diameters, and in the case of top-roping, potentially older ropes as well.

“Those learning to belay are also likely to find the aforementioned braking performance useful in the event of a leader fall.”

The Jul2 carries will retail at £25, and will be available from specialist climbing retailers.

More details are on the Edelrid website.