Belay Devices

The one device to rule them all. Every climber must have one of these (a two tube guide mode device).

Pros: Does everything possible. Cheap, burly.

Cons: It is not dummy proof.

It belongs to a category of devices called passive assisted braking tube style belay devices. Giga Jul is the newest and the most intuitive in that category.

Pros: Provides assisted braking, hence easier to catch falls and rappel without a backup hitch.

Cons: In the words of my mentor "Giga Jul is a brilliant device, but it can also kill you. It is an advance piece of equipment that need one to be highly conscious at all times."
As usual a great review by Outdoor Gear Lab.

Karo is a very light weight single tub style belay device. It has an interesting design that makes locking off easy. Available in India.

Pros: Very light weight and small in size.

Cons: Single tube.