I have noticed one other thing that makes the tech-friends a better deal. The tech-friends have anodized cams, which makes it easier to locate the size you want. The flex cams have color coded slings, however they don't contrast enough.

This pad offers alot of features for a bargin. First off the pocket is large enough to acomodate all of your necesities; guide book, shoes, chalk bag, 1 liter water. However on longer/ more gear intensive endevers a full day pack can be folded into it securly with ease. It also has fully adjustable waist belt and shoulder straps.

There are some trade-offs. The padding is only 3" so on hard landings you will feel what ever is under the pad(think sharp rocks). Coverage is a little on the small side, definately adaquite with a spot or on problems with a prodictable crux. One nagging drawback is the lack of a textured panel for wipeing your feet.

When I shoped around for a pad this seemed to be the only one that offered a full arsonal of features at a reasonable price. Other pad manufacturers seem to think you should pay a premiume for pockets, metal buckles, waist belts.

This product is useable. I used one for a while, I now use Trangos' Jaws. The brd locks up when feeding rope, and repelling. It's main attraction is aditional holding power, but the trade off is potentialy short ropeing a leader in a crutial situation.
I have rapped on double 10.2 double 9. and single 11. set up both in the high/low friction mode. The result was slow and jerky raps. The solution is to use the built in thumb lever, this works great until the BRD heats up.
I would suggest getting the Trango Jaws, or any plain tube style belay device. The BRD is a marketing gimick that you pay for in performance.

If you don't already have at least one each of the first four sizes you should. I use these all the time. Not only do these protect what cams/nuts/hexes wont but they are cheap and light as well. After you get used to them they place quickly, requireing only one hand.

Before I picked a few of these up I thought it was all hipe. After useing them I can see why everyone thinks these are the best. Skip the gimky crap and get these!