Gigi Belay Device

I've run miles of line through my GiGi and it is still as smooth as the day I got it. Much better for belaying a second than alternatives, and serves as my backup ATC. I've been belayed when leading, just use 2 krabs like the manual shows. For long rappels, I also use 2 carabiners to reduce friction. Excellent gear.

great belay device for the toolbox. i take the gigi when multipitching with ropes that aren't brand spankin' new (frictionless). i find the autoblock function much smoother (no sweating bullets just trying to work the rope through a reverso/b52) than the normal autoblock tubes devices. its worth the extra ounce or two. no more elbow tendinitis from belaying seconds! also a great device for two seconds at the same time. im not much of a fan for using it to belay leader or rappel, but whatever. i'd got other bits and pieces for that.

I love my GIGI for multipitches too.
I'd add just a couple of things:
-if belaying with just one rope, I'd suggest to clip the rope's carabiner through the carabiner that is connecting the GIGI to the anchor. In this way, if the second falls down you'll be sure that rope's carabiner won't flip. This can happen exepcially on thin rope as darkside's review says.
-if rappeling down with thin rope just put 2 carabiner though the rope and you' ll slow down.

great for belay from above ... it tad too fast on the rappel for me. This is my backup device in the case that I might drop my reverso (fingers crossed that never happens!!!)

i love my gigi. if i could find it, I would love it even more... my only qualm is that it doesn't get a whole lot of friction on repels...i.e. be careful if you've got a pack on, or even if you don't just don't go too fast. overall, it's a great little device and a lifesaver on blind belays and such.